The Big Easy

I just returned from a business trip to New Orleans, Louisiana also known as "The Big Easy!" 

I was there once before, 31 years ago!  I'd attended the International Special Olympics in Baton Rouge and a nice couple took a car load of us down to New Orleans for the evening.  

Life was different then, especially the circumstances the blacks lived in.  

The disparity was evident during the 2005 Hurricane Katrina catastrophe when the delays to act and rescue people cost many of the poor their lives. My hotel was right beside the Superdome where people stayed. 

Although some things have changed, some have stayed the same, college football is still the focus for many - 4 games were played this weekend.

Louis Armstrong's music lives on, Pat O'Brien's is still churning out "Hurricanes" and people are singing along with the dueling pianos.

Music is wonderful - great jazz and blues in clubs and on the street. 

Even music from the steam organ on the paddle wheel which serenaded us walking by the "Mighty Mississippi" River! 

Mardi Gras Beads are everywhere! 


People are still lined up to eat Beignets at Cafe du Monde. 

The old city has its charm and spicy Cajun food.

Hundreds of different kinds of hot sauce! 







We saw some of the remnants of the hurricane, empty lots and a couple of large hotels remain vacant.  But renewal and rebuilding is happening and the people have not lost their indomitable spirit!