Act 4 Scene 1- Well we were able to make it through the night and the next day. We spent sometime in the morning chatting with other travelers we met in the dining room. One lady stands out in my minds eye. She was an elderly lady from South Central who was traveling back home after visiting relatives in NY. She was the quintessential character. She was perfectly coiffured and an avid reader. We chatted about Culture, African Spirituality, Greek Mythology, International Films and Politics! After a lengthy conversation and my passionate conversation that focused on history and culture and the importance of understanding or at least have some knowledge about "others" and their worldview, she left us and returned stating that I should be involved in some capacity with film making. Little does she know that I am working on a screenplay and have thoughts for a small documentary project.
It is now close to 6:30 pm on day 2. I feel a sense of anxiety as I know we will be pulling into New Orleans soon. I am unsure of what I will see and what we shall feel. We make our way back to our seats to gather our things and prepare to leave the train and spend the night in New Orleans before resuming our trip.
Act 4 Scene 2- I hear the conductor's voice. Next stooooopppppp Neeeeeew Orleeeeans. I feel that feeling again. I had family there and considered living there about four years ago. I love the place and I feel so many emotions all at once. I feel sad, fear, pain and happiness all at once. I know the history, culture, the music and I can taste the gumbo in my bones. I could walk through the French Market blindfolded. My mind scanned my last trip before Katrina for Essence Jazz Festival and it brought a smile to my face. But what now? The train was slowing down...very slow...it was as though we were stuck in a moment in time. The travelers were silent as all stared out the window. I felt my heart stop. Months after this horrific catastrophe we were still unprepared as the train slowly made its way into downtown New Orleans....What we saw was overwhelming....
Sheer horror. Devastation as though we were viewing a place/time frozen in history. Houses were abandoned.
