Days of future passedIn this day of crowded traffic lanes and too-narrow streets, there seems to me to be a certain sense of luxury in carving out two lanes in the middle of the main street in town to allow passing mementos of passed-times. It says something about the City of New Orleans and why it has remained as unique as it has. Traffic planners everywhere would drool over the opportunity to use the space for more traffic lanes in crowded downtown areas.
But this shot down the middle of Canal Street speaks to me of a city that looks the future in the face, and says we're coming, but we're also holding on to something and some way of life that we cherish.
If you get to New Orleans. Take a street car ride. You don't have to take it to anywhere. Go to the end of the line and back. Take a street car ride. In a sense, the reality is the street car ride will take you -- somewhere where you need to go.
--steve buser
Lagniappe (a little something extra)
There are places you never leave, even if you do get back on your boat or plane. This place, part of me is still there.
Today on Pixel Eyed
12 comments:
Tell us about Nagniappe (did I spell it correctly). Where did you take the streetcar shot...that couldn't be snow on the ground in New Orleans??!!
You've convinced me! Very nice post, by the way.
good idea to maintain some traces of the past! gives the growing-up generations a feeling of belonging - or at least it should... Thanks for the nice words on my blog: I love that kind of restaurants too, due to the untouched authenticity they provide. There is nothing fake in there: they serve their own wine, and food from local producers. And the music is as authentic as it can get :).
Melbourne has retained trams but Brisbane got rid of them and the residents of the later have never forgiven the lack of insight by those who ordered the tracks dug up!!!!
Yes, there is nothing like a stree car ride! Nice picture!
Streetcar named Desire! Great shot! Also loved the painting the sky picture. Absolutely stunning!
Have a great Sunday!
I love this picture. It really captures the scene.
That's one of uptown's streetcars that the CBD has, temporarily, I hope, confiscated for the "new" Canal Street line. The city itself, and Canal Street in particular, didn't exactly hold on to the streetcars. In fact they rejected them back in the 60s, and it was only through the action of concerned citizens that the St. Charles line was saved. Fortunately the city administration eventually came around to its senses, pushed no doubt by the downtown hotels and casino, and rebuilt the Canal St. line, populating it with air-conditoned replicas of the "real" streetcars that were subsequently flooded. As an uptown resident, I can't wait to get "my" streetcars back!
Unforgettable street cars de la Nouvelle-Orléans.
the familiar clangk of street cars must be so reassuring about a city you have come to love ........i would not miss a chance to ride them whenever i make my way down to NO!
I love this post... I wish I could get on a ride with that street car. :)
Too right. Nice has just installed (too forever) a tramway system and it's a tremendous success. Love the photo.
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