BK and AK. They are not fast food restaurants nor do they represent any bad ass rappers from da hood. BK and AK are new measurements of time; before Katrina and after Katrina. Some people also refer to this new standard as "the storm", which may mean even more acronyms to learn. But for now, I refer to BK and AK since this is how life exists in New Orleans.
This weekend marked the fifth anniversary of Katrina and there was a plethora of events to mark the occasion. From dignitary speeches, to photo exhibits, parades and cookouts, New Orleanians need no reason to throw a party even if it is to mark the worst disaster to hit the city, ever. We took the kids to a few of these "festivities" to learn more about just how awful it was. Was it a morbid thing to do? Not really. Was it important? To us, it was.
As outsiders who didn't live through it, walking through a photo exhibit of devastated homes and lives seemed more voyeuristic than morbid. It gave us some perspective on why everyone keeps talking about life before Katrina and after. Some people just say "It was bad", and call it a day. Looking at a photo of a ragged baby doll floating in dirty water inside the living room of what used to be some one's home is pretty bad. But, staring at a shot of starved dog hanging on a telephone wire is gut wrenching. It gives a pretty clear picture of what people suffered through and witnessed after the storm.
Our family didn't live in New Orleans anytime near Katrina. Yet, we encounter numerous questions about our lives in reference to this event now that we've moved back. Here's an example: last week Kevin and I went to pick up our new health cards. As we drove up a main street in the city core, we struggled with where the building was and if we were heading in the right direction. "Was this here before?" I ask as we pass a shiny new tower next to the old Charity Hospital. There's no need for me to explain before when. It's simply implied.
At a neighbors weekly red beans 'n rice party, I am constantly introduced to new people. Even if I don't explain why we moved back, folks just assume we're coming back after fleeing the storm. Their "Welcome back!" is so enthusiastic, I don't have the heart to tell them we haven't been here in nine years and that our decision had nothing to do with Katrina. I let them think it does simply because it would be weird to discount it all together.
Tourists to New Orleans often remark on how bad parts of the city are, even five years past the storm. I don't bother to explain that some neighborhoods looked that way before the storm and some places look even better after. It would seem impolite. There are several blighted houses that need to be addressed and the city has promised to do so. In that respect, Katrina may have been a blessing in disguise. These houses might never have been on any one's radar otherwise.
Housing, health care, jobs, groceries and parties have all taken on a new meaning in New Orleans because of Katrina. So, if I'm talking about life in here and the letters AK or BK slip out, don't be alarmed. Just know the reference and you'll get what I'm talking about.
This weekend marked the fifth anniversary of Katrina and there was a plethora of events to mark the occasion. From dignitary speeches, to photo exhibits, parades and cookouts, New Orleanians need no reason to throw a party even if it is to mark the worst disaster to hit the city, ever. We took the kids to a few of these "festivities" to learn more about just how awful it was. Was it a morbid thing to do? Not really. Was it important? To us, it was.
As outsiders who didn't live through it, walking through a photo exhibit of devastated homes and lives seemed more voyeuristic than morbid. It gave us some perspective on why everyone keeps talking about life before Katrina and after. Some people just say "It was bad", and call it a day. Looking at a photo of a ragged baby doll floating in dirty water inside the living room of what used to be some one's home is pretty bad. But, staring at a shot of starved dog hanging on a telephone wire is gut wrenching. It gives a pretty clear picture of what people suffered through and witnessed after the storm.
Our family didn't live in New Orleans anytime near Katrina. Yet, we encounter numerous questions about our lives in reference to this event now that we've moved back. Here's an example: last week Kevin and I went to pick up our new health cards. As we drove up a main street in the city core, we struggled with where the building was and if we were heading in the right direction. "Was this here before?" I ask as we pass a shiny new tower next to the old Charity Hospital. There's no need for me to explain before when. It's simply implied.
At a neighbors weekly red beans 'n rice party, I am constantly introduced to new people. Even if I don't explain why we moved back, folks just assume we're coming back after fleeing the storm. Their "Welcome back!" is so enthusiastic, I don't have the heart to tell them we haven't been here in nine years and that our decision had nothing to do with Katrina. I let them think it does simply because it would be weird to discount it all together.
Tourists to New Orleans often remark on how bad parts of the city are, even five years past the storm. I don't bother to explain that some neighborhoods looked that way before the storm and some places look even better after. It would seem impolite. There are several blighted houses that need to be addressed and the city has promised to do so. In that respect, Katrina may have been a blessing in disguise. These houses might never have been on any one's radar otherwise.
Housing, health care, jobs, groceries and parties have all taken on a new meaning in New Orleans because of Katrina. So, if I'm talking about life in here and the letters AK or BK slip out, don't be alarmed. Just know the reference and you'll get what I'm talking about.
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