Fight the Fight

So the end of out first full day in New Orleans is approaching. It's been interesting to say the least... First there's the coincidence that we decided to come when Notre Dame just happened to be playing LSU in the Sugar Bowl. So it's busier than a normal January week, but it’s no Mardi Gras or Jazzfest. The game is on right now, and the last thing I'm going to say about this is that LSU fans are for the most part a little on the juvenile and annoying side. But I digress.

The most shocking part of the trip down was seeing the lingering destruction that is readily apparent while driving in on Interstate 10. Remember that it’s been about a year and a half, and there are still many neighborhoods completely decimated and many more that show any level of destruction that is still apparent. Many people have thanked us for coming down for a vacation. I've heard people complaining about some post-Katrina politics, and there is even notable New Orleans artists taking swipes at FEMA. Just weird in that respect. We only saw what was visible from the Interstate, and I can't imagine the areas I can't see. The images and footage do little justice to seeing the magnitude of the destruction. I am completely in awe.

But otherwise it is the same New Orleans that I remember (I've only been once 11 years ago). There are so many wonderful restaurants. Beautiful architecture that you can't see anywhere else in America. The debauchery of Bourbon Street. Just many different experiences available to any type of person / traveler. I really hope that things start coming back here. It’s one of the top treasures in the country in my opinion.

Tomorrow is our last full day before heading back with a stop in Graceland. It's supposed to rain, which may give Burbon St. a needed wash, but it may limit the number of photos.