So we leave Memphis early on a Monday morning and board our coach to NOLA!
We stopped in the morning at generic American rest stop which had a cool Louisiana shaped sign (see picture!) and then I *think* (it was a month ago - need to get this blog finished before I forget everything) we stopped in some little place and got amazingly huge sandwiches. And may I say it was ridiculously hot still and getting more humid.
So we continued to NOLA, as we drove we went through Brentwood, LA (home town of Britney Spears - Naomi, Erin and I were the only ones sad enough to admit to knowing this when Justin asked who came from there) and as we drove in New Orleans Justin told us a bit about the city and the impact of hurricane Katrina.
Justin used to live in New Orleans and coincidentally he left the city just a few days before the hurricane hit. We drove on a massive motorway/flyover type thing which I remember seeing people walking on in footage from years ago. We also drove past the Louisiana Superdome which is where thousands of people tried to shelter from the hurricane. It's repaired now but it was pretty wrecked by the storm, I really can't imagine what it must have been like. Shame on the US gov for not doing more to evacuate the poor and vulnerable.
We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express which was in a good location, only a couple of blocks from Bourbon Street. Not the nicest inside however, Erin and I got to our room to find it had an industrial carpet cleaner left in it. We really didn't want to know why they had been shampooing the carpet. Then, revelling in the fact that we had more that 30 minutes to get ready, we decided to try out the hotel pool. Let's just say it was about the size of a paddling pool. Oh well, it was hot and humid so at least we got wet!
Post cruise fun with Kate and Naomi
The first night we had signed up for a paddle boat cruise on the Mississippi. The boat was pretty cool and they played some jazzy type music. There was food which again was yucky and not what we were told it would be. Can I just say 80% of the food I ate on this tour was pretty gross. We all had a few drinks from the worlds slowest bar staff and enjoyed the views.
After the cruise we headed to the original 'Pat O'Briens' home of the famous New Orleans hurricane to meet up with the rest of the Contiki's. Hurricanes are like an institution in NOLA and wow are they strong. They don't taste that strong as such, but I had 2 in about 1 1/2 hours and combined with a few vodkas on the boat I was very tipsy!
Next we hit another NOLA 'landmark' 'Tropical Isle'. This bar is the home of the hand grenade. The bar only sells these drinks (and I think maybe beer) and you can get them slushy style or regular in one of two sizes, if you get the big size it comes in a nifty neon yellow cup and you get a little mini hand grenade floating in your drink. I really do wonder who thinks of these things. Needless to say these were also very strong, so by this point you have in the region of 70 very merry contikis! So we headed off to Razzoo's for more fun, dancing on the stage, test tube drinks and other fun. I am pleased to say I was good and started drinking water here (there are photos for proof!) and so started to sober up and remember the night!
Razzoo's - Messy
So the next day I rose reasonably early but bed looked so comfy I decided against an early departure. I did manage to get out though and see the city, I mainly walked around the french quarter which is really pretty. I've always thought New Orleans looks nice after seeing it in films like interview with a vampire and runaway jury. I did some souvenir shopping etc and got a pedicure - generally enjoying having my first afternoon to myself!
Night two I went for dinner with some friends and then we stopped off at Cafe du Monde to try their famour Beignets (see below) which are like pillow shaped doughnuts covered in icing sugar. LOTS of icing sugar. They must go through tons of the stuff. Nice, but sickly.
We then headed to a 'locals' bar which Kris (other bus manager) had chosen. It was okay, but lacked atmosphere. That night was one of those could go either way nights and I wanted to have fun as it was Janice's last night (she was only doing the half tour 'Southern Adventure'). We decided to head over to Bourbon Street and stopped in Tropical Isle. I admitted defeat though - still sick as I had been from Dallas and after such a humid day I called in a night just after midnight.
Onwards to Tallahasse and Florida.
New Orleans was lots of fun and crazier than I could imagine. Will be going back at some point, that's for sure!
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