A good time in the Big Easy...

[germdoc]

Except for the snow yesterday...

I was in town for a meeting. New Orleans was its usual colorful self. I ate and drank like a king, smoked a few cigars, and studiously avoided the places of ill repute in the French Quarter.

My favorite meals were at the Bourbon House--13 fat oysters on the half shell, followed by redfish on the half shell, all washed down with Abita beer; and K-Pauls, blackened Puppy Drum. To die for...

I didn't see any actual shows, but as anyone can tell you the street musicians there are better than most musicians anywhere else.

One of my favorites:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMZhGEXSZyo

I saw Grandpa Elliot with Stony B on Royal St. Man can he blow the harmonica...

I'm already planning my next trip down there.

[crokett]

How is that area doing since the hurricane? I assume the devastation is still evident?

[Ed62]

Ah, New Orleans is a fun place to visit. Exploring the French Quarter requires an open mind.

Ed

[Uncle Cracker]

Katrina broke Nawlins' heart, but she didn't take its soul...

[chopnhack]

That guy really puts the soul into his music. Awesome!

[JSUPreston]

How is that area doing since the hurricane? I assume the devastation is still evident?

I was born there in Charity Hospital, and went down for Thanksgiving to the BIL's house. First time I've been since Katrina. There's still a lot of damage. I saw at least one skyscraper with the windows blown out. Lots of housing was still damaged from the view I had from I-10. I couldn't get around to see anything because I sprained my ankle loading the van, and then got a bad cold once I got there.

Things seem to be getting better. My BIL (pro jazz musician) and I talked about the musician village that Harry Connick Jr. and Habitat are building. Harry is really passionate about it. BIL told me that Dr. John was giving Harry greif because the housing wasn't free. Apparently, a lot of the musicians don't pay taxes, therefore they can't produce the documentation to get a loan to buy a house. BIL and I both agree that Harry is doing about the best he can, and that no matter how hard you try, you can't help everyone.

[jhart]

Saw they were getting snow there and had to laugh as we were basking in 38 degree weather in Minneapolis. Who would've thought.
We're going to pay for it though, as it may not get above zero Monday and Tuesday with wind chills in the 30 below range.

Have to agree with Jeff, N.O. is a great place to eat, listen to music and see the sights!!!

[germdoc]

The Quarter and downtown looked great--cleaner than ever--and everyone was REAL nice, even the cross-dressers and hawkers outside the strip bars.

Seriously, they are GLAD to have people come down there and enjoy themselves and spend some $$$ and help rehabilitate their economy. The food and music are as good as ever. I didn't see the really bad areas in Ward 9, but I did see a lot of evidence of reconstruction and renovation.