French Quarter

       New Orleans has many interesting spots, but the French Quarter is the only place that has caught my attention and is worth describing. It is a flawless place and has an incredible culture.Today is a wonderful hot day. The sun is shining and a jet plane is flying through the clouds, leaving its trail of smoke on the blue sky.

   I am sitting in a bench in front of Saint Louis Cathedral and the Louisiana State Museum. Behind me, many fortunetellers are sitting in their chairs spreading the cards on the table, reading the hands of their customers. To my left, there is a pretty red building with a French fence - that sort of adorable building that is characteristic of the city. I was flabbergasted when I arrived here and passed in front of this building because a dog dressed in a black suit was lying in a coffin and someone was asking for money to make a proper burial. A few orange flowers were decorating the little coffin. I was filled with sorrow until I realized that the dog was not really dead. Now I think it is funny considering the tennis ball in its paw. The dog is an extremely good actor.

       Sitting here on my little bench I can see several people stopping to watch the dog. Some of them are taking photos, others are recording, someone is talking with the owner of the dog and others are giving him tips. In front of me is the fence of the square where the statue of General Andrew Jackson stands. Because of the trees, I cannot see the statue. However, the view here is delightful. Several paintings of all types, sizes, and colors are hanging on the fence. Some artists are painting and doing their work here in the square while the people watch.

       Behind the fence, a few trees give the place a natural and refreshing feel. A couple of birds are flying merrily through the branches. Another is sitting in the middle of the leaves trying to draw attention to itself with its lovely song. At my right a group of people are in a circle involved with a magician who is playing with a rope. He is wearing a black suit, a white shirt, brown shoes, and a hat. His beard and long hair give him a thrilling characteristic and the red rose in his jacket pocket gives him a charming characteristic. He seems to be rather funny because I can hear the people laughing.

       I closed my eyes for a while, so I could hear perfectly what was happening in the moment. I took a deep breath, so I could smell all the aromas of the place. Because describing a place is more than just see, we need to appreciate all the senses.

       While I closed my eyes I heard the birds singing, the people talking, the baby crying, the magician calling more people, and a weak song of a guitar far away. While I took my deep breath I could smell the cologne of my boyfriend, the smell of the trees, and something good to eat.

       Here are all kinds of people: rich, poor, tourists, marketers, adults, children, and a couple of students doing their homework. I can only say that here is the perfect place to enjoy the culture of the city. Relax and entertain yourself.

Édina Liara Schons