We had 6 days off for Mardi Gras. This city treats it like it’s Christmas. Everyone decorates their house, they play Mardi Gras songs on the radio weeks in advance, people discuss what they will wear, and everywhere gives work off for Mardi Gras.
It was not what I expected at all, but not in a bad way.

For starters, it’s hugely traditional. It is a season more than anything. There are dozens of parades leading up to the actual day. The parades throw beads mostly, but some throw stuffed animals, cool coins, even decorated shoes. (I’m partial to the candy that Saginaw parades throw, but this was still neat)
Anyway the parades were long and elaborate. Big floats that must be reused every year. Basically, you stand and watch the parade and try to catch as many beads as you can.

Beads are pretty misunderstood, at least where I live. Everyone gets beads and walks around with so many plastic colorful beads around their neck you think they may fall over. Everyone seems to think that beads need to be earned by exposing oneself, and while I did see a few trades like this.. Most people don’t do that.

It’s really not as “crazy” as I thought. I mean, don’t get me wrong, just about everyone in the city had a bit of a buzz going on… but people were pretty under control. I took that picture of my favorite costumes i saw... star wars!!!

I spent the first part of my day with some of the girls on my team, we walked around and ventured onto Bourbon street. That got a bit crowded and crazy, but we mostly just laughed at the sillyness of people. After this, I met up with my friend Tim and we watched one of the big parades of the day and then walked around and explored places like the French Market (which surprisingly, I hadn’t been to yet) and then we were joined by Gordy and Stephen. From there we went and spent some time in a music store… you know, like cool kids do during Mardi Gras. We ended the evening at a great coffee shop that was discovered a few days prior. (rivaling Leela???…nah)
Anyway that was MG in NO… yes, I do think I’m cool when I abbreviate.

speaking of coffee shop, i'm in one now. it's a place a few streets down from us with great tea, live music on saturday/sunday mornings and internet. winner in my book. i come here at least twice on the weekend and just relax. the quiet peacefulness usually lasts until i make a friend and end up listening to stories and thoughts on politics : ]

i love it here, you guys.

oh & in my wildest dreams i never thought there would be a picture of me in the Saginaw News caulking...

http://www.mlive.com/living/saginaw/index.ssf/2010/02/americorps_stint_takes_thomas.html

anywayzzz

my name is abigail and i'm in process.