Living in the historic and vibrant French Quarter for a whole week, in walking distance to the mighty Mississippi River — and it looks exactly as I had expected it. From the first minute on I decided to eat only cajun and creole fare, oysters and jambalayas and cray fish, non-stop, and I managed to do so. It's a lively city with open markets, flea markets, historical and landmarked buildings, flowers all over ... no trace of the devastating hurricane KATRINA. Lots of music coming out of every window and door, street musicians celebrate in the streets, but also there are lots of beggars and yes, drunks, openly carrying a glass or other vessel in their hands.
Sightseeing took us of course to the grand plantations (well restored and quite substantial); the Bayou with alligators and exciting wild life, huge turtles in a very different landscape.
The only transportation we took was public and it was excellent: street cars for a mere $.40 per trip (for seniors, that's me) into the Arts and Warehouse district where the museums are. It was Monday and only one was open the OGDEN. But it also took us to the Garden District with the largest mansions, incredibly huge, all finely "landmarked" with proper plaques.
Another highlight was Preservation Hall, a sanctuary devoted to Dixie Jazz, Lines form early for three one hour sessions. Altogether we managed to end up there three times. And we had a ball.
At the State Museum I saw an excellent exhibition of 15 or more heart rendering videos about KATRINA telling stories of social breakdown, corruption, heroes, discrimination and unacceptable behavior by political leaders. Later once we came home I saw the Spike Lee documentary about KATRINA, raw, accusing, sad stories looking at the many aspects that form a disaster.
Yes, here was a city in America that did not strike me American at all, much more relaxed and openly vibrant. A great experience.
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