New Orleans

As the drive from Tallahassee was a rather daunting drive and we just so happened to be rolling into town during the Jazz festival, we were desperately seeking a place to rest for the evening. Luckily, my mom'’s friend Tom was generous enough to put us up for the evening. On top of that he gave us a tour of his studio (he’s an artist like my mom) and showed us around the areas flooded by hurricane Katrina. It really was as bad as people make it out to be. Strip malls are abandoned with 15 foot piles of trash in the parking lots, entire neighborhoods deserted, a noticeable 8 waterline throughout large sections of town, and houses moved from their foundation near where the levies broke. On a brighter note, the next day we got into the Jazz Festival for free as another one of my mom'’s jeweler friends, Julie, who was also staying with Tom, was showing her wares at the Festival and we got to be her 'assistants.'’ As we got in before the doors opened, we had a pretty easy time walking around at first so we got within 30 feet of the main stage. When 11am came and the doors were opened we noticed a wave of 20 somethings charging our way. They rushed in, laid down tarps and began their revelry. What had Eric and I let slip our mind? Dave Matthews was the headliner later that evening. Must.....….escape...... Anywho, we did see many cool acts including a few traditional brass bands and, my favorite, a HUGE gospel choir. Unfortunately, we had to make it to Austin that night, so at 4 we closed up shop and moved on.



Eric avisiblevisable water line.



Damage near the busted levy.