I have tried to outline my experience while visiting New Orleans in an effort to present a review of the city to the readers.
In certain sections, I have tried to indicate choices that the traveller can execute to further enhance his/her experience.
The Drive
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The drive itself was quite interesting. We rented a Mitsubishi Galant and took off at 6pm on Thursday, the 3rd.
Of course,you can even fly to New Orleans.The airport is about 12 miles from the heart of the city. A number of airlines like Southwest, American and Delta fly into the city.Don't forget to book in advance.
About 60 miles west of New Orleans(henceforth called N-O), just prior to Baton Rouge, the swampy area starts. For pple proceeding by car,bridges are constructed over and across these swamps. The swamps themselves are not
unlike our Sunderban area, with deciduous vegetation, abounding in crocs (neigh alligators) and the distinctive fishy smell so peculiar of swamps.
One swamp in particular, Henderson Swamp stretched for 9 miles and we were amazed at the engineering effort required to come up with the construction of the bridge.
There are a number of tours to these swamps. Prices range from 35-65 dollars per adult.Its quite an experience. Try not to fall into the water, and stay at a safe distance from alligators.
We stopped at Shreveport on our way to, but drove the 550 miles back almost non-stop except stopping for gas on the way.Apart from the usual traffic, the drive was not very hectic. East Texas and Lousiana are amazingly green this time of the year and the weather was pleasant throughout the drive.
Weather
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Speaking of the weather, we had an unusual experience on the way to N-O.We had packed according to the forecast from weather.com, who had promised 88-90 degree days. However they turned out to be way off their mark. We were greeted by torrential rains. The interesting thing was, the rain was in
pockets. In one particular case, one side of the highway was covered by rain and the other side was dry as a martini ;).We could not believe our eyes.
The visibility soon narrowed to 5 feet. It was as if we were passing through a waterfall. It was the scariest quarter mile I have driven in my life.
The sky drizzled the entire two days we were out there, which made for pleasant walking and unpleasant driving.The humidity was suffocating at times, but I guess it was better than the 80 degrees we had prepared for.
At this point, I would like to suggest that the traveller pack some protection against the rain, which happens quite often.The climate is generally mediterranean.
The city
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In a word - depressing. I meant the city, not the life within. The city has an uncanny resemblance to Calcutta.
FYI, N-O is the worlds largest port. BTW, the size of a port has nothing to do with the actual physical boundaries but the amount of goods (in tonnage) that she handles. Most of the buildings were grey and rusty and dirty looking,so typical of port cities where moisture eats into the paint and makes things look older than what they truly are.
Please make bookings well in advance especially if you are travelling during a festival like Mardi Gras. We had to pay 95 dollars for a Super 8 room. I would advice making bookings upto 6 months in advance.
The French Quarter
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This was the hub of the city and carried itself distinctively. The
buildings, roads etc. have been retained the same way for over a century and its interesting how even newer establishments have adapted the same look and feel to maintain consistency. One other place worth mentioning is the Garden District.
One way to enjoy the walk would be to park your car at the quarter itself. There are ample parking opportunities available - in the vicinity of 15 dollars.Don't forget to visit the French Marketplace. Bargaining is allowed and sometimes works.
Miscellaneous
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The majority of the population is Afro-american. In fact, we attended the Essence music festival in which over 90% of the people were afros. The people generally are more courteous than texans and quite happy-go-lucky. The trip through the french quarter was an eye opener as far as our perceptions of the US go. It seemed like we were passing through India,with
the noise and the hustle-bustle and the hawkers and the people on the street and the lack of traffic rules etc.We actually manage to feel homesick by the end of the trip.We loved the cajun and creole food - I am sure the non-vegetarians would love it even more, but there were ample veggie entrees
to choose from.
Most of the restaurants have decor consistent with the look of the late 19th, early 20th century. Don't be afraid to experience different food styles. Cajun food is quite spicy. Creole is milder.
The temple
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We took time off to visit the ISKCON temple in N-O. The temple is located at a stones throw from the french quarter and is actually a huge house converted to the temple.The presiding deities are Shri Radha-Radhakanta.
They are the most beautiful deities I have laid eyes on in the western hemisphere. We had dinner on Saturday in the temple. If I were to ever go back to N-O, it would be to take another look at their Lordships.
The music festival itself was quite boring. We left after 3 hours (we had just finished listening to Ashanta, and could take no more).The sun decided to celebrate our departure by shining on N-O and we were promptly greeted by rain on our arrival in Dallas.I would certainly recommend visiting this city at least once - especially during Mardi Gras (if you can get a booking).The city has a lot of history, especially for pple interested in music, this being the birthplace of Jazz and the blues.
There are several bars and restaurants which have live performers playing Jazz and even the Blues. If this is not your kind of music, prepare to be dissapointed.
On the whole a pleasant trip.
Do share your thoughts and comments.
Prodi.
