| New
Orleans: Mardis Gras 2006
I'd always
wanted to go to Mardi Gras in New Orleans, but never got
around to experience. However, I met many people from New
Orleans during my time with FEMA assisting with the Hurricane
Katrina and Rita aftermath (See my FEMA:
Notes from the Field.) So this year, I was determined
to help the city economically in a small way -- and to fulfill
a long-time desire. The trip was a study in contrasts: bustling
businesses next to gated storefronts; colorfully-decorated
homes next to boarded-up houses with sprayed-painted X's;
streets churning with people and walls plastered with "help
wanted" posters. Needless to say, Tony and I had a great
time, as I hope our photographs indicate! In the meantime,
I'm encouraging everyone to go next year -- and look for
me throwing beads from a Mardi Gras float, which is my next
goal!
The
City
Our hotel,
the Bourbon Orleans, was in the heart of the French Quarter
on the corner of Bourbon Street and Orleans Street, just
a few blocks from the French Market. The Quarter appeared
to remain relatively unscathed but we saw many boarded-up
buildings and "help wanted" signs were everywhere.
We hiked east and north of the Quarter to the edge of the
real flooding and saw a lot more damage.
  
>> See more photographs of the city
The
Parades
The Mardi
Gras Parades were somewhat reduced in number and size and
were all restricted to the same downtown route to mimimize
city services. But they were still spectacular -- and Tony
and I made quite a haul with the throws. I estimate that
we brought back to the hotel about six tote bags full of
beads and other kinds of throws. However, having secured
positions on Bourbon Street balconies on two of the days,
we gleefully tossed away about two bags full -- to great
effect!
  
>> See more photographs
of the parades
The
People
Some of
my DC area friends were surprised at our decision to go to
New Orleans: "There's going to BE a Mardi Gras this
year?" You might as well ask if there's going to be
a Christmas -- Mardi Gras happens whether you're there or
not! While the media reported that the numbers were down
(about 350,000 compared to the million-plus of years past),
the spirits were high and Bourbon street still churned with
revelers. We met many locals who, to a person, thanked
us for coming to Mardi Gras!
  
>> See more photographs of the people.
| 
Photograph Album 
