New Orleans?

[SaraJayne]

I'm coming in late on this, but I'll throw in my personal experience: I did not care for New Orleans. I've traveled fairly widely, and I'll say something about New Orleans that I'll say about no other place. I don't want to go back.

The high points of our trip included a carriage ride /ghost tour, art shops, beniets (I think I spelled that wrong), and the aquarium. Those positives weren't enough to balance out the negatives.

I had hoped to enjoy the old architecture, but it was marred by the boarded-up buildings that are interspersed with the grand old homes/shops -- you would've thought that Katrina had just come through a year before; so much was still damaged and in disrepair. Even the cathedral, something I had looked forward to seeing, was a disappointment because it was in such poor repair. Beggars were everywhere, and they were very forward with their demands. Evidence of drug abuse was rampant. Drunks too. You expect to see it in the French Quarter, but it's everywhere. We'd hoped to enjoy the food, and perhaps we just ended up in the wrong places (for every meal the whole trip), but it didn't meet our expectations. I did expect the food to be expensive, so I wasn't disappointed in that -- but given the ho-hum quality, I didn't think it was a good value.

To top it off, we were the victims of a violent crime on our last evening. It wasn't even dark yet, and we were on Constitution Avenue (?) in the heart of the "cleaner" touristy district. Even before that happened though, we'd decided that this isn't our kind of place.

We were in New Orleans 3-4 days, and that was a gracious plenty for us. We didn't expect a clean, Disneyland place . . . but it was more seedy, more grime-covered, and had more of a dangerous feel than I had anticipated. I can't imagine what it must be like during Mardi Gras. We won't be back.

I completely agree with you. And I was there pre-Katrina.

 

[NotUrsula]

That's the thing with New Orleans, you either love it or you hate it; very few people I've ever known are able to be neutral about the place. Of the four of us siblings, my brother and I were the ones who loved it, my sisters both cannot stand the place and left as soon as they could.

I love New Orleans. I love the centuries of history that it has, the grit, and yes, even the vice in some ways. (I'm not wild about the roaches, but it's the sub-tropical south, they come with the territory.) It's an open city where throughout history people have been willing to live and let live, and I like that about it. I left for a job and I married away, but I go back often, and some of the happiest memories of my life are centered there. (Some of the scariest, too; I was on Tulane Ave. when Mark Essex started shooting.)

PS: the 2011 Halloween gunfire happened at the corner of Bourbon and St. Louis, near Chris Owens' club, at 12:30 am on Nov. 1st. The French tourist who was wounded was a 19 yo named Tehi Canti, who really should not have been on Bourbon at all at that hour, to say nothing of that corner.

MrsPete, you must have your street name wrong; the only two streets named Constitution in NOLA are far off the tourist path; one is in St. Roch (which has been a really rough neighborhood for decades), and the other is in Algiers, in EpcotatNight's neighborhood; it is part of the old Algiers Naval station.

 

[North of Mouse]

I did not care for New Orleans. I've traveled fairly widely, and I'll say something about New Orleans that I'll say about no other place. I don't want to go back.

I had hoped to enjoy the old architecture, but it was marred by the boarded-up buildings that are interspersed with the grand old homes/shops -- you would've thought that Katrina had just come through a year before; so much was still damaged and in disrepair. Even the cathedral, something I had looked forward to seeing, was a disappointment because it was in such poor repair. Beggars were everywhere, and they were very forward with their demands. Evidence of drug abuse was rampant. Drunks too. You expect to see it in the French Quarter, but it's everywhere. We'd hoped to enjoy the food, and perhaps we just ended up in the wrong places (for every meal the whole trip), but it didn't meet our expectations. I did expect the food to be expensive, so I wasn't disappointed in that -- but given the ho-hum quality, I didn't think it was a good value.

We didn't expect a clean, Disneyland place . . . but it was more seedy, more grime-covered, and had more of a dangerous feel than I had anticipated. We won't be back.

Wow, just Wow! Have never heard such a negative review of such a unique place Were your speaking of Constitution St. in Algiers? If so, don't know much about that area. But one thing I do know is that much of what you stated is untrue. Did you even ride the streetcar down St. Charles in the beautiful Garden District? The architecture there and in the FQ is beautiful, not all boarded up shops and houses. Yes, there are some (EVERY city has them) and there are some areas that have not (probably never will) make a come-back from the wrath of Katrina, but the FQ and Garden District were not as much directly affected by Katrina (a few were) as they were by the lack of water, electricity, being able to even reach it, etc. - by- products of Katrina. I was just down there (sadly, my only annual trek) and during the day, along the River Walk, the shops in that area, the Garden District never encountered anything like what you stated " rampant drug use, beggars seedy, etc" Now, just don't get me started on "the expensive ho-hum" food. If a vote was taken on the quality of the food you would definitely be way, way, in the minority. I serve that "ho-hum NOLA quality" food to my guests here all the time and I have NEVER had anything but rave reviews. We are always asked when will you make us some more of that yummy crawfish etouffee, jambalaya, gumbo, shrimp scampi (not that greasy stuff that passes for scampi in restaurants here)? OK, so I am very passionate in defending my home area (not the whole city, ALL cities and other places have areas you learn not to go in). And, also, for the record, I still say I leave even the FQ before dark. But no matter where you are (even in your home town/area) you'd best be aware (not scared) of your surroundings and use good common sense. But as for you, MrsPete, and SaraJayne, really do wonder what you expected in food and ambience that you missed out on in the unique FQ of NOLA. Sorry you were so disappointed and had bad experiences that wiped out what a lovely experience it is to most people who visit.

 

[GOOFY D]

We were there over the summer and stayed on the edge of the French Quarter. We had a great time and the kids loved it and would rather go back there than go to Disney!

The acquarium and insectarium are great. The zoo is sort of sad. The enclosures are too small for many animals and you see the stereotypic stress behavior. But riding the streetcar to get there was great, and there is a lovely park that backs up to the zoo. Too bad it was about 110 the day we had to hike through it!

The WW2 Museum is good. There are a few good and lower cost museums right on Jackson Square, the Cabildo and the Presbytere. We did a swamp tour, which was great, and would have liked to do other tours but ran out of time.

We walked around the Quarter during early evening and stayed off Bourbon and had no problems. Our favorite restaurant was Oliviers.

I am curious about your comments regarding the zoo. It is one of the best in the country and is known for the large areas that the animals have to roam. I am wondering if you attended a zoo other than Aubudon Zoo in New Orleans. It is mentioned with some of the best, including the San Diego Zoo.

 

[GOOFY D]

I don't live in Belle Chasse. My son goes to Belle Chasse Academy. I live directly across the river from the Quarter in Algiers. I routinely catch the ferry and go in the Riverwalk and the Aquarium since we are members. My father works in a restaurant on Bourbon and I sometimes pick him up. I pick him up on Canal because I can't get to him by car. But my point is that I know the city well. We go to the French Market and other things, just during the day. I grew up in the Iberville project, so I am very street savvy......I just choose to be safe rather than sorry. Maybe my background clouds my judgment, but I've seen tourists robbed in the Cemetary on Conti, I've seen purses snatched, pockets picked, and tourists beaten. I've seen people shot, people I personally knew. I've seen more than most people can imagine, that's why I'm so careful now. I am a product of the worst parts of New Orleans. I still have family that lives in those environments. I'm not trying to scare tourists, but when you've seen and experienced what I have, you can never be too careful. We are both from New Orleans, but obviously from different parts.

I think you are correct in that your past may be clouding your judgment. Anyone who had to endure the projects like you probably sees a ton of crime. However, a tourist does not (or hopefully does not) go to those places or hang around with some of the elements that you experienced. NOLA can be dangerous, if you do not use common sense. However, I think that can be said for any large tourist destination.

 

[SaraJayne]

Wow, just Wow! Have never heard such a negative review of such a unique place Were your speaking of Constitution St. in Algiers? If so, don't know much about that area. But one thing I do know is that much of what you stated is untrue. Did you even ride the streetcar down St. Charles in the beautiful Garden District? The architecture there and in the FQ is beautiful, not all boarded up shops and houses. Yes, there are some (EVERY city has them) and there are some areas that have not (probably never will) make a come-back from the wrath of Katrina, but the FQ and Garden District were not as much directly affected by Katrina (a few were) as they were by the lack of water, electricity, being able to even reach it, etc. - by- products of Katrina. I was just down there (sadly, my only annual trek) and during the day, along the River Walk, the shops in that area, the Garden District never encountered anything like what you stated " rampant drug use, beggars seedy, etc" Now, just don't get me started on "the expensive ho-hum" food. If a vote was taken on the quality of the food you would definitely be way, way, in the minority. I serve that "ho-hum NOLA quality" food to my guests here all the time and I have NEVER had anything but rave reviews. We are always asked when will you make us some more of that yummy crawfish etouffee, jambalaya, gumbo, shrimp scampi (not that greasy stuff that passes for scampi in restaurants here)? OK, so I am very passionate in defending my home area (not the whole city, ALL cities and other places have areas you learn not to go in). And, also, for the record, I still say I leave even the FQ before dark. But no matter where you are (even in your home town/area) you'd best be aware (not scared) of your surroundings and use good common sense. But as for you, MrsPete, and SaraJayne, really do wonder what you expected in food and ambience that you missed out on in the unique FQ of NOLA. Sorry you were so disappointed and had bad experiences that wiped out what a lovely experience it is to most people who visit.

It's ok I didn't like NOLA. Really. I won't be visiting again, nor taking my children there. Regardless of what you say, it won't change my opinion about the city.

So more room for everyone else.

 

[Planogirl]

I love New Orleans. We used to go there yearly but life has interfered and kept us away for some time. I know of nowhere lovelier in spite of the grime or more unique. But to each their own.

Cities in general are pretty grimy and seedy in my view. I don't know of a single city that is perfect and isn't rather spooky at night. I think that maybe some of our views are colored by what we see at places like WDW. If only everywhere was so immaculate!

 

[Swan4Me]

I am curious about your comments regarding the zoo. It is one of the best in the country and is known for the large areas that the animals have to roam. I am wondering if you attended a zoo other than Aubudon Zoo in New Orleans. It is mentioned with some of the best, including the San Diego Zoo.

I agree completely - now the old zoo about 40 years ao was like that, not the renovated zoo

As far as the food there are lots of tourist trap places in the Quarter, like anywhere else

 

[MrsPete]

That's the thing with New Orleans, you either love it or you hate it; very few people I've ever known are able to be neutral about the place . . .

MrsPete, you must have your street name wrong; the only two streets named Constitution in NOLA are far off the tourist path

I think you may be right about the love it or hate it thing.

You may also be right about the street name. It was years ago. I remember exactly what it looked like. It was on the river, but not riverfront. Jackson Square was on this street, and the cathedral was across Jackson Square. It was 1-2 blocks off the French Quarter. Oh, well. I'm really not sure of the name.

Wow, just Wow! Have never heard such a negative review of such a unique place Were your speaking of Constitution St. in Algiers? If so, don't know much about that area. But one thing I do know is that much of what you stated is untrue. Did you even ride the streetcar down St. Charles in the beautiful Garden District? The architecture there and in the FQ is beautiful, not all boarded up shops and houses. Yes, there are some (EVERY city has them) and there are some areas that have not (probably never will) make a come-back from the wrath of Katrina, but the FQ and Garden District were not as much directly affected by Katrina (a few were) as they were by the lack of water, electricity, being able to even reach it, etc. - by- products of Katrina. I was just down there (sadly, my only annual trek) and during the day, along the River Walk, the shops in that area, the Garden District never encountered anything like what you stated " rampant drug use, beggars seedy, etc" Now, just don't get me started on "the expensive ho-hum" food. If a vote was taken on the quality of the food you would definitely be way, way, in the minority. I serve that "ho-hum NOLA quality" food to my guests here all the time and I have NEVER had anything but rave reviews. We are always asked when will you make us some more of that yummy crawfish etouffee, jambalaya, gumbo, shrimp scampi (not that greasy stuff that passes for scampi in restaurants here)? OK, so I am very passionate in defending my home area (not the whole city, ALL cities and other places have areas you learn not to go in). And, also, for the record, I still say I leave even the FQ before dark. But no matter where you are (even in your home town/area) you'd best be aware (not scared) of your surroundings and use good common sense. But as for you, MrsPete, and SaraJayne, really do wonder what you expected in food and ambience that you missed out on in the unique FQ of NOLA. Sorry you were so disappointed and had bad experiences that wiped out what a lovely experience it is to most people who visit.

Yes, the place is unique. But unique doesn't imply good or bad.

Every word I said is true. You can disagree with my assessment of the place, but you can't say that I didn't see what I saw.

I have never seen another city with as many boarded-up houses as New Orleans. If you want to compare cities, I can honestly say that we have literally no boarded-up buildings in our downtown area. It's prime real estate, and people want to invest in the area. Of course, I don't really care whether you love my area or not.

I have never seen another city where the number of beggars even came close to those in New Orleans (though I remember some from San Fran who really had a style all their own).

We did visit the Garden District, though we didn't ride the street car. It was certainly much nicer than the French Quarter, but I could name a dozen other cities I've enjoyed more. I had looked forward to visiting some of the old plantations, but after my husband was attacked and injured, he just wasn't up to it.

These are the things that I saw. I suspect you overlook them because you love the city. Do you really find it difficult to believe that everyone doesn't share your taste?

I love New Orleans. We used to go there yearly but life has interfered and kept us away for some time. I know of nowhere lovelier in spite of the grime or more unique. But to each their own.

Cities in general are pretty grimy and seedy in my view. I don't know of a single city that is perfect and isn't rather spooky at night. I think that maybe some of our views are colored by what we see at places like WDW. If only everywhere was so immaculate!

I disagree that all cities are grimy and seedy -- and that's not always a bad thing. For example, Memphis is a city that exudes a down-and-dirty, blue-collar feel. It's far removed from the carefully manicured Downtown Disney, yet it doesn't give me the same "dirty" feeling that New Orleans does. Instead, it has more of a vibrant attitude -- definitely with a watch-your-back feel to it, but not the same as New Orleans. On the other hand, Denver seems very clean.

I don't think you can categorize all cities as grimy and seedy.

 

[Swan4Me]

.

I have never seen another city with as many boarded-up houses as New Orleans. If you want to compare cities, I can honestly say that we have literally no boarded-up buildings in our downtown area. It's prime real estate, and people want to invest in the area. Of course, I don't really care whether you love my area or not.

I have never seen another city where the number of beggars even came close to those in New Orleans (though I remember some from San Fran who really had a style all their own).

We did visit the Garden District, though we didn't ride the street car. It was certainly much nicer than the French Quarter, but I could name a dozen other cities I've enjoyed more.

.

You do remember a hurricane named Katrina-correct?
The devestation that occured forced many, many out of the city-so many of the smaller restauants and residents of the hardest hit areas never returned, thus the boarded up buildings.

ST charles ave-Garden district, has more magnificent mansions on one street alone than any city , I can think of. Not impressed with that? wow


Altho I am not a fan of Bourbon st after dark, nowadays, I still feel New Orleans is a great city

 

[EPCOTatNight]

I have never seen another city with as many boarded-up houses as New Orleans. If you want to compare cities, I can honestly say that we have literally no boarded-up buildings in our downtown area. It's prime real estate, and people want to invest in the area. Of course, I don't really care whether you love my area or not.

I have been honest about New Orleans and I will continue to be. With that said, you obviously have never been to Detroit. And, there are a lot of boarded up houses in New Orleans, but none in an area that you should've been in. Our Downtown area is NOT full of boarded up buildings. The only one's that I remember were Krauss which is now Condominiums, the Joy theatre which has been renovated, and Woolworth that has been purchased and will be apartments. The funny thing is that downtown and Canal looks better now than it did Pre-Katrina. The area was not affected like the rest of the city. I have been harsh about N.O., but it has gotten better and better looking. And the food is the best in America IMO. I have gotten better food at a corner store than I have in "Upscale" restaurants in other places.

 

[NotUrsula]

You may also be right about the street name. It was years ago. I remember exactly what it looked like. It was on the river, but not riverfront. Jackson Square was on this street, and the cathedral was across Jackson Square. It was 1-2 blocks off the French Quarter. Oh, well. I'm really not sure of the name.

If you were facing the Cathedral across Jackson Square, then you had to have been on Decatur, not Constitution. Cafe du Monde would have been directly at your right side when facing the Square, and the smell of horse manure would have been VERY strong just there, because that is where the carriage drivers line up to pick up their fares, except on days when it is really pouring down rain. However, Decatur IS part of the French Quarter, one of the most heavily trafficked pedestrian streets in it, actually.

This is a photo of that spot on Decatur in the middle of the day in good weather:
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2qQGvyNILp-4slezlUFSmA

PS:

With that said, you obviously have never been to Detroit.

Or St. Louis, for that matter. There are a lot of folks who are shocked by the many boarded-up houses that line one of the major interstates near downtown. In this case, they are boarded up because they are buildings that have been the targets of brick &/or copper thieves, and they are now structurally compromised. However, it isn't shocking to me that they would be empty; how many people do you know who would want to live in a house that directly overlooks an interstate highway? (Obviously, the homes were there before the highway was, and it devalued the properties.)

 

[MrsPete]

Duplicate post. Sorry.

 

[MrsPete]

You do remember a hurricane named Katrina-correct?
The devestation that occured forced many, many out of the city-so many of the smaller restauants and residents of the hardest hit areas never returned, thus the boarded up buildings.

ST charles ave-Garden district, has more magnificent mansions on one street alone than any city , I can think of. Not impressed with that? wow


Altho I am not a fan of Bourbon st after dark, nowadays, I still feel New Orleans is a great city

Living in a coastal state myself, I have a bit of experience with hurricanes; however, I can't point out years-old damage around here. I was in New Orleans 4-5 years after Katrina and was surprised at just how much wasn't rennovated.

My vote for most lovely old historic houses goes to Savannah.

I have been honest about New Orleans and I will continue to be. With that said, you obviously have never been to Detroit. And, there are a lot of boarded up houses in New Orleans, but none in an area that you should've been in. Our Downtown area is NOT full of boarded up buildings. The only one's that I remember were Krauss which is now Condominiums, the Joy theatre which has been renovated, and Woolworth that has been purchased and will be apartments. The funny thing is that downtown and Canal looks better now than it did Pre-Katrina. The area was not affected like the rest of the city. I have been harsh about N.O., but it has gotten better and better looking. And the food is the best in America IMO. I have gotten better food at a corner store than I have in "Upscale" restaurants in other places.

True, I've never been to Detroit. However, I didn't claim to be an expert on all American cities. I just told honestly what I saw in New Orleans.

If you were facing the Cathedral across Jackson Square, then you had to have been on Decatur, not Constitution. Cafe du Monde would have been directly at your right side when facing the Square, and the smell of horse manure would have been VERY strong just there, because that is where the carriage drivers line up to pick up their fares, except on days when it is really pouring down rain. However, Decatur IS part of the French Quarter, one of the most heavily trafficked pedestrian streets in it, actually.

Yes, I did get the street name wrong, and now that you say that, I'm sure you're right that it was Decatur. I remember the horses too.

However, the incident I was describing didn't happen right there by Jackson Square -- it occured farther down that street, almost to Canal, where we stayed at the JW Marriott.

I don't understand why you -- generic you, addressing posters who feel obligated to defend New Orleans -- care if strangers dislike the place. Does it really affect your own enjoyment that other people didn't like it? I think another poster called it right when she said that New Orleans is a love-it or hate-it place. You're not going to change the opinions of people who've experienced it and genuinely disliked it. I also hate bleu cheese, but do you really care about that? It doesn't mean you should dislike it too.

 

[luvsJack]

If you were facing the Cathedral across Jackson Square, then you had to have been on Decatur, not Constitution. Cafe du Monde would have been directly at your right side when facing the Square, and the smell of horse manure would have been VERY strong just there, because that is where the carriage drivers line up to pick up their fares, except on days when it is really pouring down rain. However, Decatur IS part of the French Quarter, one of the most heavily trafficked pedestrian streets in it, actually.

This is a photo of that spot on Decatur in the middle of the day in good weather:
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2qQGvyNILp-4slezlUFSmA

Decatur is my favorite street in NOLA!!

The spot in that picture is where the street performers I mentioned before always are. The do an acrobatic type performance and we love watching them.

 

[luvsJack]

Living in a coastal state myself, I have a bit of experience with hurricanes; however, I can't point out years-old damage around here. I was in New Orleans 4-5 years after Katrina and was surprised at just how much wasn't rennovated.

My vote for most lovely old historic houses goes to Savannah. True, I've never been to Detroit. However, I didn't claim to be an expert on all American cities. I just told honestly what I saw in New Orleans.Yes, I did get the street name wrong, and now that you say that, I'm sure you're right that it was Decatur. I remember the horses too.

However, the incident I was describing didn't happen right there by Jackson Square -- it occured farther down that street, almost to Canal, where we stayed at the JW Marriott.

I don't understand why you -- generic you, addressing posters who feel obligated to defend New Orleans -- care if strangers dislike the place. Does it really affect your own enjoyment that other people didn't like it? I think another poster called it right when she said that New Orleans is a love-it or hate-it place. You're not going to change the opinions of people who've experienced it and genuinely disliked it.

I hate seeing so many places boarded up too. It makes me sad and I want to cry everytime I visit NOLA.

But, I think to be fair, you have to realize the magnitude of what Katrina did. Our beautiful Mississippi Gulf Coast is still not back to the way it was and may not ever be. Its not just NOLA that hasn't gotten everything back to normal.

Living in other coastal towns and living through other hurricanes just isn't going to give you the same perspective as living through and knowing exactly what Katrina did.

 

[NotUrsula]

Living in a coastal state myself, I have a bit of experience with hurricanes; however, I can't point out years-old damage around here. I was in New Orleans 4-5 years after Katrina and was surprised at just how much wasn't renovated.

As I recall, you live in Florida, correct? And there is your answer. Florida is a wealthy state (even with the real estate bust), but Louisiana most decidedly is not. Right now it is the third-poorest state in the nation (behind MS and NM, which are tied for 1st.) The vast majority of New Orleanians pre-Katrina lived in rental properties, and when they were displaced after the hurricane, a large number of them never came back, mostly because they didn't have the means to do so. With no prospective tenants, there is no incentive for landlords in hard-hit areas to invest in rebuilding. NOLA is 29% smaller now that it was in July 2005; 148,000 people never came back. Orleans and Jefferson parishes have very limited funds because the homestead exemption means that almost no residents pay property tax, and they cannot afford to spend those limited funds tearing down derelict properties when there are more important issues to be addressed.

FTR, I really don't care if individual people don't like New Orleans, I can count my own sisters in that group, and I'm ok with that. However, I always encourage tourists to visit Louisiana, because the state desperately needs the revenue, and on the whole it is a fun and interesting place to visit.

FWIW, I wondered at your street name thing because I couldn't imagine any tourist deliberately seeking out the areas near either of the streets named Constitution. I'll admit to being somewhat surprised at hearing an account of a daylight assault on a tourist on Decatur near Canal; unless the perpetrator was a mentally-ill homeless person (they are wildcards wherever you find them.) I'm guessing that you must have driven into the city, because if you fly in you really won't see boarded buildings anywhere on the beaten path. (Though if you get a rental car you might, as there are plenty out in Kenner off of Airline near the back of the airport.)

 

[Swan4Me]

Living in a coastal state myself, I have a bit of experience with hurricanes; however, I can't point out years-old damage around here. I was in New Orleans 4-5 years after Katrina and was surprised at just how much wasn't rennovated.

.

So? Katrina was one of the most devestating Hurricanes ever

And DO drive the gulf coast of Mississippi for extensive damage..no boarded up houses on the coast-they are all gone

Your comment about the unsightly boarded up buildings seems insensitive


http://useconomy.about.com/od/grossdomesticproduct/f/katrina_damage.htm

This article may educate you-some 300,000 structures were destroyed or made inhabitable by Katrina

 

[MrsPete]

As I recall, you live in Florida, correct? And there is your answer. Florida is a wealthy state (even with the real estate bust), but Louisiana most decidedly is not. Right now it is the third-poorest state in the nation (behind MS and NM, which are tied for 1st.) The vast majority of New Orleanians pre-Katrina lived in rental properties, and when they were displaced after the hurricane, a large number of them never came back, mostly because they didn't have the means to do so. With no prospective tenants, there is no incentive for landlords in hard-hit areas to invest in rebuilding. NOLA is 29% smaller now that it was in July 2005; 148,000 people never came back. Orleans and Jefferson parishes have very limited funds because the homestead exemption means that almost no residents pay property tax, and they cannot afford to spend those limited funds tearing down derelict properties when there are more important issues to be addressed.

FTR, I really don't care if individual people don't like New Orleans, I can count my own sisters in that group, and I'm ok with that. However, I always encourage tourists to visit Louisiana, because the state desperately needs the revenue, and on the whole it is a fun and interesting place to visit.

FWIW, I wondered at your street name thing because I couldn't imagine any tourist deliberately seeking out the areas near either of the streets named Constitution. I'll admit to being somewhat surprised at hearing an account of a daylight assault on a tourist on Decatur near Canal; unless the perpetrator was a mentally-ill homeless person (they are wildcards wherever you find them.) I'm guessing that you must have driven into the city, because if you fly in you really won't see boarded buildings anywhere on the beaten path. (Though if you get a rental car you might, as there are plenty out in Kenner off of Airline near the back of the airport.)

No, I live in NC. We're not exactly known as a wealthy state. I can understand the whys of why New Orleans wasn't rebuilt, but it doesn't change my impression of the city. And I wasn't there just after Katrina.

Yeah, I was just wrong on the street name. I have a good recollection of exactly how it looked, but I had the name wrong.

The man who attacked my husband was probably homeless -- we saw so much of that in New Orleans. Being "ahead" by a time zone, we were up and out early, and we saw more than a few people sleeping in doorways, etc. It was between 5 and 6 when the attack happened. I remember we had just left our hotel and crossed over Canal. My husband and oldest daugther were walking about 10 feet ahead of me and my youngest, and she was trying to talk me into going to the beignet place for dinner.

We actually flew into Mississippi (we had very cheap tickets good for that airport only) and drove the last hour into New Orleans in a rental car. The most disturbing thing we saw driving was the tent city under the interstate overpass. We saw boarded up buildings while walking as well. I don't remember specific streets, but they seemed to be everywhere.

 

[jujube]

No, I live in NC. We're not exactly known as a wealthy state. I can understand the whys of why New Orleans wasn't rebuilt, but it doesn't change my impression of the city. And I wasn't there just after Katrina.

Yeah, I was just wrong on the street name. I have a good recollection of exactly how it looked, but I had the name wrong.

The man who attacked my husband was probably homeless -- we saw so much of that in New Orleans. Being "ahead" by a time zone, we were up and out early, and we saw more than a few people sleeping in doorways, etc. It was between 5 and 6 when the attack happened. I remember we had just left our hotel and crossed over Canal. My husband and oldest daugther were walking about 10 feet ahead of me and my youngest, and she was trying to talk me into going to the beignet place for dinner.

We actually flew into Mississippi (we had very cheap tickets good for that airport only) and drove the last hour into New Orleans in a rental car. The most disturbing thing we saw driving was the tent city under the interstate overpass. We saw boarded up buildings while walking as well. I don't remember specific streets, but they seemed to be everywhere.

I had stopped posting but this is crazy. We go to New Orleans all the time and there are a couple of places that I know of where homeless people stay under an overpass on a regular basis but you will find that everywhere. Another thing Beggars? Honest to God I saw beggars one time in the French Quarter about 16 years ago. There are those who stand on the streets with signs stating, "need money for food", etc. Again, if you have not seen that elsewhere, you don't get out much because I have see that in every single city we've visited in this country. Go to NYC or DC or LA or Chicago, or Atlanta, or Miami or St. Louis or even yes, Orlando and you'll see the same type of thing.

The last time we went to the French Quarter we saw 1 building boarded up-1 and that was because this particular furniture store left its location in the French Quarter for a building 10 times the size and some idiot threw a rock through the empty store's front window. Also, I see boarded houses or even some businesses sometimes because once hurricane season starts some people, especially older people or those who are handicapped, hire workers to board their windows. They leave the boards up until the season is over and then they hire people to take them down. They want to be prepared and do not have relatives or friends to help them in an emergency.

As far as a beignet place for dinner on Canal, I think it must be close to Constitution which does not exist either.

Like notursula, if you don't like New Orleans, so what, however, before you post things, maybe get a little info.

Would you like me to post that NC is all yahoos, hillbillies, and cigarette shops with a few mountains thrown in because I saw that when I visited?

That would not be fair though because I saw some beautiful things too, like Biltmore and not everyone sounded like Jethro.