"N'awlins" New Orleans by acemj

New Orleans Travel Guide: 4,161 reviews and 7,182 photos

Sensory Overload

New Orleans is not as slowly captivating as a city like Budapest or dramatically elegant like Prague. It's not as serious as London or as hectic as New York. There are not as many famous landmarks as there are in Paris and visiting the Big Easy is not as exotic as a trip to Istanbul might be. But all in all, New Orleans packs a lot into a sometimes bawdy, sometimes refined veneer. Getting to know what's really underneath the surface of the city could take years, but I gave it my best shot in my five days here.

I had wanted to visit the Crescent City for years. It wasn't the lure of out of control co-eds during Mardis Gras that drew me to New Orleans, but the interesting mix of cultures. The French and Spanish presence came long before American settlers arrived and the influences of all of these cultures on the architecture, music, art and cuisine have left a tangible legacy. Everywhere you go, you'll get sensory impressions that are clues into the past, whether it's eating a corn-based dish (from the Native Americans) or listening to Zydeco music (from African, Caribbean and French roots). I did my best to savor the foods and absorb the music and sights. Hopefully, this page will allow you to glimpse a bit of what I saw, but you'll have to visit yourself if you want to taste the gumbo!

My favorite picture from my trip

While I was in New Orleans (the locals pronounce it "Nawlins") I ran into the filming of a movie and snapped a bunch of black and white photos of such stars as John Cusack, Dustin Hoffman and Gene Hackman (check out the Paparazzi Pics travelogue), but none of those pictures is as beautiful as this one. I was walking down the street and I saw the light hitting this stark white wall and this homeless man counting the little change that he had in his hand. For that moment, he was more graceful, more resplendent than any Hollywood actor in a thousand dollar suit could ever be.

Last visit to New Orleans: Nov 2002
Intro Updated Nov 27, 2002
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Reviews (74)

Harrah's Casino Things to Do (22)

I just walked by and snapped this picture, but if you like casinos, the Big Easy has one for you. more travel advice

Bourbon Street Things to Do (22)

Bourbon Street is one of the most famous streets in the world, mostly known for its wild party atmosphere and the... more travel advice

Washington Artillery Park Things to Do (22)

The park isn't much except a few placards but it does provide you with an excellent elevated view of Jackson Square and... more travel advice

Another drinking hole Nightlife (7)

This building dates to 1772 and legend has it that it was once owned by the pirate, Jean Laffite. The rumor is that he... more travel advice

Local Customs (3)
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Favorites (7)
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Restaurants (13)
See All Neighborhood pastries and coffee
Shopping (5)
See All Great muffaletta to go
Hotels (6)
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Transportation (6)
See All Natchez Paddleboat

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Comments (69)

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etfromnc Apr 2, 2012 at 7:20 PM

I intended to start by apologizing for missing your birthday but was totally dumbfounded by the fact that you have not been on VT in over three months. I hope that all is okay and that you did indeed have a great birthday and will return to VT soon. I missed your birthday because I was in Armenia and have not been online in three weeks. I am in Ramstein, Germany now praying for a military hop to Charleston, SC. I am in love with Armenia. You may not recall how I used to rant about how much I love Crete but the people of Armenia seem, how much can you really learn in 17 days, as nice as the Cretans were. I hope to return soon and was actually offered a (volunteer) job in Yerevan. I am also considering that.
I would love to hear how you are doing these days and how you are enjoying married life.
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aminalsandy Jan 8, 2010 at 8:30 PM

Have stayed at the Royal Sonnesta - it's an awesome hotel! Stayed on Bourbon Street side with balcony - was a little noisy at night - but that should be expected. Always ask for an upgrade at check-in - they often accomodate
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Arkeolog Feb 19, 2009 at 2:49 AM

you got another good page here. liked New Orleans in your way. Bora
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Tom_In_Madison Jun 3, 2008 at 5:48 AM

Nice test on the psyics! I might try that when I go.
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Sage49 Feb 14, 2008 at 6:27 AM

awesome photos Mark. Love New Orleans.
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malianrob Feb 12, 2008 at 7:43 PM

Hi Mark, i just got back from New Orleans. I had a great time. Thanks for looking at my Mindo page. I love that place. I am heading off to Ecuador again. Visiting Montanita and Guayaquil next month. :) take care! Maria
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DPando Feb 13, 2006 at 2:48 PM

wow i love bourbon street i will live there for sure lol !!! great page mate
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BuickMackane Jan 10, 2005 at 12:07 PM

Hey, we were there at the exact same time as you!! We watched them filming the Dustin Hoffman movie, too -- cool!!
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Sandi-2004 Nov 20, 2004 at 2:10 AM

Wonderful pg on N'Awlins! Loved my visit there. Had turtle soup at Brennan's. It was delicious, of course. Anything on their menu would be. The Latin Qtr is all about food, drinks, music, history & fun.
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SFHulaGIrl Sep 15, 2004 at 2:40 PM

You've captured the essence of New Orleans perfectly with your wonderful photos and information to spare!!