Visiting New Orleans

Would you like to help New Orleans recover?

The best way to help is to visit.

Visiting New Orleans is the best form of direct relief for its citizens: When you tip your waiter, you’ve just given direct relief. When you give the street performer a buck, you’ve made it possible for him to eat and come back the next day to do it all over again. On top of helping, you’ll have a great time and a profound experience for yourself and your family.

Louis Armstrong Airport in New Orleans is accessible from most major cities with easy transportation to the city once you are there via cab or shuttle bus. Depending on the time of year and conventions in town, there are numerous hotels throughout the city. It’s best to stay at a downtown or French Quarter hotel where most attractions are walkable. Hotels range from large chains like the Hilton and the Marriott, to small European style French Quarter hotels. Most hotels tend to be moderate to pricy, so for those traveling on a budget, you might try St. Vincent’s Guest House—a converted orphanage just outside the French Quarter. Don’t expect anything fancy, but you’ll get a clean room at a reasonable rate. A list of hotels can be found at:

www.inetours.com/New_Orleans/New_Orleans_Hotels.html

One great way to learn about the city is to hire a licensed tour guide. Our favorite is Inez Douglas who can be reached at 504-451-1082. Make sure to spend some time in the major museums including the Cabildo (Louisiana history), The Presbytere (Mardi Gras museum), and the Old U.S. Mint (The Jazz museum). A trip to the Historic New Orleans Collection to see its revolving exhibit and a tour of the Tennessee Williams residence are always worthwhile. Spend time listening to Jazz, wandering the French Quarter shops, eating good food, and sitting along the Mississippi River and you’ll understand why New Orleans is the most unique city in the United States.

One recommendation is to be patient. The city is operating on half of its population and it may take a bit longer for your meal to arrive or your room to be cleaned. Transportation may be a bit slow and there may be lines at restaurants if there is a convention in town. Remember that you are doing something good for the city and its people by being there.

And if you’d like to help out while you are there, look up the many aid organizations that may be doing cleanups or rebuilding. A day pushing a broom or swinging a hammer will do your soul good, and help the city in its recovery. Go to the Habitat for Humanity web site for information on how you might be able to help.

www.habitat.org