It just wouldn't be a visit to New Orleans if you didn't have a good time. And thanks to Fernwood friend Emily Morrison, I got to go see the 2008 Sugar Bowl on New Year's day at the Superdome. The first thing I noticed was how beautifully fixed up the Superdome is. After being such a symbol of misery and frustration for the people who sought shelter there after the storm the city knew where its bread was buttered and fixed it up good. New Orleans is uniquely positioned to host events like this and I was surprised what a wonderful place it is to see a football game.What amused me most was the Hawaiian war dance before the game. Having been to New Zealand and gotten a taste of Pacific Island culture this was familiar ground. I thought it was pretty neat. Georgia fans didn't see it that way.
They were feeling pretty snarly to begin with, not having a chance to compete for a share of the national title. Facing an obscure opponent from a weaker conference only added to their frustration and they did not take kindly to the cross cultural presentation before the game.
They had a point. They pretty much whooped Hawaii every way there was to whoop 'em. Hawaii didn't get into the end zone until well into the fourth quarter when the game was out of reach. Still, it was fun to see the native costumes add a little spice to the proceedings and to be fair, the University of Hawaii has produced its share of NFL players so it's not like they're completely out of place. On this night however, it was all Georgia.
