Tour Guide in New Orleans: Jazz, Gumbo and the French Quarter

Good morning, everybody! Welcome to New Orleans. I'm your guide today, and I was born right here. People call this city the Big Easy, because nobody here is ever in a hurry. This neighborhood is called the French Quarter. But look up at those iron balconies. Surprise! Most of these buildings are actually Spanish. Two big fires destroyed the old French houses long ago. Now, listen. Can you hear that trumpet? Jazz was born in this city, over a hundred years ago. Here, music isn't only for concerts. It's for the street! We even play jazz at funerals, to celebrate a life. Okay, who's hungry? Because I'm always hungry. You have to try gumbo while you're here. It's a thick, spicy soup with rice, sausage and seafood. My grandmother cooked it every Sunday for the whole family. And for dessert? Beignets, of course! They're small, square doughnuts covered in white sugar. Here's a tip. Don't wear black when you eat them. Oh, and don't breathe in, or you'll start coughing! Every year, we have a huge party called Mardi Gras. People on the parade floats throw necklaces into the crowd. Wow, you should see grown adults fighting for plastic beads! I've caught hundreds, and I still want more. And here's the Mississippi River. Take a deep breath. This river is the reason our city exists. Well... we've had hard times, like the terrible hurricane. But people here always come back, and they keep dancing. That's New Orleans for you! Thanks for walking with me.