We didn’t think we’d need a car in New Orleans. Just as well because we couldn’t find our hotel reservation printout and we couldn’t remember the name or address of the place we were staying at. Still, with a bit of perseverance and a few phone calls and a bit of assistance from a friendly shuttle bus driver, we ended up at the right place. After checking in we found the printout of our reservation confirmation hidden amongst some other papers – c’est la vie.New Orleans is a place with a lot of history not the least of which was hurricane Katrina. The after-effects are still visible and (some of) the people are still suffering. Buses are running on (some of) the trolley car routes and the unused tracks are half buried in the mud – the once-busy port is quiet with empty berths and warehouses.
Went for a river cruise on a paddle-wheeler on the Mighty Mississippi – very wide and deep – 60 metres deep running at 7 knots 100 miles from the sea - lots of history along the banks. The surface of the river is some 5 metres above sea level, which partly explains the flooding caused by “Katrina”. The levees didn’t fail but some side canals overflowed into the Lower 9th St. which was the hardest hit area.
Bourbon Street still swings and there are plenty of jazz places and no shortage of sachmo impersonators. If we hear “Wonderful World” one more time it will be enough. Saw some interesting places including hand-made cigar factories – bought a few to bring home. Tried some jambalaya, crawfish pie and gumbo and had a good time. Next off to Las Vegas.
