Today our group did a short walking tour of the ninth ward. We were lead by a tall man named Darryl. He had a large white beard, big beer belly hid under a tan flannel shirt and spoke with an authentic New Orleans accent. He walked us around the neighborhood while discussing the various effects of Hurricane Katrina and issues that have arisen because of it. He showed us small details of the houses that highlighted how reconstruction effects have been averted due to neighborhood conservation effects and environmentalist influences such as solar panels and marsh rehabilitation efforts.
The walk was comforting. We finally witnessed the ninth ward. The long avenues were drenched in thick greenery. The rich marsh soil allowed nature to reclaim abandoned lots and homes. Darryl spoke about the construction of the new homes and the various historical influences. Factors such as tax code, barge construction and boat styles affect the real estate of New Orleans.
The tour ended with a brief look over a body of water. Chopped down Cyprus trees dotted the water. Darryl told us that this was once a marsh, but deforestation removed the roots that once held in the rich soil and the Cyprus trees can no longer grow as a result of the salty water ruining the land.
While we were waiting for the tour to start, a random man with thick salt and pepper hair addressed the group directly, so the group assumed he was related to the tour. He was not. He simply knew that we were volunteers and wanted to thank us for our work. The work in rebuilding New Orleans is not complete. More is to be done, but I am happy that I'm here. My small part painting Ms. Bank's home will make her a little happier and a neighborhood a little brighter and for that I am thankful.
Max Goldbas
This post is so artistic and visual to me. The awareness of small changes in the environment and small things that we can do to make the world a better place become alive from this writing and heartfelt awareness. It makes me reflect on things I have done to make the world a better place. It makes me proud of all of the students from Virginia Tech in New Orleans during their break. You could be on a cruise or lying on the beach, but you are all there. That is why this man stopped to thank you and why I thank you and stand proud of you all!
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