This review is about my time in the wonderful and majestic place known as New Orleans. This may be a long review, and for that I apologise in advance, however I don’t want to write multiple reviews about the different places you can see and visit, I just feel its fitting to fit it all into one large informative review, which will hopefully attract people to visit this place, or to at least get some idea of what the culture, lifestyle is al about, what there is to see and do and so on. New Orleans has never been the same since Hurricane Katrina hit a few years back, the devastation and destruction it caused is still evident even today, with many abandoned house’s, shops and bar. What really astonishes me about this city is the sheer grit and determination of the people to move on and stay where they belong. There were a number of people, who left the city along with Katrina, but there are countless numbers who have stayed, who have helped rebuilt their city, and this is evident wherever you go.

History:

New Orleans City is the largest city in the state of Louisiana, and is one of the major US ports in America. It’s evident that New Orleans has a French feel to it, and obviously this is natural considering the French found the city in the early 1700’s.However, during the 1800’s the city was captured by the Spanish, until Napoleon sold the land to the US in 1803. The European influence is still evident today, with the existence of the French Quarter of New Orleans, everything from the food, fashion, and architecture allows us to get an in-depth look at its history, its past and is growth. In recent history, New Orleans was his by a devastating hurricane, Hurricane Katrina in August 2005. The devastation this hurricane caused was everlasting, with countless lives lost, thousands of homes destroyed and a City that was on the brink of death.

Ok so first impressions, after the long tiring plane ride, I finally land at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, which is the main airport in the district of Kenner. The first thing upon leaving the airport is the humidity. I went in the peak of July and it was very humid and sticky, I suppose it makes you aware that you’re in Louisiana. I quickly yell for a yellow cab, which doesn’t take to long to arrive and it takes me to my accommodation. I’m going to go through my trip in stages, mentioning where I stayed, the resort, what the travel arrangements are like, and were to go and visit, were to eat, and so much more. Breaking it down like this will hopefully make it easier to read and follow, it won’t just be like a big blob of text, with me just twittering all the way through.

Accommodation:

I wanted to be at the heart of New Orleans, so I decided to stay in a accommodation that was in the French Quarter. I stayed at the Hotel Provincial, which is a beautiful hotel in the heart of the main square. I was thinking of staying at the local holiday in however, I really wanted to experience something new and different and so I opted for this hotel. It’s a nice semi large hotel, which comes with one hell of an amazing view of the French Quarter. You can here the jazz musicians playing outside, whilst also having some privacy. I stayed at the hotel for 1 week, and it set me back $398.00 roughly. You can get some really good deals, with Katrina, many hotels within the French Quarter have reduced their prices dramatically in order to attract and boost tourism.
My room came with two single beds, which is great if you’re sharing a room with someone else. It also comes fully air conditioned something you really need in the summer, along with a television, a small fridge, and a en suite bathroom, which has a basic toilet and shower, nothing lavish, but at the same time its what you would expect from a hotel. Prices vary as I have said, however you get everything you need for what you pay. The price also includes continental breakfast throughout your stay along with two private swimming pools, which help when you need to cool off.
Directions:

• Exit I-10 on Orleans Ave. /Vieux Carre Exit 235A.
• Follow right curve onto Basin St.
• Turn Left onto Conti St.
• At first intersection, turn left onto Rampart St.
• Go 7 blocks and turn right onto St. Philip St.
• Go 5 blocks and turn left onto Chartres St.
• Hotel is on right in middle of block.
  http://www.hotelprovincial.com/amenities.html

Travel:

There are so many modes of transport in New Orleans its great to have the option to choose how you would like to see the City. For me one of the best modes of transport is walking. Having my accommodation in the French Quarter I could easily access the main square and the surrounding areas by foot, all the shops, bars and small museums were in local proximity of each other. I also feel that by walking you really get to absorb the atmosphere, get a feel for the culture, the lifestyle and what the people of New Orleans are really like, it’s also a good exercise tool.
However, there are times when you want to visit the larger areas of the City, in this can only be done via modes of public transport such as local trams, taxi’s, the local railways systems and how can I forget the Algiers Ferry. The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority is responsible for the trams networking system. It allows you to get around the city with ease and comfort. Prices can vary depending upon the pass you have. I found that buying a tourist pass, much like a week long travel card is really beneficial, it allows you to use the tram service as many times as you want. Currently they do a VisiTour Pass (5-Day Unlimited Rides), which allows you to use the transport for 5 days; shorter one’s can also be obtained. The price of the 5 day pass starts at $20.00, however prices may have changed since I last went. For more info go to www.norta.com

One of the main modes of transport which I would most certainly recommend is the ferry ride on the Canal Street Ferry, which connects the East and the West of the City together along the Mississippi River. This ferry road is like no other, I have been on the ferry to France, been their done that. The ferry ride here is ten times as better, and only lasts about 25 minutes to 30 minutes. The ferry leaves on the quarter hour mark and the quarter two mark, but there’s plenty of stewards to help you with the times etc. The best bit about the ferry ride is that its free for pedestrians, however if you have a car they charge you $1.00, which also includes the return journey. It’s a brilliant mode of transport, it allows you to just sit, relax and take in the sights of the city. The cool breeze from the river breezes through your face, whilst the hot sun of Louisiana glares down on you.

Things to see:

There is so much to see in New Orleans I don’t want to mention them all because I will be here all day long, however ill point out a few places I went to see and visited, sorry if its not to your taste, but its mu cuppa tea.
Jackson Square:
Jackson Square is a nice, beautiful park in the French Quarter region of the city. It’s very noticeable because it’s got a three tower pillar on the building and slightly resembles the Disney land building. It’s got a long history and heritage, which dates back from many centuries. During the 1800’s executions of convicts and slaves would be held their so it’s a place with a deep history. It’s got a nice central theme right in the middle of the park, which has a statue of a man on a horse. All around the park you see beautiful plants, trees and exotic flowers; it really doesn’t look as if it was affected by the Hurricane. It’s a place to just come and relax, to see the quieter and simple side of the city, but it’s a big tourist hot spot, so make sure it’s not too busy when you go.

Houmas House Plantation and Gardens:

Another historical aspect to see when in New Orleans, you have to absorb the culture and the historical aspect of the city, its all good going to the clubs and bars, but if your in a city like this its really not going to harm you to broaden your knowledge and understand the city more clearly.
Houmas House, is another place were you can just absorb the beautiful scenery New Orleans has to offer, the admission price is about $10, but its well worth it. It’s got a museum, which really gets you up to speeds with the history and culture of the city, and a big garden. It also shows you the slave’s quarters and the plantation area that was used during the slavery period. It’s amazing to see how a beautiful place like this could have been a hell hole for hundreds of slaves. The house also has a French restaurant attached to it, it gives you a chance to sample some of the local food, and however it’s a bit pricey so I stayed away.

40136 Highway 942 (River Rd.)
Darrow, LA 70725 [Map It]
(225) 473-9380
Fax: (225) 473-7891

The French Quarter has so many things to see and do, its amazing how you could not leave the quarter and just enjoy your trip their. The two main streets to keep an eye on are Royal and Bourbon Street, they have a number of the top bars, clubs and restaurants, some of which I will mention in this review. The Court Of Two Sisters Restaurant is one of the best places to eat for me. Its price range for food can varies from between $30 onwards, but its well worth it. The food tastes brilliant the service is even better, and the jazz musicians playing the jazz music opposite just make it such a party atmosphere, its usually polite to leave a small tip for the musicians, but again that’s up to you. Carousel Bar is also located on this street, its one of the numerous bars that you can find in the area. It’s got a nice mixture of crowds from all races, and its amazing how welcoming they are to tourists, it’s as if your home away from home. Be prepared to get asked for you ID, if you look under 21 they will do it, and I suppose they have to. The drinks are reasonably priced and they have a large variety of beers, this was the only place that does Stella.

Harrah's New Orleans Casino
If you come to New Orleans you have to go to Harrah’s casino, and boy is it huge, the view from outside is gobsmacking the wonderful architecture, they bright lights in the nighttimes and the unusual shape of the building really make it interesting to visit. Even if you’re not a gambling person, its still worth a visit, they have a variety so there is gambling, music, shopping and entertainment, all of which could keep you happily pleased for the evening. The main casino, is something out of a old western film, its got the updated machines, the blackjack tables etc, however the style, and deco really makes you feel as if your in another century. Aside from the gabling, they have a number of cabaret and jazz shows, which if you’re into that type of thing is great. A number of restaurants with different varieties, again catering for different taste. Just be careful how much money you spend there, I got slightly carried away.
Jazz Clubs:
Visiting New Orleans wouldn’t be the same without visiting a jazz bar; it’s what really attracts me to the city. I’ve never been a huge fan o jazz, however as soon as you’re in the city, its as if it takes over you. Your suddenly nodding your hear with the beat, even though you have no clue about it. There are hundreds of jazz clubs in the city, so it would be pointless naming them all, however here are the names of a few that I found very interesting.
Bayou Bar
2031 St. Charles Ave., Pontchartrain Hotel, New Orleans, LA 70130 [Map It]
(504) 524-0581
Café Beignet
311 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70130 [Map It]
(504) 525-2611
Club 300 Jazz Restaurant
300 Decatur St., New Orleans, LA 70130 [Map It]
(504) 581-2534
There are a number of street Jazz players who are also brilliant, so its definitely worth standing still to just listen to the music.

Crescent City Farmers Market:

Crescent city farmers market is also worth taking a visit to, you get to see some of the local produce, whilst also try tasting some of the freshly baked pastries, pies, pizza and so on. You can also pick up some arts and crafts as well as some small key rings, and badges which are usually hand made. There is also a nice flower market within the market, now I am not one for buying flowers, but the smell really does attract you towards it.

Dress Up: Now I didn’t not much about this, however it seems as if there is some what of a tradition to dress up in fancy dress costumes, and pop around the street, some bars and clubs even have special evening dedicated to theme nights, i.e. 1800’s night, 50’s night and so forth. You see a lot of people wearing fancy dress on the street, when I first arrived I simply thought they were slightly weird or unusual, however once I started to embrace their culture and lifestyle you get to understand that New Orleans is about being who you want to be, if by dressing up it means to turn into someone you want to be, then by all means do it. There are a lot of fancy dress and mask stores in and around the city, you don’t have to wear the fun attire, a simple face mask would do. Prices are cheap, and you can rent most costumes for about $30, but you may have to put down a deposit.
Check out New Orleans Party and Costume on 705 Camp Street, they have some brilliant face masks.

Food:

Don’t really want to go on too much about food, because there is so many places to eat, and I am sure you can find your way around to get a fancy of something to eat. Food ranges from New Orleans style foods, to a more inter continental plate, from France, England, Italy and even Indian if you look for it. You also get the street vendors, selling hot dogs, chips and pizza, but I didn’t see too many of them as you normally would see in other cities.

As sad as it sounds my cousin told me to go past the local cemetery, which just so happened to be Carrollton Cemetery, now you may think why on earth would you go there, but its so fascinating to see the type of headstones they have there, there is even jazz player and singer, if there is a funeral taking place. It’s nice to see that the dead get a good send off.

Ok so end of review now, it’s been a long one so I am sorry if I have rambled on and one. New Orleans is simply a friendly, exciting, old and historical city. Throughout all its downs with Katrina, it’s amazing to see how close the people is with one another, it’s a place I would love to visit again, perhaps when Mardygra is on.