Hi Karen, <BR> <BR>I'm affraid that your question has become a good idea gone bad. I suggest you try posting it - or a similar one - again and then hope that Jimbo, or some of the others who have forgotten what this forum is about, don't stumble on it. <BR> <BR>Sincerely, <BR> <BR>Try Again

Related to Karen's message: need advice. We are going to spend about 5 days in New Orleans during Labor Day (1st week of September). Since the prices around the Quarter are so high we are planning to stay in more reasonably priced hotel at the airport (which is in Kenner, I think...). Has anyone tried this before? any advice is appreciated. <BR>By the way, in 1996 my husband and I stayed at Quality Inn on St. Charles. We had the best time, always felt safe around that area ( and we were often coming back at 1 am!) <BR>Katie

New Orleans is an interesting place. It's beautiful and disgusting all at the same time. N.O. is a small enough city to see on foot. Some natives advised us to skip the car rental. If you stay down by the airport, but are planning on spending the bulk of your time in N.O., then not only will you pay for your rental, but you'll be dishing out even more money everyday to park your car in the city. We did a lot of walking, and yes, it was miserably HOT; but we got to see a lot of the city, and really got to know it. We were perfectly safe, but usually finished walking shortly after midnight. A native told me (and a large, intimidating one, at that) that even HE will not go in some areas of the city. He specifically mentioned the Washington Street area to stay away from. Take comfort in the fact that Bourbon Street is crawling with both uniformed and plain-clothes cops. The best time to see Bourbon St is early in the evening, and on weeknights. Bourbon St. seems to get really cooking around 11pm, and it isn't pretty. The stench of vomit is suffocating, and the whole area is completely disgusting. Even the souvenir shops (especially the ones on Canal St) could pass for porn/adult shops in any other city. It's interesting that this otherwise beautiful city would choose to promote itself in such an obnoxious, disgusting, and smutty way. Be sure to make Preservation Hall on your "must-see" list. It's a great place for jazz, and even if you don't think you care for jazz, you'll love this place. It's not a bar, or club--just a small room to hear some very talented musicians. It's located off of Bourbon Street (near Pat O'Brien's), and they start around 8:30, and go to midnight. If you go, and it's packed, and you can't see--HANG IN THERE! Most people only go for a few minutes, or for one set, and leave. When they do, you can move up, and get a good spot. Bayona's (on Dauphne St--next to Bourbon) and Mr. B's Bistro (on Royal St.) are great places to eat. Afterwards, stop at Cafe Du Monde (Decatur St) for a tall iced coffee to cool you off! Have Fun!

My husband and I are planning to be in New Orleans 20Jul for 4 nights. We have travelled world-wide including many third world countries. I personally think Jimbo should soak his head in a toilet (preferably recently fertilized)! He gives the term "Ugly American" a whole new meaning.