The old adage holds true: many of the best addresses come from our own members. Past President Richard Perry described his recent visit, on a Rotary Friendship Exchange, to New Orleans.
We learned some of its history: how after French explorers found it in 1680, then taken over by Spain, France, Britain and finally USA. This explains why much of its architecture is Spanish, many inhabitants relish their French culture, and it is strongly Roman Catholic. Its religion also explains how it became famous for its carnivals, slaves were entitled to free Sundays and so they were able to hold public celebrations.
Since the Hurricane Katrina and the severe flooding many whites fled and downtown has become 66% Afro-American. Although 60 km from the coast the land is low lying which has led to its cuisine of rice and sea foods and also to quirks such as cemeteries containing sarcophagi above ground in three tier mausoleums.
The best known festival is the Mardi Gras which extends from twelfth night to the Tuesday before Easter, and we saw numerous photographs of the amazing floats, bands, clothes and street parties.
We learned how their host clubs started their meetings with a prayer, the oath of allegiance and a recital of the Four Way Test. Each club, with membership ranging from 20 to 50, would have one major project each year and aim to raise from $US100,000 to $250,000.
Richard concluded his most interesting talk with the prepared presentation of, "New Zealand - Our Place" they showed to their host clubs.
