New Orleans, Louisiana
Known as “The Big Easy”, New Orleans is world-renowned for its distinctive music, Creole cuisine, unique dialects, and its annual celebrations and festivals, most notably Mardi Gras.
Hurricane Katrina in August 2005, which flooded more than 80% of the city, killed more than 1,800 people, and displaced thousands of residents, causing a population decline of over 50%. Since Katrina, major redevelopment efforts have led to a rebound for New Orleans to become a unique vacation destination.
Crown Jewel is the World Famous French Quarter
Without a doubt, the French Quarter of New Orleans, the city’s historic centre, is THE destination for most tourists.
Specifically Bourbon St., in the area commonly called the Vieux Carré (meaning “Old Square” in French) was settled by the French in the early 1700s, and today still retains its flamboyant French tradition. But it is the jazz clubs, Cajun restaurants and lively bars, and nightly street parties that New Orleans is famous for.
For traditional, you can’t beat my favourites: Pat O’Brien’s Bar, known for inventing the New Orleans Red Hurricane cocktail and for having the first dueling piano bar, and Cafe du Monde - the French coffee stand serving Cafe Au lait and original Beignets (donuts) since 1862.
New Orleans Jazz Funeral a Unique Celebration
As you may be aware, there is a unique celebration of life known as the New Orleans Jazz Funeral.
Entire city streets are blocked off, and lead by lively marching brass bands, these festive style funerals were originally inspired by African spiritual practices, but also, more current Christian practices rejoicing a death, as part of the Jazz Funeral. (Apparently large funeral processions or jazz funerals are now pretty rare, especially if you think you will discover one like the James Bond movie “Live and Let Die”.)
A Really Inexpensive New Orleans City Tour
Simply take the St. Charles Avenue Streetcar line, out to the Audubon Zoo - that is an enjoyable tour just by riding the trolley. This route takes you through some of the oldest historic boulevardswith classic New Orleans giant oak trees.
For those looking for something a little more adventurous, go down to Woldenberg Park, along side the Mississippi River, to the New Orleans Steamboat Company’s two steamships that run a variety of themed riverboat cruises.
Watch Out for the New Orleans Shoe Scam
Oddly enough, we were on our flight to New Orleans when Geraldine told me of a scam in a book she was reading that played out there...
AND Right on cue, the first night we were there, I was approached on the waterfront in Woldenberg Park. The gentleman said ”For $5, I can tell you where you got your shoes”... If you take the bet, his answer is “on yo feet.” You lose. It is a common con job, and guy always has an enforcer or two that comes up behind you, in case you want to back out of the “deal”.!! The best answer is “they are on my feet,” or say you are not interested, and walk away.
Is New Orleans a Safe Destination.?
You have probably heard stories of New Orleans being famous for crime and especially drunken behaviour…
Like any large city, you do need to be aware of your surroundings and we did have one occasion, that we felt uncomfortable walking on a back street to the hotel that felt pretty dodgy, but we had no problem.Here is a good article describing safety in New Orleans.
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