Day 1 - New Orleans

My first impressions of The Big Easy lead me to believe that such a resilient town would have excellent character. It does indeed have character, but the excellence is a bit lack luster. Right from the start, the filth lines the streets on every block. This is only the first day, but I have yet to find a n intersection that does not have trash or foul odors. The locals working in customer service positions are rude and testing of patience. So when you come to this town, lower your expectations to zero and leave your manners in the street when ordering your food. This does not apply to real sit down restaurants.

This city does love its music and booze though! The air is filled with live music in every bar and on most the street corners on Bourbon Street. There is a liquor stand or hole in the wall vendor every hundred feet and most places take happy hour to the extreme. Several places advertised all drinks, buy one, get 3. I would expect the pours to be a bit on the short side, but I am not indulging on this expedition for the sake of cost. I would recommend a nose plug, because your ears will rejoice to the sounds while your nostrils cry. Also, watch out for horse shit and do NOT step in the water puddles. One child ahead of me did just that and the parents had to suffer the stench. Side note, you're a terrible parent if you walk your kids down Bourbon Street. Seriously, nothing about strip clubs, loose women or water falls of booze screams child friendly.

New Orleans is the Vegas of the Southeast with less Elvis and more open containers.

I will say this, the hostel I am staying at is awesome. I will post a separate entry for them. I recommend the Indian House Hostel to anyone wanting a fun place to stay and don't mind company.