My First ALA Experience: The Amuse-Bouche

For the past five years, I have spent this time of the year at the International Society for Technology in Education conference (ISTE).  A conference focused on technophiles and education movers and shakers, ISTE has been the jam that I have spread on my PLN bread for numerous years. My first ALA experience was a memorable and sweet. Set in New Orleans, the American Library Association conference was not only a wonderful experience it was life altering.

First, I want to mention my travel companion for the conference.  My mom.  The Lucy to my Ethel, she and I rediscovered the joys of travelling together last year at the Black Caucus of the American Library Association Conference.  A gregarious person who has a way of making people feel appreciated and alive, my mom is a compliment to my sometimes stoic facade at conferences.  Always scoping out the lay of the land, my mom has a way of warming of the crowd and making everyone feel as they have met a long lost friend.

The first day in New Orleans, was spent searching for beignets.  The weeks prior to the conference, I had shared with anyone who would listen that my plan was to have a beignet everyday.  Prior to the conference, my only experience with beignets was at a Cajun
Festival decades ago in Virginia.  Thanks to number of food shows, my desire to try the flaky, warm pastry again was enhanced as I planned for the trip to NOLA.

Walking along Royal Street, we saw many sights and sounds.  The number 300 displayed on steps to commemorate New Orleans' tricentennial birthday. The sound of music coming from various shops and riverboats.  The smells of various foods in restaurants.  Eventually, we found Cafe Du Monde.  After quite a wait for service, we chose to go to Cafe Beignet (a block or so away).  Our selection was not a disappointment. We were able to get quick service and the wait for the beignets was minimal.

No words can describe my joy when I saw that the order was an established number of three beignets. My mom was a bit shocked that I seemed intent on eating three beignets at one time and suggested that I save one or two for later.  "They aren't the same cold," I told her as my eyes glazed over at the sight before me.  Shaking her head, she sipped her lemonade.

Warm and flaky, the sweet pastry was better than I remembered. In this case, Sade was wrong.  It was better than the first time.  Each bite was a journey. The first bite was euphoric. The second bite was sublime. The third bite was nirvana. Intent on not wasting too much of my beignet experience, I ate the corners of the other two.

Intent on walking off a few of the calories from the beignets and seeing a few more sights in New Orleans, my mom and I walked to Canal Street to catch a trolley.  During the ride, we met other first time visitors to NOLA  and discovered a few shotgun houses that reminded me of my father's childhood home.

Intent on getting my badge and bag before the first day of the conference, I convinced my mom to catch the shuttle with me to the Convention Center.  In hindsight, this was a good move because it allowed us to have more time for the long line that awaited us the first day of the conference.

Next Blog Topic: My First ALA Experience: The Appetizer