The hotel we stayed at in the French Quarter was the nicest hotel we have stayed in by far, and was the least expensive. It must have to do with tourism being down. It was one of those hotels that kids shouldn't even be allowed in, especially ours. Our waterproof luggage bag was ripped as we drove into the parking garage. We ate cajun food, then walked around looking in the little shops in that area.



We were sitting on a curb waiting for Andi to come out of a shop, and the boys found a large cockroach. It almost ran up my shorts which got me up in a hurry. Then they lost it for a bit. Kiefer found it again and stomped near it which got it moving again, and they can move! It headed for Kyler who screamed a bit and tried to move out of its way. The cockroach curved and kept heading right towards him, which prompted a very loud scream. People were looking at us and Kyler was dancing trying to get out of the way.

It was a fun time, but once it got dark it wasn't a place for kids, so we headed back to the hotel.
Damage from Katrina was evident all over. It reminded me of Grand Forks did a few weeks after the flood. Flooded cars were stashed under the the interstate bridges, and garbage was stacked on the curb in places, Roofs blown partially off and such. The fact that it is 10 months after is staggering. FEMA trailers are abundant, and most local new stories are about building permits, FEMA forms, debris removal and crime in flood damaged areas. However, overall our experience in the Big Easy was a very good one.