Day 2

Another exciting day at the Orleans Public Defenders. I unfortunately spent my morning doing data entry, so I was ready to make up for it in the afternoon. Luckily, our law clerk Benji had an assignment that allowed me and another volunteer to explore New Orleans (or at least the New Orleans projects). Margaret thankfully lent us her car (sorry, Margaret!) and we were off to the eastern edge of the city. After hours of searching, we headed back to the office since Margaret needed her car by 6:30 and probably would have killed me if I were late.

We then headed out to dinner at Squeal BBQ (yes, like a pig). The food was good, and we even discovered a species of dog-baby (looks like a dog, but mysteriously sounds like a baby). We tried to get a picture, but it left before we got a chance, so you'll have to take our word on it.

We next headed over to the Maple Leaf to hear the Rebirth Brass Band. We arrived around 9, grabbed some drinks, and sat down in a sketchy patio out back. We soon found out that the show would not start until 11 AND that we had to pay a $12 cover, but we decided that we were only in New Orleans for the week, so in true UVA style we paid the cover and stayed out. We discovered many things about each other while were waiting, including how most of us had at one time or another thought we were going to be eaten by bears while camping, as well as my famous Christopher Walken impression.

Finally, the band started, and it was LOUD. It was also crowded, a bit too crowded to be comfortable. The air was hot and sticky, and the guy behind me was practically beating me to death with the huge bag around his waist, but it was an exciting, genuinely New Orleans experience nonetheless.