NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA

July 9 - 12, 2002

Flag of Louisiana

New Orleans ("N'awlins"), here it is accepted to let the maintenance slip a bit - residents proudly call their home the "Big Easy", reflecting a joyous, carefree attitude. Let the good times roll!
New Orleans, a city that has its own pulsation, its own rhythm. New Orleans and the music: a combination that is hard to beat. Music here is an attitude, not business. New Orleans, the capital of Jazz.

What to do and see in New Orleans? The undoubted heart of the city is the French Quarter (Vieux Carré). You need at least a full day (some take a lifetime) in the Quarter. The oldest section of the city is famous for its ornate wrought-iron balconies; French, Spanish, and uniquely New Orleans architecture. The historic district of New Orleans offers dusty used book and record stores, museums and many tourist traps. A variety of street musicians, palm readers, and clowns pack Bourbon and Decatur Street day and night.
Hop on a St. Charles Streetcar ($1.25 for one ride, $5 for a day-pass and $12 for a 3-day-pass) and take a tour through the Garden District and be amazed by the great houses.
Stroll along the Moon Walk, a promenade stretching alongside the "Mighty" Mississippi.
For an up-close view of the Mississippi River and a bit of African-American history, take the free Canal Street Ferry to Algiers Point ("Over da River"). Old Algiers is a safe and beautiful neighbourhood to explore by foot. Moreover, it offers a great view to the skyline of New Orleans' Business District.
If you have time left, take a trip to the plantations that are located on Great River Road on the way to Louisiana's capital Baton Rouge: Oak Alley, Nottoway, Laura, and many more.

To let a long day come to an end, head to Bourbon Street because life in New Orleans will always be a party. On any night of the week, at any time of the year, the masses converge on Bourbon St. to drift in and out of bars and shop for romantic interludes. Bourbon St. offers countless bars and traditional jazz, blues, and brass venues. Though the street has become increasingly touristy of late, much of Bourbon's original charm remains. Several sleazy strip clubs and cross-dressing joints maintain the sense of immortality and sinful excitement that is the essence of the Quarter.

While being in New Orleans we stayed at "Longpré Guesthouse" in 1726 Prytania St. (outside the French Quarter), a cute little house that is undergoing renovation right now. Anyway, during our stay we got to know this nice Austro-American lady named Charlotte who privately rents away her apartment (which is right in the heart of the French Quarter) to visitors, so if you happen to go to New Orleans and don't know where to stay, tell me and I give you Charlotte's contact.

All in all, N'awlins was undoubtedly one of my most favorite destinations on this trip - its charm, its beauty, its Gemütlichkeit captivated me.