The New Exploration (Inner Journey)

Today gave me a little anxiety. I never take public transportation or taxis. I used both today. I freaked out the most with the Uber because she had gone the wrong way twice on our way to the hotel. I have read too many stories of stuff going wrong with Ubers and taxis. We came out safe and sound. When she got lost it showed us around the other side of the hotel that we would have not seen before. Even though I had a little anxiety, I felt better when we safely made it to the hotel. I cannot fear the unknown. I must let go of past fears and embrace them, except spiders. If I see one while here, I’ll run miles away. When we got to the hotel, we were the first to get there but the last to get our key. I was rushing to get my shower in before we had to go somewhere else. That shower was the best thing I had experienced that early in the day. I had felt so dirty after getting off that train. At my house it takes a minute or two to get the water warm, here it was immediate. Even though I was rushed I was so happy afterward. After the shower and getting dressed, I had to run down to the lobby and wait for the rest of the class to show up. We walked a couple of blocks until we hit where our street car was supposed to pick us up. I was curious when I kept hearing ambulances and fire trucks on the road. I wish I could have investigated what happened, but our car showed up right in time. I was different because I could see the city. When I was told that there may be rats the size of opossums, I was pretty interested in maybe seeing the little guys. I’m a little disappointed I didn’t meet them yet. When we had finally made it to the French Quarter it was down pouring hard. I enjoyed seeing the buildings and the

holiday set up. I wanted to explore, but I couldn’t leave the group. There were so many things to do, but too much rain preventing me from doing any of them. We went to the Original Pierre Maspero’s and my Jambalaya was good. I do wish I only ordered the crab cakes because those were so amazing. They had a slight kick and the crab was so different compared to what I have ever eaten. After dinner was when the rain was the worst, but my table went to Bourbon street and it looks like it may be exciting when we try it out. Since there was no Jazz band until late, we decided to run and go to Café Du monde. I did not like it as much as I thought I would. I think I would rather have tried dessert at the restaurant. After trying the Café, we decided to leave the French Quarter. Today I really enjoyed talking to some of my class mates more. I felt awkward at first because I do not any of them. Today was very successful for me.

Beignets and a Little Rain (Outer journey)

Today was extremely wet. When we were getting off the train it started to sprinkle then later it started to down pour. When we got off the train, we were able to see the Super Dome. It was a lot smaller than the Dallas Stadium I have visited, but still impressive to gaze at. We had to wait to get our luggage and the air smelled like herbs and cheese bread. My stomach was growling the whole time. We had ordered an Uber, it was a brand-new experience. Our Uber lady got lost, but we found a gourmet grilled cheese place to try out. As she circled back around to our hotel, we noticed we were the first people to show up. After getting our room key we went into our room and started to get ready for dinner. I hoped into the shower. I have never felt the need to take a shower so bad as today. Turns out I could have waited to take a shower due to the weather. It was still Sprinkling when we left the hotel to the streetcar. This was a new

experience for me. It was different because if you wanted off the car at a certain stop you pulled the wire to notify the person in front. Our destination was to the Original Pierre Maspero’s. The food I tried was so good. The Jambalaya was my favorite from my sampler platter. It ha a little spice and seafood. After the dinner, our table went to Bourbon street for a minute before we got completely soaked from the rain. Since none of the bands played until later, we decided to leave and meet at Café Du Monde. I had beignets and coffee, which was supposed to be hot chocolate. Beignets are very similar to funnel cakes. The coffee was good even though I did not want it. At this point the rain was going down even harder. My jacket was completely soaked the whole time. Even though I was soaked I enjoyed every moment of it.

Too Much Time Thinking (Inner Journey)

Today has been full of a lot of emotions. I have only been without my animals for a couple of days in my life. My animals help keep my anxiety from getting too out of control. While in New Orleans, I hope I meet some new animal buddies to help me out. Coming out to Champaign was different because I did not drive. I am usually always the who volunteers to drive places. We were singing in the car and talking about

what would like to do while there. Ever since I was told about Comic Con/ Wizard Con in New Orleans I have been so excited.

I am very passionate about nature and seeing the natural beauty in the places I visit. While on the train I was trying to look out the window into the woods. Every state was the same they were full of trash. Near the tracks and the farthest I was able to see. It is so sad to see because animals choke and die on that material. I am also angry at the people who think it is okay to just throw garbage out onto the ground and not garbage. The last hour was peaceful watching a couple of pelicans flying around one of the marshes. I almost felt like it was me about to take a dip into the unknown. The bird dives in with the hope that it is going to find something just like I hope I can rekindle some of my creativity.

The Long Train Experience (Outer journey)

Today when in class I was most excited when I heard Wizard Con was in town for the weekend. I want to meet some actors and actresses. I wish I knew a day or so in advance because I would have brought my cosplay from my Peoria convention. I must go see this convention and check it off my bucket list. 

Traveling to the train was quite the experience. I learned about my roommate while watching the barren corn fields pass by. I met two dogs and a cat. That was one of my favorite parts of today. Something about animals make me less nervous. I rode with my roommate to the train station. We have lots of music taste in common like listening to Paramore. We went to Red Robin for burgers. I made bad decisions when purchasing some food. I had a smores' shake and a tavern burger. It was so good, but

I was full.

Waiting for this train is making my imagination run wild. What will I see and what will I do? I’ll play everything by chance and see where the wind takes me.

Boarding on to the train was a different experience the stairs were cramped. The train boards so quickly that it’s not surprising that people get forgotten. There were not many people on the train to have to maneuver around. Some of the people had a funny odor. Since some of the people had been on here longer than us they were sprawled out on some of the chairs.

I keep periodically waking up on the train whenever we shake a little too much. I do not feel rested, but at least I was able to sleep. I am ready to get off the train and explore.