New Orleans

Just back from New Orleans and beginning to recover.

I’m here to tell ya, if you’ve ever wanted to visit the Big Easy, now is the time to do it. The weather is gorgeous, the French Quarter, Garden District, and business districts are not only up and running, but prettier than I’ve seen them in years. And the most amazing part of all—you can walk into Galatoire’s, K Paul’s, all those restaurants you’ve dreamed of someday visiting, and there’s no waiting in line. It’s a foodie’s dream come true. I think I tried every gumbo and bread pudding in the Quarter, and I wasn’t even there a week!

Then we waddled down to the river and watched them filming the big scene from Déjà Vu with bodies floating, ambulances flashing lights, helicopters hovering, and the Coast Guard scattered up and down. And there were no crowds!

There’s blues at the market, beignets everywhere, vendors on the street corners, and no crowd to fight. I talked to several of the store owners, and they say the international tourists haven’t returned yet, apparently thinking the city was washed off the map. Not true!

There’s a Katrina story on the lips of every person you meet, so go down, support the jazz kingdom, and have a wonderful time doing it.