THE OUTCAST IN NEW ORLÉANS

Living in this town takes a cockroach resilience. It's a peculiar place, and even for those who stay here for a short time are bound to experience it. Sometimes it's challenging to maintain your ways of doing things when the culture around you promotes a certain type of attitude and behavior. Regardless of where you come from or your approach, you're likely to be influenced by the town's norms.

You're off the boat fresh from the farm; here, the people are charmed by the fact that you still got shit on your shoes. I first arrived in New Orleans when I was in my mid-30s. I had many unfounded paranoid thoughts and was confused by many things that no one bothered to explain. So, I formed my opinions about the town and its people. At times, I felt like I was in a strange village...a stanger.

Whenever a stranger walked in or out, everyone in the bar would fall silent. I think it was because I was an outsider, perceived as a heathen with no soul downstairs, sporting horns on my head and pulling a battering ram trailer. It's not easy being an outsider in this town, but then again, who isn't an outsider here?

In a social contract, it's important not to get angry or let it affect you, as having one in place is essential.