Differentiating the nuances that exist between states as you roll through, can be tricky to the causal observer. However, Louisiana and New Orleans in particular are contrasting to say the least.
I absolutely love New Orleans (N'Awlins). Its a brilliant place. It has so much character, history, and an amazing atmosphere about it.
You walk through the French Quarter (the bit that would be the last part to flood in a disaster - as they open different flood gates to avoid the French Quarter getting hit) you smell a strange smell - it lingers throughout the whole of the area. Its a mixture of cigars, cajun spices, and beer... and later in the day, sweat.
The streets are very narrow, one way only and some even get closed to traffic. The streets are in a grid (like most US cities), but there are unusual shops, and bars everywhere. The architecture is very strange too - wooden buildings, french looking buildings - some in good condition, some not. Its very eclectic. People are friendly, and the five-o (NOPD) are everywhere keeping the order. I felt perfectly safe walking around - like everywhere I have been so far, I have never felt threatened or vulnerable as a tourist alone. Must be my muscular, taught physique which keeps the potential miscreants at bay.
Anyway, the French Quarter and Market Area can be walked through, taking in the atmosphere and sights as you go. There is the Church of St Louis to visit along the way, and you can wander aimlessly into different shops, trying to avoid the voodoo ones - had enough bad luck, thank-you.
There is so much to see here, there is no way I could have fit it all in today. It would have been good to visit the cemetaries (they are closed on Sundays from 12:00), and perhaps take in a walking tour (but I didn't have enough cash because my ever so helpful bank have cancelled my atm card).
Visiting New Orleans is definitely worth doing for anyone - I highly recommend it. It is a very different American city. As it is slipping deeper into the Gulf of Mexico however, sooner rather than later would be my advice. The powers that be have decided to build bigger walls to keep the sea, and river out, but how long this will last, or whether it will even work is beyond me. According to the lady on reception, the 9th district is the one demolished by Katrina - and has essentially been wiped off the map. This not an area which can be viewed from the expressway.
Then there's the heat. It was 100F in the parking garage. It felt like 105F outside in the sun - humidity 67%, which is not as high as it can get. I was sweating as soon as I'd turned the engine off. No wonder everyone down here has a sun tan.
To cool down, I popped into a local jazz bar with a live band. And selected ice cold Bud Light as my cool down drink of choice. Well, ice cold Bud Light (well you wouldn't want a warm beer would you?) is good for cooling down, quenching thirst, calming down, and having with dinner. Its very versatile!
For lunch, I went to another music bar, this time on the banks of the Mississippi. Had a small bowl of Jambalaya (too hot for warm food really). My opporunity to sample real local cuisine. It did contain fish (I knew this before I chose it) but it was rather nice. Lots of flavour (not so much fish). One of the bar staff, was cutting his way in to a vat of some sort of shell fish. He offered me one, but I declined... I know its supposed to be nice, but I couldn't think of anything much worse - this not really liking fish thing is quite limiting! Wouldn't have been able to handle the fish gumbo which is a real shame. I just don't like fish that much!
Having had problems with the bank, travellers cheques, and running out of cash, I have since discovered that casinos offer incrediby useful tourist services. Mum and Dad would be well advised to note this. They offer the discerning travller the following free services:
1. Travellers Cheque cashing
2. ATMs
3. Air Conditioning
4. Toilets
Casinos are your friend!
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