As Hurricane Gustav approached the Louisiana coast, I thought back to how lucky I was to have spent several days in the beautiful city of New Orleans just a few months before Hurricane Katrina hit in August of 2005. I really enjoyed my time there and consider myself fortunate enough to have seen the great city before devastation hit.
Laurie was attending a convention for her job and I joined her for some days of relaxation. Her work days were over by mid-afternoon, which gave us plenty of time to check out the city. In the mornings, I usually roamed around on my own, basically walking a different direction every day.
We stayed about a mile away from the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. This is a spectacular facility (hosting about 95 conventions a year) spanning 10.5 city blocks along the waterfront. It is not simply spacious. It is beautiful and well run.
During the mornings, I checked out the French Quarter, the SuperDome, the lakefront art area and Harrah’s Casino. It was odd to see the French Quarter early in the day, when the wild crowds were not everywhere partying.
Together, we took a couple tours; one was a tour of hauntings. I am not a real believer in the supernatural, but this was an outstanding tour. I learned the origins of “graveyard shift” and “dead ringer”. Of course, some say it is simply folklore, good for naive tourists. Either way, it sounded plausible and was interesting,
The tour also pointed out the home of New Orleans royalty, Archie and Olivia Manning. Archie was a star quarterback for the New Orleans Saints in the early years in the 70s. Despite the team being horrible, Archie was excellent and the fans still love him (and his sons Peyton and Eli, current NFL star quarterbacks).
One of the best parts of our trip was after one of the tours. We decided to walk back to the hotel. We underestimated the distance, but we got to see so many great sites. We were very tired, but it was worth it.
Laurie was determined to eat some authentic New Orleans food, eschewing our cabbie’s suggestion of Harrah’s buffet. She eventually did find some good down-home cooking. Inspired by her, I even had a bowl of turtle soup (tastes like chicken).
We had our fortune told by some hipster in the Riverwalk Marketplace. I gave him no hints and I am not a believer, but I have to say he nailed some really oddball things in my life (past and future). Again, believe or not, but it was interesting.
We jammed quite a lot into those several days, and yet it was so relaxing (the Big Easy?). We really felt we experienced New Orleans. As the events of the last few years have unfolded, I feel horrible for the citizens of New Orleans, who have gone through so much. I also look back fondly at the wonderful times I had there.
-John Wroblewski, distribution specialist
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Nov 21, 2024Hotel Saint Augustine to Open in Houston’s Museum District Neighborhood
Hotel Saint Augustine, expected to open in Houston this December, is a design-savvy boutique hotel from Austin-based hospitality group Bunkhouse.
Sponsored Content
Remarkable Medellín
Visiting Medellín in Colombia: The Country of Beauty is like stepping into a fantastic story — literally, as the city in the Western Colombian Andes region inspired Disney’s Encanto. Here, valleys, the world’s tallest palms, vibrant communities, colorful houses, garden-like balconies and more prove reality is more picturesque than anything on film. And it’s especially more tempting following Medellín’s remarkable transformation, shedding its troubled past and reawakening as a city of innovation, art, cultural richness, modern infrastructure, thriving tourism and resiliency.
November 2024
Nov 21, 2024Immerse in an Invigorating Thermal Journey at Scandinave Spa Whistler
The glittering green pines and burst of jasmine lake beyond almost made me forget about the aches in my legs that slowly developed after the promised hour-long hike ran into the third hour. And, oh, there were my hips, showing up to remind me I was no longer in my 20s. I didn’t mind, though, because the vision that surrounded me during our guided walk through Garibaldi Park to Cheakamus Lake in Whistler, British Columbia, with Mountain Skills Academy and Adventures proved worthy of a thousand postcards.
Daily
Nov 21, 20245 Can’t-Miss Black Friday, Cyber Monday Hotel Deals
Plan to shop on Black Friday and Cyber Monday? Add these deals from hotels around the country to your shopping list.
Sponsored Content
Explore Egypt on the Most Extraordinary Tour Ever
Picture this: You’re standing in front of the Great Pyramid, the last of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, in complete silence, with no crowds in sight. As you step inside, your guide leads you to hidden chambers inaccessible to other tourists. Here, you’re granted a rare chance to delve into the deepest mysteries of ancient Egypt.
Daily
Nov 21, 2024Belmond Unveils First Luxury Sleeper Train in England and Wales
The first luxury sleeper train officially debuts in England and Wales next July thanks to the new Britannic Explorer, A Belmond Train. This pioneering train seamlessly blends timeless rail heritage with contemporary British cuisine, culture and style. Guests will enjoy fine-dining experiences designed by Chef Simon Rogan and an on-board wellness suite offering therapies to relax and revive.
Château des Fleurs Review
eFlyer Reviews
Nov 20, 2024Save Up to 50 Percent Off HX Expeditions
eFlyer Deals
Nov 20, 2024eFlyer Deals
Nov 20, 2024Xanterra Launches Thankful for Travel Sale
Xanterra Travel Collection’s Thankful for Travel Sale is finally here! This travel company’s sale, through Dec. 2, offers the biggest savings on national park stays, yacht-style cruises, historic train rides, legendary resorts, and walking and biking tours.
Sponsored Content
Extraordinary Egypt
ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME JOURNEY INTO THE ANCIENT WORLD OF THE PHARAOHS
eFlyer News
Nov 20, 2024Orient Express Reveals World’s Largest Sailing Yacht
Orient Express just unveiled the design of its first yacht and the world’s largest sailing yacht, Orient Express Corinthian. Set to hit the waves in summer 2026, this yacht will sail across the Mediterranean, Adriatic and Caribbean.
ShareThis