New Orleans, Louisiana

My uncle and his family lived in Louisiana for a couple of years before they moved back to Michigan and they all agreed that it was one of the best places they have ever lived. The only reason they moved back was because of my uncles job. They said it was warm and just a really neat place to live. I have always wanted to visit New Orleans, but I especially want to go for Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras is a large celebration similar to the Catholics Lent and continues for 2 weeks up until Ash Wednesday. There is usually one large parade a day and the best parades occur during the last five days of the celebration. Also during this time, there are several masquerade balls and parties to be attended. During the parades, there are people who are designated to throw things into the crowds of people who line the streets. The most common things thrown are beaded necklaces, doubloons, which are aluminum or wooden dollar sized coins and inexpensive toys. Many tourists focus their attention to Bourbon Street and the French Quarter. This is where all the parties are and is a place that all the younger people go to drink. For a more family friendly atmosphere, you would want to go more uptown and mid city New Orleans. During this celebration, costumes and masks containing the colors purple, green and gold are worn for the festivities, but is illegal to wear a mask that conceals your identity. This celebration seems like a ton of fun and sometime I would like to line the streets of New Orleans and experience the fun for myself.