“New Orleans is unlike any city in America. Its cultural diversity is woven into the food, the music, the architecture — even the local superstitions. It’s a sensory experience on all levels and there’s a story lurking around every corner.” — Ruta Sepetys

I miss New Orleans most of all this time of year when the entire city goes absolutely crazy with Mardi Gras fever.

During the eight years we lived in New Orleans we never missed a Mardi Gras, packing up our kids to see parade after parade. Mardi Gras day is this Tuesday — Fat Tuesday — but the Carnival season began on Twelfth Night, slowly building up to the grand climax two days from now.

It’s true that New Orleans is unlike any city in America, especially during Carnival season when the cultural diversity is celebrated with unparalleled enthusiasm and the sensory experiences are on overload.

I won’t be at Mardi Gras this year — though I will be in New Orleans in the spring (more about that later) — but on Tuesday our home will be filled with jazz and our tummies will be filled with New Orleans delicacies and our hearts will be filled with joy.

As they say in New Orleans: “Laissez les bons temps rouler” or “Let the good times roll.”