My husband and I 1st visited New Orleans back in 2001 or so - I was standing up in a wedding for my friend - we decided not just to make it a weekend wedding trip but to make a vacation of it (for about 7 days or so) - (my husband's parents have been vacationing there for years and are completely in love with New Orleans) We didn't immediately fall in love but yet it called us back - and back we came - in June 2005 - right before the hurricane hit....and that second time around we did fall in love - there is nowhere else like it - it's smell, it's architecture, it's culture, it's flavour, is all one of a kind.We are planning on going back this year (2007) probably in the fall and bringing along a couple of friends - We hope they are or become as enamored as we have become.
I pray for all of the Katrina survivors - my heart goes out to you all - and to your beautiful, unique city.
-- (April 27, 2007) on New Orleans