The Big Easy

I've just returned from Chip's bachelor party in New Orleans and, as promised, this is my blog post about it--although one notably without pictures. My camera was lost to the bayou, never to be found again.

First off, it's probably worth stating that it was not technically a bachelor party. Chip was married in St. Thomas (or some Caribbean Island or another) several months ago and had a corresponding, legally binding marriage in the States sometime shortly thereafter. He's going to have a proper, invite-all-my-friends-and-family-wedding in September of which I am lucky enough to be a part.

So this bachelor party had a slightly different feel, and that, perhaps coupled with the fact that we're all getting a little bit older, made for it being a bit more tame than four nights with your closest friends in New Orleans might suggest.

There was a fan boat tour, a lot of jazz music at bars and such, a healthy dose of Bourbon Street, and some beignets and cafe au lait at Cafe du Monde, which everyone says is a must.

More interesting to me, and I assume to you, was exactly what kind of condition New Orleans was in. The French Quarter, being the major driver in New Orleans tourist based economy, was perfect on the surface. If you managed to walk a bit away from Bourbon Street the view changed. The only part of some buildings that still stood was the facade--or perhaps that was the only part that wasn't demolished. The number of vacant houses and offices in the French Quarter, again away from Bourbon Street, was surprising. Even on Bourbon Street, only the first floor of most buildings was rented. The second and third floors were empty.

We'll consider this Part I. Look for future installments soon!