Thanksgiving in NOLA

One of the worst parts of being an international student is watching your friends hang out with their family while you are 6000 miles away from yours, as it is usually too expensive to fly internationally for a week-long visit. As everyone slowly left campus Monday through Wednesday, and my Facebook news-feed was bombarded with my friends reuniting with their dogs, a feeling of isolation came upon me. Luckily I had some friends who were also staying in New Orleans for Thanksgiving. We decided that we would make most out of the experience and enjoy ourselves as much as possible.

The crowd watching the parade

On Wednesday night, I went on a short trip to Metairie, Louisiana to one of my fraternity brothers’ house for dinner. As soon as I got into the house I was warmly welcomed by his whole family and once again realized how accurate the term “southern hospitality” was. There were turkey and trays full of delicious stuffing waiting for us. After months of cafeteria and restaurant food, having homemade cook was a great change.

Street car with Megan

We were at the table enjoying the food when his dad and grandmother suddenly started singing “Happy Birthday”. It was a surprise party for my friend. As he started opening his presents, I was appalled at what I saw. It was one of those “the American culture you see in the movies” moments. He received a rifle from his dad, with many bullets and accessories from his uncle.

I am very anti-gun. I don’t think that people need objects that were invented to kill other people. Yet one of the nicest people I know, in front of my eyes, turned into a 5 year old child receiving one from his dad. He caressed it, hugged it… Although I first wanted to blame the culture and get mad, I stopped myself. As I took a step back to think about how he and his family felt about guns I gained some perspective. I had trouble all my life understanding how guns can be part of a culture because of all that they represented in my country and the Middle East: terrorism, pain and war. Yet for him, it was nothing more than an exhilarating toy. A way of expressing his masculinity that he shared with his family. He wasn't planning on shooting anyone. I am still against guns as they pose risks when they are so easily available, but now I am more aware of interest in guns being no more than a simple hobby. My dinner was a fun, warm, shocking but a learning experience. It was one of the instances that made me feel happy for my decision to come to USA. It is impossible to understand a culture without experiencing it.

Onion soup with me in the background

On Thanksgiving Day, I went downtown with a group of friends. We caught the end of the thanksgiving parade, which was quite unimpressive after.Experiencing Mardi Gras last year, but that comparison seems unfair. Despite our efforts, we weren't able to find a restaurant with any space. We then decided to go to the hotel my friend Nick’s dad and brothers were staying in, which offered a thanksgiving dining option.

HOT TUB

I can understand why so many of my friends say Thanksgiving is their favorite holiday. It is a day filled with great food. It is a day when you come together with your family. But more than that, it is a day for gratefulness, and for appreciating what you have. It reminds you of the things you don’t think about that much in day to day life. I am very grateful for being where I am right now, in a great school, around people who I love and care about and who love and care about me, with tons of opportunities and experiences still waiting for me. I am also for the hot tub we got to relax in after the dinner.