TOUR AMERICA 2000 Part Four-New Orleans I remember when I was a kid the words of that popular song, "I wish I was down in the land of cotton" and here I am in the year 2000 smack dab right in the middle of New Orleans with its mixture of old world charm, modernism and all that glorious cajan cooking. I've chosen to stay at "The Frenchmen" a beaut hotel right on the edge of the French Quarter, just a stones throw from the French Markets and a short walk to bawdy, decedant and loud, Bourbon Street with its fabulous atmosphere. It's also just a short walk to the tramway on which you can easily travel to the city on the Trolley Cars or if you want to bus it, the local bus services go right past the front door. Even though its holiday season and a peak time across the USA, this is the best time to go to New Orleans, for in May its considered too hot and humid for the locals.

I found it most pleasant with the day time temperatures around 90 - 98F. I arrive in the city by shuttle and once again get a free sightseeing tour of the city as we drop off other passengers along the way. There are the old cemetaries mixing in with the new developements alongside the freeway, Riverside a huge hotel cum shopping and display centre, then there is the Casino, past the mighty Mississippi River and a view of the huge riverboat Natchez. There is so much contrast and I look forward to exploring the city, but my first priority is to book in to my accommodation and then head out to Bourbon Street. The Frenchmen is a great little setup with a spotless swimming pool that

my room opens out on. Throw in very friendly, helpfull staff and a room that is excellent and you have the full picture. Every room has cable TV, air conditioning, heaps of big fluffy white towels and quality personal products in the bathroom. Every morning they serve a buffett style breakfast that is the best I've seen so far. Cereals, breads, quality tea and coffee, crumpets, and of course, plates of fresh made French Pastries. Ain't life just grand in the old south? I head down to Burboun Street, made famous by the TV series starring Richard Long. Its a pleasant and easy walk and the area is busy.

I go into a wide variety of shops just browsing and checking out the t-shirts and postcards. There's plenty of colorful stuff around here including some of the locals. Be prepared for plenty of beggars and at night a lot of drunks around here. On the street I ifnd its nothing like I expected. Bourbon Street thrives on a few things that focus on Jazz, Food, Booze and Sex. Its so popular here that there is no traffic allowed after six pm so theres plenty of room to move. Its hard getting into a restaurant if your a single diner but after a while I find what turns out to be a good choice. As a lover of spicy food I enjoy the superb blackened catfish, clam chowder folowed by peppered crab meat that

is served in the shell. The next night I sample their home style pizza that's cooked in a wood oven. They are delicious and the best I've tasted anywhere. I visit a couple of clubs that have Jazz and Dixie bands before heading home. Just watch where you go because in some places you won't get too much music for your dollars. Also be prepared to be accosted by the sights and sounds of the street as the clubs compete to get you on their premises. Day two and I decide that I'll take the trolley car into the city and check out the Casino and Riverside. Its well worth the experience and a great day just wandering around taking in the views and relaxing. At Riverside you'll find heaps of shops to visit and a wonderful food mall. Outside you can take the board walk along the river watching the paddle steamers and huge ships plying the waters. There are beautiful parks that are clean, the Aquarium, an IMAX Theatre and cruising the river that will

make your day out bloody marvellous. If you want to plan your day around organized tours then there are heaps to choose from and many offer special discounts through Hotels, so don't forget to ask if there are discount vouchers available. One highlight you should not miss is the Lunch or Dinner cruise on the riverboat Natchez. Its graet value and takes around two and one half hours on the water. They offer an all inclussive deal that provides a terrific lunch or dinner plus entertainment on board from with Jazz bands. If you have the energy there is a dance floor to trot around. The crew are friendly and the commentary as you cruise along is simple but informative. Once out in the traffic on the river you start to appreciate just how important the river is as shipping of all shapes and sizes pass by. The famous barges still work the waters shifting cargo of all types up

and down the river, disappearing into the inlets that abound alog the river bank. After all that there is still lots to see and do especially at night. Once again you can cruise the river or perhaps go on a spooky tour of the old cemetaries or take a Voodoo experience. These too can be booked either at your hotel or if your in the shops you will find plenty of info. There are lots of quality places to eat at night and if you take care and ask for advice, you can walk around lots of places that are deemed to be safe. One popular way to see the sights is to go by horse and carriage. At $US50 its only costly if you travel alone but for what you get its in the main good value. The relaxed pace and discovering the history of the area is most enjoyable. Finally, New Orleans is a city of the arts and there are many fine studios to visit. There are also displays on the streets too. I am sure, as I did, you will find New Orleans is just a wonderful and exciting

city that will hold many wonderful memories for you when you return home from your journey.
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