Today we opted to take a bus tour through the city of New Orleans to see some of the historical sites including the French Quarter, the Garden District, Downtown, cemetaries and the Lower 9th Ward where Katrina did the greatest damage.
The city has come a long way since Katrina in '05, but still has a long way to go. Many houses remain either abandoned or in great disrepair and many lots that once had houses are empty where they were destroyed. There is a lot of distrust and bitterness here from the residents toward the government. Essentially they feel abandoned. It was really depressing to see and hear. The Saints winning the Super Bowl has instilled a sense of hope and pride they've missed for the last 4.5 years.
"The Big Easy", if its only identity was Bourbon Street would be better known as "The Big Sleazy". What a moral cesspool. Fortunately there is much more to New Orleans and much to like. I love the local accent, which is much more similar sounding to Queens, NY than to the South. The French Acadian (Cajun and Creole) influence is everywhere, especially in the food! We again ate at Copelands (it was conveniently on our way out of town) and once again had a fabulous meal.
There is also a strong Haitian influence here that includes voodoo. So spiritually New Orleans truly is a dark place.
Leaving late afternoon we had a 5 hour drive to our next stop for the night, Beaumont, Texas. Again we took the "scenic route" on US 90 going through Cajun country. We're in Beaumont, a harbor city where oil is king only for a place to sleep. Tomorrow it's through Houston and on to San Antonio, home of the Alamo for a day or two.
And we're excited to start eating some great Mexican food for the next couple of weeks.
In the pics you'll see a house closed up after Katrina with notes from those who came in the recovery effort. Also check out the beads from Marti Gras hanging from the utility wires and trees. And Gail is helping Fats Domino play the keyboard on Bourbon Street. Don't ask me what's inside Rick's Cabaret. I don't think I want to know.
Today completed our second week on the road! We're over 2500 miles on the Toyota.
good mexican restaurant on the river walk
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