New Orleans

Interesting. Bordering of being bizarre. That's probably how I'd describe this place. Spent 4 days there with a friend, Karen, from KL.
Very warm and humid, almost like Malaysia. The food is great. But we hung around the famous part of town; the French District and Bourbon St. It was just interesting... a lot of college students or retirees holidaying (I think tourism is a big source of revenue here), all boozed up and dancing, laughing on the streets. The architecture was different, balconies on every restaurant or bar that faces the street. People were up there, just throwing beads out to the people in the streets. People flashing their tops. Strip clubs.
I felt dirty just walking on the streets.
But, coming from Minnesota, it was an eye-opener. This was an interesting place to visit, but I wouldn't want to live here for too long (no offence to any Louisiana readers). Also the seafood is to die for.
Overall this trip has been fun. And the presentation went well too, am thrilled that my paper was published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine, so that was a nice bonus.
Also, got to meet with a highschool friend who's based in New Orleans. Heard he was here, so I emailed him and we were able to meet up.

Street vendors, selling their art or talent (palm reading and tarot cards).

One of the many jazz bands in New Orleans. This was at the Market Cafe during dinner.

Alligator meat! Kinda tasted like chicken (isn't it funny how everything tastes like chicken?) but the consistency of sotong.

French dougnuts, Beignets (Bay-ee-neah). At Cafe du monde in the French Quarter. To die for, really. Notice that thick layer of sugar?

Karen and I at Bourbon Street. Ahem, evening entertainment. (No, we didn't go in. Note the beads)


Jackson Square, New Orleans. Horse-drawn carriage rides were popular.

The infamous Bourbon Street, New Orleans.