New Orleans

We've driven 4,500 miles through 7 different states. We hopped on a free ferry ride that took us out of Galveston and headed us Northeast towards N'awlins. The scenery was very different than my expectations. I thought we'd see bayou's and marshes and the French Quarter right along the Mississippi River, but instead, it looks a lot like a city!

The Superdome is right off the freeway. We took I10 to 90 over the bridge and found a state campground in Westwego for $12/night (about 20 minutes from Bourbon Street)...

Upon reaching the center of the universe (Boubon and St. Peters), we noticed that most places were interested in selling us "Hurricanes" or "Jet Fuels". While we knew this fuel probably wouldn't increase the gas mileage in our Bravada, we guessed there must have been more to it than that. Attracted by the dollar bill wallpaper at the Absinthe House, we opted to try one of these drinks. It was pretty much downhill from there...We found Jase doing something we never knew he could do - dancing at Pat O'Brien's annex - by himself. Sure, the live band sounded pretty good, but I'm not sure I would have been the first to "bust a move" at this place. Sem couldn't keep the tears out of his eyes from laughing so hard.

I received a couple of nice compliments from some nice men that I later learned were a "little light in their loafers", so to speak. Anxious to slip into a coma for the night, we headed back to our home away from home at 3:00 AM.

I don't know how anyone can stand the humidity in these parts - it's unbearable! Our tent has to be at least 20 degrees warmer inside than outside! BRUTAL.

It's interesting how the states differ in these parts - a bit like Europe. Each has its own distinct characteristics. Arizona - deserts and cactus make up the scenery, no large bodys of water nearby. Golf is huge. Texas - Everything is bigger in Texas. This state is like its own country. People were very friendly. Yet the "good ol' boy" network is in full force. Dallas was clean, Galveston was different altogether. Louisiana - New Orleans is a real tourist town. People come from everywhere to see Bourbon Street. I didn't find any of the "mystique" of old traditions. You know, Mark Twain the the riverboats in the bayous...etc. Apparently, a lot of authors loved the Florida Keys, such as Ernest Hemingway. I always look forward to seeing these places through their eyes.