I got a great gift today! I had a great surprise when I arrived home and a big box was waiting for me. I went to open it with great joy to find some really thoughtful gifts inside: A lot of postcards with beautiful pictures of New Orleans (and one of them with a recipe to cook pralines that I'll make as soon as I can), some tour guides, a magazine with really cool information about New Orleans, and a newspaper (The Louisiana Weekly).

I also received masks and party necklaces, in tune with the party street of the town; a cute magnet with the state shape (that is already in my fridge), a pair of sunglasses with the "Fleur de Lis" on them, a beautiful little painting made by a Louisiana local, and a decorative mask. And I haven't finished! I also got two little bottles of tabasco sauce (they are so cute! And I didn't know the sauce was made in Louisiana), a box of jambalaya mix for an authentic new Orleans meal, and a Tony Chachere's creole seasoning (can't wait to try it!).

The last thing was the icing on the cake: a really sweet letter from my secret santa.

I loved every single gift that you sent me, and I still can't believe that I got such an amazing gifter! I can see the care that you put in every little thing. I have already read all the guides that you sent, and I'll try the food soon.

Thank you very much. Sooner than later I'll write you a letter, and I'll try to send a little piece of Chile with it. I've been having a tough week, and your present was a little ray of sunshine. Thank you!!!