Travel Channel

I live in New Orleans, and I really liked this show too. Of course, there are parts of the city that are a long way from recovery. But I am growing weary of the constant focus on all the damage. This was a well balanced look at our city today.

It had the almost obligatory 9th Ward shots, but it also showed the positive aspects of the Crescent City. We are a city with a soul and a spirit that can't be beaten down. I think that Ian captured that nicely.

He also demonstrated that there is still a lot for tourist to do here. The areas that visitors actually go to are pretty much unchanged or restored since the storm. So in that respect, the city is fully recovered. So y'all come back and spend a few dollars here! We can use the support, and we promise a good time in return!

On the negative side, I had to cringe a little whenever he said "New OrLEENS". Small gripe I know. But no one here uses that pronunciation. Unless they are singing. Go figure.

The biggest negative was the inclusion of voodoo queen wannabe Bloody Mary. This phony is nothing but tourist hype. She is an affront to the small segment of our community that still practices Voodoo as a religion. She is just offensive. I would never dream of dressing as a Catholic priest, and passing myself as one. She does something similar every day. Just to hustle a profit from tourists.

From her horrible fake Creole accent at Marie Laveau's grave, to her memberships in made up societies (I have never heard of any of the organizations listed on her website. Her voodoo "credentials"). Her website lists her heritage as Irish, Scottish, German, French, Italian, Polish and a vague reference to Native American (I guess so that someday she can claim herself to be an Indian Princess). Where is the Haitian? Where is the African? So her proper white ancestors were sleeping with Native Americans and practicing a slave religion? Okay. Sure. I believe that.

What gives her the right to call herself a "Voodoo Queen". Who bestowed her with this honor? Who ordained her as a priestess? Does she have Haitian Voodoo royalty as god parents? Did she make the pilgrimage to Haiti for the initiation and to learn her mission? I don't think so. Oh yes, and of course she is a psychic. Of course she is. Why did the Travel Channel waste our time, and give her this big plug?

If they had dug just a little deeper, they would have found that there is a genuine vibrant Voodoo culture in this city. It is an active, devoutly practicing population. They take this part of their lives very seriously, and they hold this walking tourist trap in pure disdain.

Whew! Glad I got that off my chest!

Other than this one faux paux, it was a great show. Thanks to Ian and the Travel Channel for a very enjoyable look at our beloved city.

I also agree that the Bloody Mary segment made me cringe; so phony looking, just awful.