Bourbon Street Bluff

What are people really looking for on Bourbon Street?

I found myself wondering that when I was on Bourbon street awhile ago with my friends. Why do people go there?I was there at a jazz cafe, stuffing my face with beignets, enjoying some good music, when I looked outside the gates to the almost surreal world outside. The actual street is littered with these characters . . all of us searching for something.

Jazz on Bourbon

But what?

Bourbon Street’s appeal comes from its lawlessness and its ability to provide an easy good time no matter what. Part of that comes from its alcoholic beverages. The other part is because in some ways it embodies the spirit of New Orleans: flashy and colorful, living for the moment and the quelque chose ephemere (the here and now). The part that gives little regard to the past or future, to the yesterdays and tomorrows. The part that lets you get yourself into a stupor and not worry about waking up and getting things done the next day.

I think Bourbon Street is extremely appealing when you first get to college, like all things new and forbidden. It’s very exciting to be in that environment of lost souls, searching for a good time to forget about their troubles. For those moments you’re all the same, all there to have fun: laissez les bons temps rouler. Once you get a little older you start to see that Bourbon Street is only a temporary fix to problems that need a better approach. Plus, there’s a fine time to be had at Tulane and near it. You don’t need to go all the way to Bourbon to search for whatever you’re looking for. It might just be in front of you.

I bought this t shirt once that said BS: Bourbon Street. I think that pretty much captures it. If New Orleans were a card game, Bourbon Street would be its biggest bluff.

But when you’re in the mood for that, I guess its ok. Once in a while, you even need a little lie. And then you find the truth at Tulane, studying for classes, socializing with friends, playing somewhat treacherous intramural sports =) . . . . and you realize that you’re not like all those older people you see on Bourbon Street still searching.

My friend Sasha and beignets!

Me and Clint- lab partners then friends! A Tulane connection!

Only at Tulane . . . .