Well this is the year that me and all of my best girlfriends turn the Big 5-0. As luck would have it, we’re all New Orleans ladies. With the exception of myself, who is a Texas, California, Texas transplant. Everyone else however, still lives back home. My family included. So I’ve had the pleasure of traveling back to New Orleans quite a bit this year. For that matter, I even had my own Big 5-0 Unicorn Rave there! I mean that’s where all of my family and lifelong ride or die peeps are, so why wouldn’t I?

Now that you have The backstory for this post, I’m going to tell you my absolute favorite thing about going back home to New Orleans. It’s partly the food, but it’s mainly the HUGS! If you’re not from there, you’re scratching your head right now. If you are from there, you totally get what I’m talking about. You see, we are huggy people! I guess because most of us are part Italian, Irish, Spanish or French. And by “huggy” I don’t mean the barely lean in with a little awkward pat on the back type, I mean, full body, long, strong, heartfelt, soul cleansing, energy transferring, I’ve missed you sister type! The kind that say, “We love you, you are missed, we’ve got your back no matter what, you’re always a member of this tribe!” Kind of hugs. Sometimes they are probably inappropriately long. (Nah) And you will get these hugs from every member of the family! And time nor distance will dial down the huggyness, They are rejuvenating.

So if you’ve never been to New Orleans, put it high on the bucket list and go! Go for the food, the ambiance, the charm, the culture, the history, the party. But mostly go for the people…they are good people, the best kind I know.

They will ask you “How’s ya mom anem?” They’ll ask you if “you ateyet?” And then they’ll give you a big soul cleansing hug! I can’t think of any better “Lagniappe” than that.

Hugs to y’all.

M