Our City tour was very comprehensive. We saw the French Quarter, Lake Ponchartrain, St. Louis Cathedral, the Garden District and many more historical sites. However, I have to back pedal on “not gawking at other people’s catastrophes.” Seems the tour industry feels this is an important part for visitors to look at and there’s no stopping the telling of the story. The story is very sad and there is so much to do particularly in the 9th Ward. Our tour guide lives in an area which was devastated and he recounted the bureaucratic nightmares he experienced. Looking at the levees and the below- sea-level neighborhoods, I wondered if or when a disaster will reoccur. Rebuilding has been slow. Interestingly, Brad Pitt is funding home rebuilding which features solar power and energy efficiency. The photo shows the building and represents hope but the barren neighborhood indicates that there is so much more to be done.
After lunch we continued touring the French Quarter visiting the Ursuline Convent, built in 1753, it is the oldest building in the Mississippi Valley and the St. Louis Cathedral. As I tour New Orleans, I am struck by the influence of the Catholic Church in its history.
We walked two miles back to our hotel on St. Charles in the Garden District. St. Charles is on the Mardi Gras route and there are beautiful mansions along the tree-lined street. Looking closely, glass Mardi Gras beads hang from limbs. More beads to join these on February 24, Shrove Tuesday, when the 2009 Parade occurs.
I have been writing this while watching the inauguration. What a wonderful day.
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