The Plan
After my graduation in December of 1999, I had been searching for a job. But after a couple of months of no real good leads, I decided to take a break. Since my friend Chris Leigh from WCU was taking classes at the University of New Orleans for his master; I thought it was high time to visit him and the city of New Orleans, Louisiana. It just so happen that I planned the trip during Mardi Gras weekend, what a coincidence.   ^_-

I got a airline flight from Tri-cities, TN. to New Orleans, so I didn't have to drive 14 hours one way and ditto that back. While in New Orleans, Chris allowed me to stay at his little apartment in the middle of the ghetto for the entire time. With a little spending money in my pocket and no clue what I was about to get myself into, I flew over to New Orleans on a Wednesday morning, March 1, 2000.

The Big Easy
What can I say about New Orleans, it has a population of half-a-million, but swells too two million during this time of year. Traffic was horrific, where it might take you ten minutes for just one mile; it wasn't pretty, so I was glad I did not drive. Most of the people down there were very nice, even the police. The above ground cemeteries are very unique. Not much French as I thought there would be, but that didn't really matter. And I am sure the city is very pretty, but since it was Mardi Gras, it was very dirty (especially in the French Quarter).

During Mardi Gras season, they have parades almost everyday. I got to witness four of these parades; one of which I even got a pretty good sunburn on my face and arms. Nonetheless, I did have a good time seeing all the interesting floats and seeing some famous people like John Goodman, Luke Perry, and Whoopie Goldberg. What I didn't like was the fact that I didn't get much of any beads from the parades, I guess I wasn't near enough pretty women in the crowd.

Other than the parades, I also went around town. I visited places like UNO, Veux Carre (French Quarter), and even drove by the MTV Real World House. I didn't have enough time however to visit some of the other sights in New Orleans, but I guess I will leave that till next time.

The French Quarter
This is the small area of what New Orleans is known for. I visited the French Quarter four times during my trip, especially Bourbon Street where all the action was. It is Bourbon Street where guys and gals flash their goods to get beads. Sometimes, depending what kind of beads they are, you can get a whole lot more if you know what I mean. Bourbon Street was extremely packed with people, insanity, and trash; sometimes I could not move an inch for minutes, it was practically standing room only. I would have to say it is one of the biggest street parties to ever be apart of, not for the weary.

Of course, one shouldn't be only hanging around Bourbon Street while in the French Quarter. I also visited an equally famous street called Decator where you will find the Hard Rock Cafe, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., House of Blues, and other nice restaurants. Overall, I would have to say I had a real good time while in New Orleans. My advice for others is to checkout New Orleans during Mardi Gras at least once so they can say they survived it too.