My Katrina Report

[Guest SmallTownJohn1]

Hey,

Here's a freestyle report. I'm going to landmark name drop at times since I know the area. Feel free to web search any of those unfamiliar names because it's such a fascinating part of the U.S.

The inner French Quarter is in prime shape.

Beginning at gay home plate would be the corner of Bourbon and St. Ann--fresh coat of paint on OZ or they really cleaned it up. No one is around but the music is thumping. Doors are open at the Pub but still very few afternoon partiers.

Bourbon St. is back to normal except for lack of bodies. You can get all the booze, beads and Chocolate City T-shirts you want. The shirts depicting Gov. Blanco are pretty good too. Pat O'Brien's doesn't open till 4pm as well as Pere Antoine's off St Ann's. I believe most of the better restaurants are opening at 4pm. Hours are suppose to expand closer to Mardi Gras.

Bourbon Seafood House under the Astor hotel was the first place I saw looter damage... brand huge windows. They're replacing lots of glass closer to Canal St. I saw many of the antique shops on Royal with new glass. Brennan's is being gutted and new appliances were being brought in.

Jackson Square had one tarot reader in the entire area. Jackson Brewery is closed. Jackson Square Park was beautiful. Virgin looked in bad shape. Tower is open on weekends only. Clothing shops are open as is the Hard Rock.

White Tent City has taken over the huge visitor parking lot between Canal Place & Landry's. Signs tell you not to enter by order of the U.S. gov't.

You can have your beignets and cafe au lait at Cafe Du Monde...not many people were there. Evan's Candy is open. They have fresh chocolate covered cherrries and peanut butter meltaways in stock! Aunt Sally's has limited hours and employees.

Both Walgreens are open if you need supplies while in the Qtr. I'm not sure about the neon location on Canal.

Ritz Carlton has cleaning and construction crews (nice!) working hard and blocking traffic. I believe I saw sign for a new Audubon Hotel coming somewhere in that particular area.

Montelone is doing some cleaning work. I think they have a new sign too.

Most hotels are open and operating. There are just very few available rooms...FEMA, recovery workers and college dorm space take up most of them.

Cafe Maspero is open all day!

Canal Street really took a beating. Many of those businesses are boarded up. Riverwalk Mall is open...sparse vendors & shops.

Harrah's may be back up in Feb. Canal Place Mall wasn't open.

New Orleans is desperate for employees at the moment. Businesses advertise signing bonuses. But they want everyone is realize that the French Quarter is ready to play.

Personally, I saw the most damage far removed from the Quarter. You'll see it clearly when riding in from the airport. The burbs received the most.

The strangest part comes from how totally different N.O. damage compares to MS damage. New Orleans suffered from rising water, wind and looting. Mississippi was blown and washed away...a few things stand but not much to salvage.

Recovery is night and day, Biloxii has work crews everywhere. I saw hardly any work crews in New Orleans on the drive in.

I was told Biloxi took its government recovery money and hired private contractor. Louisiana and parts west of Biloxi are waiting for the Army Corp. of Engineers which is making it super slow going.

Isle of Capri and Imperial Palace casinos are up and doing huge business in Biloxi due to the influx of work crews with time off and complete redos.

And finally, I had clients/friends in the Gulfport area near the beach. They evacuate and relocated safely. But their entire neighborhood (approx. 5 blocks in from the gulf ) was flattened. It wasn't possible to navigate since there are few road signs or buildings.

It's now just open land and heaps of debris.

John

www.stj1.com

[Guest SmallTownJohn1]

Hey guys,

I hit post instead of preview so I apologize for anything wacky and spelling while I was trying to edit

Thanks,

John

www.stj1.com

[KYTOP]

Hey John,

Thanks for the detailed report.

[BigK]

Great report John...Thanks.

[marcanthony]

John:

I appreciate the report very much, like everyone else. Katrina was one heck of a natural (and national) disaster... and it exposed some problems with our country that hopefully will make us stronger someday.

With that in mind, I am hopeful that the city of New Orleans can somehow resurrect itself over time. Selfishly, I have great memories of the place and loved it for the unadulterated lustful fun it was.... but big picture wise, this country does need it to rise from the ashes.

[TotallyOz]

Thank you very much for the great report. You really painted a detailed picture in my mind.

My first memory of New Orleans was Mardis Gras when I was about 5 or 6 years old. Yes, it has been a while. I remember walking down Bourbon Street holding my father's hand. The streets were busy with people and the music flowed from the clubs. One door opened and my eyes caught a glimpse of a sex show on stage. I think that was the first time (and perhaps one of the last haha) that I watched a man fuck a woman. Yes, I was a bit young but back then the city was even more decadent that in recent years.

Skip forward 11 years and I was part of the parade with thousands of people yelling and screaming. The sounds are just as vivid in my mind. The ladies were all showing their breasts to us to get some necklaces. I thought that was cool but did not understand why the guys weren't showing me their cocks.

Skip forward another 10 years and my adult years in New Orleans were spent in nice restaurants and looking at the amazing architecture that has been built in this amazing city.

While the memories of the past are still present, I also look forward to the memories of the future. I can't want for the city to be rebuilt and my first visit to occur. I miss the city and hope that it will overcome the horrors of the past year.

Oz

---Life is here, life is now. Life is soooo short... and sex is just too delicious! Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, Champagne and Strawberries in one hand, Diet Coke and Godiva Chocolate in the other, a personal bottle of Eros, A BOX OF TROJAN MAGNUMS, and a good Cuban cigar in the your pockets (ALL partially used), a wallet ALMOST empty of currency but noticeably used from the rainbow colors of THE SEVERAL bills THAT REMAIN from a multitude of countries and cards charged to the max from the joys of life, body thoroughly used up, OLD AS TIME ITSELF, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO - what a ride!---

[Guest SmallTownJohn1]

Hello this very early a.m.,

I wanted to thank everyone for the positive comments on my jabbering. I really enjoy passing along any knowledge that helps or informs.

N.O. is such a fantastic place! And as I've told other friends, it's totally cool to visit and folks are begging for business.

I'm really enjoying your new site and its tone. I hope to be participating more and holler if you should ever need my help or input.

Bye y'all,

John

www.stj1.com

[Guest chuck50]

Yes John thanks for your report. My sister lives there and I have been a few times but enjoyed your presepctiive. Thanks HUGS

PS she was one of the lucky ones no damage.