Escape to New Orleans: A Shrimp Lover’s Diary 🦐

(Also known as: The Happy Daily Life of Attending a Conference in NOLA!) My first time in New Orleans, and this city keeps surprising me! When I rushed from the airport to the conference on the first morning, my initial impression was a mix of grit and chaos — but after a few days, I started sensing its unique rhythm and charm. Examples? Glad you asked 😉 🌴 Palm trees tied with Christmas bows – so cute and festive! 🚋 Vintage streetcars – clanking through the streets like moving history 🧙‍♂️ Kind locals – like the guy sitting outside a smoke shop who kindly guided me through a confusing intersection, or the airport security who noticed I’d forgotten to empty my water bottle and walked outside to dump it for me 🥹❤️ 🇫🇷 The French Quarter’s quirky gems: Crescent City Books – an indie bookstore oozing local character Bevolo Gas Light Museum – a copper lamp workshop/museum glowing with craft Mahogany Jazz Hall – cozy, atmospheric, with great drinks and even better tunes 🎶 🦐 And then… the SEAFOOD! Fresh, affordable, and incredibly tasty. As someone who grew up by the ocean but now lives in the Midwest… my soul is finally full again 🙏 🏙️ Shout-out to our conference venue: The Westin New Orleans – perfectly located downtown, with a hotel on top and a shopping mall below. Ideal for slipping away during lunch breaks to explore nearby spots like… Sazerac House 🥃 – where I did a cocktail tasting then returned slightly buzzed to afternoon sessions 😅 (Pro tip: sip with caution between academic talks!) New Orleans is that city that makes you frown at first glance, grow curious by the second, and by the third… you’re already dreaming of your next visit. It’s weathered but full of life, chaotic but deeply free — the perfect place for a philosopher to ponder important questions, like: “Should I order another pound of crawfish for dinner?” 🧠🦞 #NewOrleans #ConferenceLife #SeafoodHeaven #NOLAImpressions #TravelDiaries