Building the Big Easy
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Trip Highlights:
- Get to know the people of New Orleans and hear their stories, as you interact meaningfully with them through a taste of volunteering
- Follow your expert local guides through the history of New Orleans to life
- Explore the vibrant French Quarter and the charming Garden District
- Gain insights into the slavery era with a plantation visit
- Stay in luxury 5* accommodation in the heart of the French Quarter
Your Taste of Volunteering Project:
There are many ways you can get involved:
- Help refurbish houses damaged by Hurricane Katrina; or
- Help sort clothing donations at a homeless shelter; or
- Teach computer or other skills to unemployed people and help increase their chances of securing long-term jobs
- Help at an assisted living home for the elderly, by entertaining the residents and assisting with the programs - great for families!
Suggested Itinerary
On the morning of Monday, August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina made landfall. The most severe loss of life occurred in New Orleans, Louisiana, which flooded as the levee system catastrophically failed.
Eventually 80% of the city and large tracts of neighboring parishes became flooded, and the floodwaters lingered for weeks.
At least 1,836 people lost their lives in the actual hurricane and in the subsequent floods. Total damage was $81 billion.
Five years on, re-building work continues, and lives are still dislocated.
You can play a part in helping the largely neglected, lower-income areas be restored, by assisting in the renovation and refurbishment of houses - beautifying them and restoring community pride.
The people of New Orleans are amongst the friendliest you will find anywhere, and spending time getting to know them through your volunteering is sure to be a highlight you will treasure.
In addition, the city itself is full of architectural and cultural treasures, which your local guide will be only too pleased to show you.
On this suggested itinerary you are taken on a walking tour of the French Quarter, including one of the cemeteries, and also visit the Garden District with its grand houses and incredible designs.
You also have free time to explore this unique city on your own, and get to go on a trip out to one of the plantations to gain insights into what life was like in the time of slavery.
This is a suggested itinerary which we are delighted to adapt to suit your personal preferences. Please contact us if you would like us to help you to prepare the perfect itinerary for your stay in New Orleans.
Places of Interest
French Quarter
The French Quarter, also known as Vieux Carré - or simply as the “Quarter” to locals, is fortunate to sit on some of the highest ground in New Orleans. It is the city’s cultural hub and a community where the pace slows and residents reminisce with neighbors about times gone by and welcome visitors in the streets.
French Quarter architecture is a blend of Spanish, French, Creole and American styles. There are walled courtyards, reminiscent of Spain, cast iron balconies inspired by Baroness Pontalba and plentiful porches that make the Quarter a great place for people-watching.
Vieux Carré is far more than just interesting architecture. Visit eclectic shops dotted around the streets, savor great and varied food, explore the French Market, shade yourself in Jackson Square, and nibble on a muffellata at Central Grocery.
The Garden District
Then visit the “Garden District” with its spacious eye-catching gardens and elegant homes. Laid out in 1806 by Barthelemy Lafon it is a beautiful system of interrelated parks with basins, fountains and canals. Some of the stately homes still bear the names of the families that built them over a century ago, and official flags designating Mardi Gras Royalty are a common sight here during Carnival season.
This old-world corner of New Orleans even hides an Irish barber, who offers Guinness and whiskey with his hot towel shaves. Perhaps it is to settle the nerves when faced with the prospect of a cut throat razor?
Feel free to contact us if you have any enquiries about this trip.
With one person booking, please contact us for the price of your trip.
