FTV 1/23/2013 Capt Bushy welcomes guests to the Kennedy

One piece of culture that we were lucky to have the chance to appreciate in New Orleans was Mardi Gras. On every street corner, green, purple, and yellow decorated the buildings as lights, garland, and wonderful masks. Visitors come from all over the United States to be a part of the celebration. It is meant to be a grand celebration between the Twelfth Night (January 6th) and Ash Wednesday. The green, purple, and gold colors are still used since a costume made for Richard III in 1872 had those same colors. Green symbolizes faith, purple for justice, and gold for power.

Over in the French Market, I got an Alligator Sausage for lunch! It was delicious, and it's pretty cool that I was able to try it. Picture a flea market within Faneuil Hall; food stations on one side, with tables and tables of little nick-nacks and more masks (of course).Back on Bourbon Street, we were able to see a great little spot called the Beignets Cafe'. I did not go there to get more delicious beignets, but to sit and watch a live jazz band and take in the scenery. We visited some more little shops with thousands of beads, fun shirts, and little voodoo treasures. Visiting this city, especially at night, helps me understand why New Orleans has been referred to as "The most Haunted city in America."Thinking back to its history and unique traditions, it is no wonder why I have seen New Orleans featured on some of those "Haunted" shows on the Discovery Channel. It was wonderful to see that the re-birth of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina is surely underway. The locals were welcoming to the cadets and the city was bustling with people enjoying their Mardi Gras season.

Capt Bushy welcomes guests to the Kennedy

At the end of the day, the T.S. Kennedy held a nice reception on the HELO Deck  for distinguished guests from WISTA (Women's International Shipping & Trade Association), some MMA Alumni, the pilots from when we entered the Mississippi, and guests from the various shipping companies where MMA cadets have worked.  Several cadets were welcome to mingle and meet some of these amazing people. Captain Bushy, along with ComCad (the Commandant of Cadets, the Regimental Officers, and Captain Stevenson the Vice President of Enrollment) did a wonderful job as hosts for the event. Chartwells catered with a delicious assortment of appetizers. The reception was a wonderful opportunity for networking and just appreciating the fact that other people outside of MMA care about what we are doing and what it is that we are learning about and want our futures to be prosperous.

Make an updated New Orleans brochure to show how the city has been restored since Hurricane Katrina
Try some Mardi Gras Math
Use math to make Mardi Gras Pancakes