New experience in New Orleans

Oh my, it has been too long since I've posted a blog and updated you on my life.  I have a good excuse though, I promise.

A pretty park on Decatur St.

Last Wednesday, I skipped out on class and flew to New Orleans for the 2012 Sigma Tau Delta Convention in New Orleans. What is Sigma Tau Delta? Well, it is the International English Honor Society. It's pretty elite and pretty cool. I happen to be the president of the chapter at Roanoke College and was accepted to read my paper at the convention this year.  I read a 13 minute, 7 page paper along with three other people at panel on vampires (my paper was about gender and reproduction in Dracula). This was a three-day long event in which many, many students-both undergrad and graduate-along with published and respected writers read their original work, participated in workshops and roundtable discussions and, of course, enjoyed the nightlife of downtown New Orleans.

 A pretty sidewalk art piece with
play-on words.

I stayed at hotel on Decatur St. around the corner from the conference on Canal Street at the Marriott. We were blocks from Bourbon St and Cafe Du Monde. I ate, drank and shopped my way through the week, presented my paper on Friday to an accepting and intrigued crowd and flew back home on Saturday.  The French Market was fun and interesting as were the characters on Bourbon St at all hours of the day. The beignets at Cafe Du Monde are as wonderful as everyone says and well-worth the line you find at any time of day (it's open 24/7).  The drunks on the street and the strippers taking their smoke-breaks are well-tattooed and quite a site to see.  In New Orleans, you can carry your drink up and down the street as you barhop, which is quite hard to get used to.

This is my first
(and only) hurricane!

Oh and my paper, well I had written it for a class last year, and my teacher (our chapter sponsor who joined us on the trip) helped me edit and rewrite to the point of acceptance and helped me practice.  I was nervous and shaky before (and during) my reading but the crowd was responsive and good, constructive conversation followed the four readings of that panel.  It was such a great experience, especially during my undergraduate career and I am so happy to have been able to learn so much and see New Orleans for the first time. I can't wait to go back!