Leaving the heartbreak of Gulfport, and the outlying beach towns, heading to New Orleans, we were all dreading what we would see next.
New Orleans was a special city to my family, we spent many memorable times here. Like the rest of the world, we watched the devastation of the levees breaking during the Hurricane Katrina crisis nearly 2 years ago, so there was a sense of impending heartache for another Gulf Coast city lost.
But while there was obvious signs of the flooding, and destruction as we drove in to the city, we did not see the devastation of the Parishes so severely ravaged by the flooding.
The French Quarter, for the most past, was intact. Still, Canal Street, Bourbon Street, and so many others, felt changed. It was obviously different ... So many businesses closed, so few tourists wandering the streets, and a feeling of needing to be more aware of our surroundings, than I had ever felt before. Even the locals advised us to be cautious.
The parts of the city I remembered, were still there, and show every intention of coming back stronger. There is a definite sense of resurgence, though they face a formidable battle. And the very thought of another big storm heading their way, is numbing.
The one thing that was not destroyed was the spirit of our New Orleans Heroes at Firehouse 29. This was a first year stop, Bo actually did this stop with me. Even better, we ran into familiar faces. The two I remembered most were on duty, and as awesome as ever! It felt like family, and they most certainly looked out for us. Kathy and Kelly really loved the people we met here, and it was good watching them experience the Big Easy for the first time.
Will share more after the postings are up ... But for now, as they say in N'awlins -- "Laissez les bon temps rouler" ... Let the good times roll!
lj & the road crew
ps -- Got to go to the Cafe Du Monde for beignets & cafe au lait ... and ... got a muffuletta from Central Grocery ... felt a lil like some good ol' lagniappe, ya know? ( ;
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