University of Virginia New Orleans Journals\r\n\r\nWednesday, January 11 , 2006\r\n\r\nGinger Friar, School of Engineering and Applied Science\r\n\r\nSo far the people here have been very gracious to our group; today was no exception. During the day, Jay, Jonathan, Anna and I spoke to three classes of seniors [at Xavier Prep] about the college application process. Most of the students are \r\ncollege bound, and they were actually very attentive and inquisitive. All in all, the discussions went great. For lunch, we had some awesome po’boys, and sat in the 75 degree sun. It was a beautiful day, and it was nice to see some sunlight.\r\n\r\nOne group of students got to see the presentation of the rebuilding plans. The news I heard, was that they proposed not to allow any building permits for four months so that neighborhoods could organize. Also, a light railway to connect much of the Louisiana area. These two ideas were not taken well by the general public. An extensive levee system was also proposed to include not only New Orleans, but also most of the coastal region to prevent New Orleans from becoming and \r\nisland and the coast from eroding away.\r\n\r\nFor dinner, I ended up going with Anna and Lauren and her family to their country club. Lauren has an amazing family, and I got to have the best peppermint ice cream EVER!! :) It was \r\ninteresting to listen to Lauren tell her family about the rebuilding plans, and to hear a local perspective on the validity of the plans. Overall, I think everyone has ideas, but are perplexed as \r\nto exactly what should be done. Another interesting comment was made by a fellow country clubber, when he said that he was the only one on his street so far. I can’t even imagine. I’m \r\ngoing to end today’s story with this amazing oak tree that \r\n\r\nLauren’s dad showed us. It was over 600 years old, and just magnificent in its beautiful presence. Overall, a good day in New Orleans.\r\n Original URL: \r\nhttp://www.virginia.edu/topnews/releases2006/NewOrleansJourn\r\nal09.html