The only drawback to hosting a film festival in the Big Easy is that some of the visiting filmmakers – especially those who have never been here before – tend to go a little crazy in this round-the-clock party town. Don’t get me wrong – for the most part, they seem to have a good time. But there’s always one or two individuals who cross the line between embracing the lively vibe of New Orleans and erasing any memory of their experience. This year was, of course, no different. Without mentioning any names, I’ll just say that there were several out-of-towners who drank more beer, hard liquor, and perhaps other substances than I could ever drink in a week, much less a weekend – and they were looking pretty ragged by Sunday night.
I just hope that the next time they visit, they remember that there’s more to this city than its well-stocked bars and drive-thru daiquiri shops. Sometimes, I’m grateful that it takes me little more than an Abita beer to feel nice and relaxed... but then again, I am a bit of a lightweight.
So, have you ever taken embracing another culture a little too far? Don’t worry – I won’t tell anyone.
12 comments:
Got enough different and wonderful cultures down here so's I don't have to travel far to embrace or erase. :D
Tried Abita's Turbo Dog yet?
You gotta point, Angie, my girl!
P.S. While I like Turbo Dog, I'm a huge fan of Purple Haze! Mmm-mmm!
F***ing film lushes :)
We go to Las Vegas once a year. We drink, eat, and don't sleep way too much. It takes me a week to recover. You make a great point here.
Bane - ;-)
Susan - We do the Sin City thing at least once a year, too, and believe me, I know how easy it is to take it too far. Let's just say what happens in Vegas doesn't always stay there.
Ah yes... BTDT with visiting friends. Did any of them end up in jail, like my friends? My, my, my... One thing living in N.O. taught me is MODERATION... It did take me a few years to learn it though ;-). After N.O., I've been pretty good. LOVE Abita Amber and those daquari bars. YUM!
Ok here's stereotypical for you. I'm an Aussie, on Contiki, in Munich. Didn't get as bad as some, but did have to prove that I can scull like a madman :).
I do remember the time though, so obviously didn't embrace too hard (hehehehe)
Becky - Uh, as far as I know, no one ended up in jail. Thank goodness, too. I'm not sure how that might affect our film fest's reputation (course, maybe it would help it!)... And, yes, moderation is key in any venture - though I've been hit hard by the bloody Marys at the Golden Lantern on Royal. Not on purpose, mind you. ;-)
Chris - Glad to hear it! Nothing wrong with a little fun... as long as you remember having it. ;-)
I'd probably be among the "over indulgers" if I went out of my comfortable little town to "party central". For me, it would be part of the vacation. So while I'd know there was more to do than party, I'd feel inclined to indulge myself; be totally outrageous in a place where none of my antics could get back to my supervisors, co-workers, and clients.
Not saying you don't have a point; but shedding my dreary, normal existence is half the fun of going somewhere new.
.........dhole
Oh, Donna, I'm not putting down partying it up. I can understand the desire to put your cares aside and live it up! I've done it myself. I'm just saying there's always a line (and it's different for everyone) where living it up becomes trying to live it down the next day. ;-)
And your inclination to be "totally outrageous" away from your everyday world is exactly why places like the Vegas strip and Bourbon Street exist!
But, seriously, is your normal existence really that dreary?
It only feels dreary when I have somewhere exciting planned to get to. Or when I'm jealous of someone else's vacation/adventures. Usually though, I'm very content with my mundane life. I get out to play and party every few months just to remind myself why I enjoy the comfort of my living room the fictional world I'm creating.
When I do actually take vacation time from work and people ask me where I'm going, I'm usually staying right at home: sleeping in, not cooking for the kids, letting the laundry pile up. Wasting time on solitaire. Staying up half the night and not getting up til 10a.
Don't feel sorry for my "dreary life". I really do love it. The one time I went to Vegas I was so overwhelmed by all the noise and excitement I hid in my room - despite my resolve to visit a night club and have a one night stand, lol.
But I get what you mean about drawing a line. When I went to the Mendocino Coast Writers Conference, I enjoyed all the sights and activities but remembered I also had to attend the sessions the next day.
Well, lunch is about over, gotta get back to work.
.....dhole
Oh, Donna, I know what you mean. I used to feel that way when I lived in Los Angeles - seemed like I never went anywhere, and I was always envious of other folks' travels. Guess I'm making up for it now by being a nomad. LOL!
No matter how much you appreciate your quiet life, you owe it to yourself to get out every now and again. And Vegas can be a lot of fun if you just embrace it for the craziness that it is. But I can only stay for three days max - too much sensory overload... even for me!
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