Throughout the past couple of months in our Creole Crossroads class we have discussed the rich and diverse culture throughout New Orleans. We have read about it in Confederacy of Dunces and in Gumbo Tales. I have grown to love many unique aspects of this city that I could not have done without living here for this short period of time. There is so much to see and do in this city that when I have visitors there is not nearly enough time to explore the city at our leisure. This is especially because all they want to do is see Bourbon Street. Bourbon Street, while possibly what New Orleans is most renowned for, may be my least favorite thing about the city. It is a tourist trap, simply put. It should have signs that read, “If you want to pay for expensive tourist drinks in expensive plastic souvenir cups, come here!” While it can be fun for special occasions, it irks me that when my friends come visit all they want to do is spend their time on Bourbon. I try to drag them away to such culturally rich places like Frenchman street to hear some local music or to a hole in the wall oyster shack, but all they want to do is see Bourbon. While it is (I guess) an important aspect of New Orleans, it shouldn’t be all. Perhaps this blog is a little bit harsh (okay, a lot harsh), but I just wish more young people who visited the city or live her would explore deeper than superficial Bourbon.