The inaugural Random Walk New Orleans was a blast! Last year, we wrote about the inspiration for RW NOLA and this summer it was so amazing to see our idea come to life! Our group had a wonderful opportunity to bond as Boothies while experiencing the incredible history, culture, music, food, and nightlife of the Crescent City. To give a bit of an insider’s perspective on the trip, we thought it would be great to share the experience directly from the viewpoint of its participants. Here are some of our highlights!
“It was nice to see New Orleans from a different perspective. The city has a vibrant culture, beautiful architecture, and unique music, and we were able to enjoy it all with time to spare for nighttime activities on Bourbon Street. It was a great start to the Booth experience with my new friends. And, only in NOLA can you pet alligators by day and go to a drag show by night!” – Christina Bachtina
“One of the highlights of New Orleans to me is the music. Pretty much any night of the week you can stroll through the French Quarter or Frenchman Street and listen to some incredible live jazz. On our first night in the city, we went to a spot on Frenchman Street called the Maison—very casual, no cover charge, not even crowded—and listened to one of the best live bands I’ve ever heard.” – Jonathan Katiraei
“The highlight of the trip for me was the visit to the Preservation Hall—a jazz venue in the French Quarter of New Orleans. It was the perfect way to honor the city—a night out with the traditional jazz music in the company of new amazing friends.” – Maria Ptouchkina
“It was completely unexpected that I learned so much about the wonderful NOLA crew. I appreciated participating in a RW where I could learn so much about the history and culture of New Orleans.” – Nara Kim
“The highlight of the trip for me was getting piping hot beignets at 3am with my classmates! Regular donuts just aren’t cutting it anymore.” – Ratna Gogineni
“The highlight of the trip for me was getting surprise gifts from our trip leaders. We each got a bright red T-shirt that says ‘let’s get cray’ which well summarized our nights on Bourbon Street as well as our mentality coming into business school—we are craving adventures. NOLA is our first adventure and we completed it as a group. Regardless of the path we take individually post-Random Walk, we will always remember that business school is about having fun. If we were crazy enough to wear those T-shirts on Bourbon Street, what else wouldn’t we do to fulfill our boldest dreams and most ambitious goals? Let’s get cray!” – Veronica Song
“I would like to see the next new RW hosted as a crazy cross-American road trip. What better way to get to know your classmates than on the road?!” – Vinit Atal
“The history of New Orleans food tour was the highlight of the trip. The food was amazing. It even included alligator gumbo and turtle soup!” – Melody Johnson
“The highlights of the trip for me were getting to know the amazing 1Ys and sharing a unique experience with my fellow Boothies by volunteering at KIPP Renaissance High School. I am extremely proud that Melody Johnson and I co-founded this unique trip!” – Kristin Nordeen
As you can see, we had a fantastic time in New Orleans! And, the inaugural RW NOLA Class of 2020 is excited to continue the new Booth tradition of a community service-focused Random Walk. It will be exciting to see what great trips they lead next!
