After our first camp night on the road, we packed up the car and started the 2 ½ hour drive to New Orleans. We decided we wanted to really experience the city and opted for a hotel room in the French Quarter instead of our tent that night. As much as we wanted to keep the pup with us, New Orleans is really only friendly to dogs under 30 lbs (one of Wyatt’s first of many lessons on injustices during this trip). We decided to board him at a kennel near the airport and returned to town to take in the sights. This was Jaci’s first trip to New Orleans and both of our first time since Katrina devastated the city. It was clear that much work has been done to restore the touristy French Quarter area but driving around the outlying areas of town proved that much more work is left to be done. Sadly, many people have decided not to return to New Orleans after the storm and many buildings stand abandoned and unlivable. Spirits are still high with those who stayed, however, and we were welcomed by so many interesting people who were thrilled we took time for a visit.
After checking into the Chateau Sonesta (thanks MZ), we headed straight out for some tasty Cajun food. We both love spice, and we found incredible Jambalaya and Crawfish Ettoufe at The Desire Oyster Bar on Bourbon street. Best we’ve both ever had. The rest of the night we spent walking around the Quarter and making friends throughout. Perhaps one of the more interesting stories we heard was from Jamie, our fabulous bartender at Utopia. Jamie recently moved to New Orleans and he explained to us how he was able to purchase a $350,000 five bedroom house off Canal Street for only $12,000. Of course, what was Jamie’s good luck was due to the crippling impact Katrina had for many home owners in town. This was a harsh reality to hear, but a sentiment that would repeat itself throughout our time in the city: locals trying to make it work with what is left. Again, we encountered wonderful people everywhere we went. Neither one of us can believe we haven’t taken more weekend trips here over the past few years. I guess we’ll have to change that when we get back…
After checking into the Chateau Sonesta (thanks MZ), we headed straight out for some tasty Cajun food. We both love spice, and we found incredible Jambalaya and Crawfish Ettoufe at The Desire Oyster Bar on Bourbon street. Best we’ve both ever had. The rest of the night we spent walking around the Quarter and making friends throughout. Perhaps one of the more interesting stories we heard was from Jamie, our fabulous bartender at Utopia. Jamie recently moved to New Orleans and he explained to us how he was able to purchase a $350,000 five bedroom house off Canal Street for only $12,000. Of course, what was Jamie’s good luck was due to the crippling impact Katrina had for many home owners in town. This was a harsh reality to hear, but a sentiment that would repeat itself throughout our time in the city: locals trying to make it work with what is left. Again, we encountered wonderful people everywhere we went. Neither one of us can believe we haven’t taken more weekend trips here over the past few years. I guess we’ll have to change that when we get back…
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