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New Orleans redux? Personal experiences?

DoomsDave

By DoomsDave
in OHANA NUI  -  OFF TOPIC SUB-FORUM

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DoomsDave Grand Master

DoomsDave

Posted
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Howdyall:

I visited N.O. back in the 1980s and found the place fascinating. But, California was my destination at the time and that's where I went.

We all heard the stories of Katrina and its aftermath over and over. I've heard that the city has risen again and is a place of opportunity.

Anyone have any personal experiences about that? Or, know someone who went?

Please, share.

and

Please, let's be nice.

Let's keep our forum fun and friendly.

Any data in this post is provided 'as is' and in no event shall I be liable for any damages, including, without limitation, damages resulting from accuracy or lack thereof, insult, or lost profits or revenue, claims by third parties or for other similar costs, or any special, incidental, or consequential damages arising out of my opinion or the use of this data. The accuracy or reliability of the data is not guaranteed or warranted in any way and I disclaim liability of any kind whatsoever, including, without limitation, liability for quality, performance, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose arising out of the use, or inability to use my data. Other terms may apply.

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mnorell Mentor

mnorell

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You bet it has risen from the ashes. It is currently a very vibrant city. Very young, hip and filled with great restaurants. More than before the storm. Right now there is a very competitive housing market and the garden district and entire uptown area has become very expensive. But it is thriving. Still crime to the extent that you need to be aware, on your toes as in any urban area and stay away from certain areas at night. But that should not deter anyone as it has more character than any other American city in my opinion. Architecture, people, history and culture and food are a unique and wonderful combination. Not to mention a very rich and wondrous environment of plants!!

Michael Norell

Rancho Mirage, California | 33°44' N 116°25' W | 287 ft | z10a | avg Jan 43/70F | Jul 78/108F avg | Weather Station KCARANCH310

previously Big Pine Key, Florida | 24°40' N 81°21' W | 4.5 ft. | z12a | Calcareous substrate | avg annual min. approx 52F | avg Jan 65/75F | Jul 83/90 | extreme min approx 41F

previously Natchez, Mississippi | 31°33' N 91°24' W | 220 ft.| z9a | Downtown/river-adjacent | Loess substrate | avg annual min. 23F | Jan 43/61F | Jul 73/93F | extreme min 2.5F (1899); previously Los Angeles, California (multiple locations)

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DoomsDave Grand Master

DoomsDave

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You bet it has risen from the ashes. It is currently a very vibrant city. Very young, hip and filled with great restaurants. More than before the storm. Right now there is a very competitive housing market and the garden district and entire uptown area has become very expensive. But it is thriving. Still crime to the extent that you need to be aware, on your toes as in any urban area and stay away from certain areas at night. But that should not deter anyone as it has more character than any other American city in my opinion. Architecture, people, history and culture and food are a unique and wonderful combination. Not to mention a very rich and wondrous environment of plants!!

Maybe some pictures?

oui oui?

Let's keep our forum fun and friendly.

Any data in this post is provided 'as is' and in no event shall I be liable for any damages, including, without limitation, damages resulting from accuracy or lack thereof, insult, or lost profits or revenue, claims by third parties or for other similar costs, or any special, incidental, or consequential damages arising out of my opinion or the use of this data. The accuracy or reliability of the data is not guaranteed or warranted in any way and I disclaim liability of any kind whatsoever, including, without limitation, liability for quality, performance, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose arising out of the use, or inability to use my data. Other terms may apply.

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mnorell Mentor

mnorell

Posted
Posted

You bet it has risen from the ashes. It is currently a very vibrant city. Very young, hip and filled with great restaurants. More than before the storm. Right now there is a very competitive housing market and the garden district and entire uptown area has become very expensive. But it is thriving. Still crime to the extent that you need to be aware, on your toes as in any urban area and stay away from certain areas at night. But that should not deter anyone as it has more character than any other American city in my opinion. Architecture, people, history and culture and food are a unique and wonderful combination. Not to mention a very rich and wondrous environment of plants!!

Maybe some pictures?

oui oui?

Well, I suppose I could upload pics of architecture...but it wouldn't be anything more than you would find by doing a Google Image search or a Street View "virtual trip." It is a visceral experience, in my own opinion best experienced during the warm, humid months when its Creole/Caribbean/Deep South character is palpable. This is particularly important for Californians accustomed to the very different atmosphere of the West Coast...for whom a trip during the cooler months is definitely cheating. If you really have trouble with too much heat, try going in May or late September and you should still get a feel without being overwhelmed. Read some classic novels set in the vicinity and see a few characteristic films to prime yourself, then book yourself a room at a B&B/Inn in one of the historic houses or small hotels in the Lower Garden District or French Quarter (avoid the huge tourist-trap hotels!) and you will be transported to a different world. Even if the heat and humidity flattens you, there is nothing as wonderful as an intense afternoon downpour while walking amongst those fabulous buildings and the flickering gaslamps, the live oaks dripping with Spanish moss, the music, having beignets and cafe au lait at Cafe du Monde, a trip on the river on the Natchez sternwheeler, on and on.

In the Quarter, Bourbon Street is important in its way but it is an "intense" (some might say grotesque) street, a raunchy, drunken tourist-trap and rather dirty/smelly and best avoided for the most part unless you are a real stalwart and that's what you're after. Try to go to some local favorite restaurants/cafes. Try the great old Napoleon House in the quarter, and for locally esteemed neighborhood eateries with unique character, try the Rum House in the Garden District, and Cafe Degas on Esplanade near City Park. Get in some conversations with locals, including the waiters, bartenders and support staff, even if you are naturally shy and/or used to the more reserved culture prevalent in other areas of the country. It can be a mind-blowing experience for open-minded, adventurous souls, and the people there are naturally warm and wanting to have exchanges with "foreigners" from other parts of the country and world. This is truly the way to experience New Orleans in depth. You will know when you try it whether it is "for you" or not!

Michael Norell

Rancho Mirage, California | 33°44' N 116°25' W | 287 ft | z10a | avg Jan 43/70F | Jul 78/108F avg | Weather Station KCARANCH310

previously Big Pine Key, Florida | 24°40' N 81°21' W | 4.5 ft. | z12a | Calcareous substrate | avg annual min. approx 52F | avg Jan 65/75F | Jul 83/90 | extreme min approx 41F

previously Natchez, Mississippi | 31°33' N 91°24' W | 220 ft.| z9a | Downtown/river-adjacent | Loess substrate | avg annual min. 23F | Jan 43/61F | Jul 73/93F | extreme min 2.5F (1899); previously Los Angeles, California (multiple locations)

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DoomsDave Grand Master

DoomsDave

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Oh, yeah.

Went there in March, 1985. Snow in Cleveland. Could smell the forest on the breeze. Lots of good cooking.

Lots of literature: Confederacy of Dunces, even Tightrope (Clint Eastwood "porno" flick).

Let's keep our forum fun and friendly.

Any data in this post is provided 'as is' and in no event shall I be liable for any damages, including, without limitation, damages resulting from accuracy or lack thereof, insult, or lost profits or revenue, claims by third parties or for other similar costs, or any special, incidental, or consequential damages arising out of my opinion or the use of this data. The accuracy or reliability of the data is not guaranteed or warranted in any way and I disclaim liability of any kind whatsoever, including, without limitation, liability for quality, performance, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose arising out of the use, or inability to use my data. Other terms may apply.

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sur4z Grand Master

sur4z

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For those that do go to NO try the po' boy at Mother's or the muffuletta at the Central Grocery or the beignet at Cafe Du Monde...YUM!!

The weight of lies will bring you down / And follow you to every town / Cause nothin happens here

That doesn't happen there / So when you run make sure you run / To something and not away from

Cause lies don't need an aero plane / To chase you anywhere

--Avett Bros

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NApalm Mentor

NApalm

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Mnorell, you just sold it to me! Next time I go to the states (prob 20 yrs) ill swing on by. Sounds awesome. How long of a drive from Chicago?

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DoomsDave Grand Master

DoomsDave

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Mnorell, you just sold it to me! Next time I go to the states (prob 20 yrs) ill swing on by. Sounds awesome. How long of a drive from Chicago?

About a day, if you push it. Two days would be easier.

Let's keep our forum fun and friendly.

Any data in this post is provided 'as is' and in no event shall I be liable for any damages, including, without limitation, damages resulting from accuracy or lack thereof, insult, or lost profits or revenue, claims by third parties or for other similar costs, or any special, incidental, or consequential damages arising out of my opinion or the use of this data. The accuracy or reliability of the data is not guaranteed or warranted in any way and I disclaim liability of any kind whatsoever, including, without limitation, liability for quality, performance, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose arising out of the use, or inability to use my data. Other terms may apply.

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DoomsDave Grand Master

DoomsDave

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Cool. Thanks Dave

Watch for Smokey the Bear, i.e., the Speed Cops of Doom . . . .

Let's keep our forum fun and friendly.

Any data in this post is provided 'as is' and in no event shall I be liable for any damages, including, without limitation, damages resulting from accuracy or lack thereof, insult, or lost profits or revenue, claims by third parties or for other similar costs, or any special, incidental, or consequential damages arising out of my opinion or the use of this data. The accuracy or reliability of the data is not guaranteed or warranted in any way and I disclaim liability of any kind whatsoever, including, without limitation, liability for quality, performance, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose arising out of the use, or inability to use my data. Other terms may apply.

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mnorell Mentor

mnorell

Posted
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Mnorell, you just sold it to me! Next time I go to the states (prob 20 yrs) ill swing on by. Sounds awesome. How long of a drive from Chicago?

Definitely a couple of days. An excellent idea if you're interested in American music is to either go through Memphis and then down the Blues Highway US 61 and Ground Zero, then Vicksburg and Natchez for US Civil war and architectural history...or to Nashville and from there down the serene and quite extraordinary Natchez Trace, 444 miles of uninterrupted scenery, to Natchez and then down the river road and its plantation houses to New Orleans. Such a journey can actually consume a week and is quite a fascinating experience and very educational in helping to understand New Orleans once you get there. It is highly recommended!

Michael Norell

Rancho Mirage, California | 33°44' N 116°25' W | 287 ft | z10a | avg Jan 43/70F | Jul 78/108F avg | Weather Station KCARANCH310

previously Big Pine Key, Florida | 24°40' N 81°21' W | 4.5 ft. | z12a | Calcareous substrate | avg annual min. approx 52F | avg Jan 65/75F | Jul 83/90 | extreme min approx 41F

previously Natchez, Mississippi | 31°33' N 91°24' W | 220 ft.| z9a | Downtown/river-adjacent | Loess substrate | avg annual min. 23F | Jan 43/61F | Jul 73/93F | extreme min 2.5F (1899); previously Los Angeles, California (multiple locations)

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DoomsDave Grand Master

DoomsDave

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Mnorell, you just sold it to me! Next time I go to the states (prob 20 yrs) ill swing on by. Sounds awesome. How long of a drive from Chicago?

Definitely a couple of days. An excellent idea if you're interested in American music is to either go through Memphis and then down the Blues Highway US 61 and Ground Zero, then Vicksburg and Natchez for US Civil war and architectural history...or to Nashville and from there down the serene and quite extraordinary Natchez Trace, 444 miles of uninterrupted scenery, to Natchez and then down the river road and its plantation houses to New Orleans. Such a journey can actually consume a week and is quite a fascinating experience and very educational in helping to understand New Orleans once you get there. It is highly recommended!

NA Palm, I concur.

In 1994 I went to see Graceland in Memphis. Yeah, yeah, I know, it's touristy with a capital TOURISTY but, it was cool anyway. Do like I did and see the planes, too. I hear Beale Street is also cool, though I suspect it has its touristy aspects. The Miss. delta is untouristy, best savored slowly.

If you have the time, take about four days. The American south is a land apart, a sacred place for many. New Orleans is like its own little planet . . . .

Let's keep our forum fun and friendly.

Any data in this post is provided 'as is' and in no event shall I be liable for any damages, including, without limitation, damages resulting from accuracy or lack thereof, insult, or lost profits or revenue, claims by third parties or for other similar costs, or any special, incidental, or consequential damages arising out of my opinion or the use of this data. The accuracy or reliability of the data is not guaranteed or warranted in any way and I disclaim liability of any kind whatsoever, including, without limitation, liability for quality, performance, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose arising out of the use, or inability to use my data. Other terms may apply.

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Walt Grand Master

Walt

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When I was stationed in Key West, Florida, (near the end of my navy enlistment) my ship steamed up to New Orleans in February of 1971 for the Mardi Gras. I still have two large gold anodized aluminum coins I caught, thrown from a carnival float during the parades down Canal Street. Drank lots of hurricane drinks (in the street where it was legal) and also Dixie beer from a local brewery. I remember lots of hippies and Hell's Angels there. No where near the palms back then as there are today.

Mad about palms

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paulgila Grand Master

paulgila

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I was there last month. What a wonderful city!

the "prince of snarkness."

 

still "warning-free."

 

san diego,california,left coast.

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DoomsDave Grand Master

DoomsDave

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I was there last month. What a wonderful city!

Tell us more?

Let's keep our forum fun and friendly.

Any data in this post is provided 'as is' and in no event shall I be liable for any damages, including, without limitation, damages resulting from accuracy or lack thereof, insult, or lost profits or revenue, claims by third parties or for other similar costs, or any special, incidental, or consequential damages arising out of my opinion or the use of this data. The accuracy or reliability of the data is not guaranteed or warranted in any way and I disclaim liability of any kind whatsoever, including, without limitation, liability for quality, performance, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose arising out of the use, or inability to use my data. Other terms may apply.

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  • 6 months later...
_Keith Grand Master

_Keith

Posted
Posted

Really cool photo technique on these that reveal a telling story.

http://www.nola.com/katrina/index.ssf/2014/08/hurricane_katrina_then_and_now.html

In my post I sometimes express "my" opinion. Warning, it may differ from "your" opinion. If so, please do not feel insulted, just state your own if you wish. Any data in this post is provided 'as is' and in no event shall I be liable for any damages, including, without limitation, damages resulting from accuracy or lack thereof, insult, or any other damages

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