NOLA, Part 1

Well, a few things about New Orleans. First, yes there is a city here. No, you won't be standing in 3 feet of mold and mud in any of the tourist areas (unless you chose to go on one of the "devastation tours" - I didn't; my heart couldn't take that). There are a sad number of "for sale" signs in the French Quarter and the Wharehouse and CBD areas. But really, it's mainly people in shops, bars and restaurants who are looking around and wondering why you just don't come down for a visit. They'd be more than happy to find you a table or a flashy souvenir.

And I'm going to have to put New Orleans in my top position of friendliest tourist cities. In many places that exist on out-of-towner business, there's a certain amount of locals only behavior that goes on. Your more than welcome to spend your money, but you're never going to be one of us. I didn't get any of that here. In fact, I've had more conversations struck up here on the streets than I have anywhere. And far more just plain "Hello, how are you this morning?" calls than anywhere.

Of course, the sanitation is a little iffy. And I don't think that had anything to do with Katrina. Bourbon St. is by far the worst smelling street I've ever been in. Internationally, the worst smelling street that I've ever been in. But it didn't really seem to be stopping anyone. And the Quarter has a sanitation patrol that goes around sweeping up and hosing down this and that. Brave and hearty souls every one.

And the crime problem is real. Wander out of the tourist areas and you could find yourself having a problem. There was a 4-year old girl shot in the streets this last weekend. Sweet little angelic face, and somebody shot into a crowd and hit her. She's still in critical condition. Unfortunately, this is a crime that could have happened in any one of many major US cities.

But inside the French Quarter and the other areas I prowled on foot, I never once felt uncomfortable. It's a very pedestrian friendly area. I saw just about everything I wanted to without ever resorting to a cab. I take that back. I saw everything my brain could handle in 3 days, without ever taking a cab.

Okay, that's the overview. I think tomorrow I'll get into food and shopping.