We just came back from downtown New Orleans. I thought that this campground was on the bus line into the city, but instead it has a shuttle. I may have mentioned that before. Anyways, we took the early shuttle into the city (at 10:00) and returned on the last shuttle at 8:00. Went on the Hurricane Katrina/City Tour this morning and the Cocktail Walking tour. Both were great fun. But, while on the shuttle bus into the city, and while waiting for the bus tour this morning, we found ourselves chatting with lots of other people. Of course, 'Where are you from?" is the first question and I have found myself saying we are from Portsmouth. Well one guy was stationed at Pease and another drove through Portsmouth to go Motorcycle week at the Weirs. Another couple were from British Columbia who participating in the conversation. I told the guy who had been stationed at Pease, that he went by my old house when he went out the back gate of Pease!. Then the conversation went to where everyone had been, and have you been to Alaska. Several folks had and one couple had had tour guides from Portsmouth. For anyone who has worked on the Shipyard for a number of years, does the name George Haskell ring a bell? His wife is Cindy Haskell and I remember them from Portsmouth! The world is getting so small! Then the woman from British Columbia told the folks who had been to Alaska that they had all been by her house as she lives at mile marker 50 on the Alaskan Highway-so Russ knew where that was. It was just such fun to all have a connection of sorts.
Back to the tour of the City-it was an extremely interesting tour with a native New Orlean. She had lived through Katrina and was very vocal as to what caused the damage, and we saw alot of it. Also saw alot of the repairs that had been made. She talked non-stop for 2.5 hours and gave 5 hours of information. We even got to walk through one of the cemeteries while on the tour, and had her describe the 're-cycling' process that occurs. I won't go into detail, but it was extremely interesting.
Then we went on the walking cocktail tour. Another good choice. It wasn't exactly what we thought it would be, but so much more. The tour guide was a retired high school English teacher, who actually developed the tour. I think he must have spent alot of time drinking in a bunch of bars after retirment. No problem with that!! Well, we went into four bars while on our walk. Oh, and in NO you can walk on the streets with a drink as long as it is in a 'to go' cup. Each of these bars/restaurants have a history and a special drink so we were able to order them. Fortunately, Russ and I shared. In one of these restaurants, we were able to go into dining rooms which the public are not generally allowed into. Our guide, Joe, has written a book with the history on these sites as well as the 'recipes' for these drinks, so of course we had to buy one. Of course we will be using it once we get home!
So that's it for now, but should anyone want to spent time in New Orleans, let us know. We had a great time, but NO would be a great place to share with friends.
Tomorrow we plan on visiting a rum disillery and a plantation. Friday, I'm not sure what we will do, but I bet we will go back into the city.
Talk to you soon-love-linda
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