Naw-lins

Since Donna has not been to New Orleans , we did all the touristy stuff: hurricanes at Pat Obrien's, catfish po boys, a walk along the Mississippi, a stroll to the garden district, clubbing down Bourbon Street, and of course morning coffee and beignets at Cafe du Monde.



Yes that's Donna eating fried dough and powdered sugar! (She only went there for me and since tomorrow is my birthday, the big 50, she couldn't possibly turn down the request...that's her story and she's sticking to it).

The tourist haven't quite returned in droves to the city. In past walks down Bourbon Street it was hard to get from one side to the other. This time there were only scattered groups of people and this was after a Saints football game in which they won.

I would say that only a third of the businesses are back in full swing. Another third are still being repaired and the final third have packed up and gone elsewhere. Good timing for us, I guess, as we have not had to wait in any lines.

Here's a final picture, the Royal Sonesta decorated for the holidays.