a complicated city

New Orleans is a very interesting city. I mean that in a good and bad way. The history is extremely colorful. The mix of cultures is fascinating. But it's overrated as a tourist destination.

The Garden District is full of beautiful antebellum homes and a public cemetery. We came across a wonderful Mexican restaurant called Superior Grill that had amazing hand-made flour tortillas. We took a dozen home. And that's the only thing we bought!

Lafayette Cemetery No. 1

The French Quarter is pretty run down with a lot of touristy shops and bars. Mixed in are a few nice restaurants, art galleries and antique shops. But those are few.

In front of St. Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square.

The infamous beignet at Cafe du Monde.

Lax alcohol laws.

Joan d'Arc statue given to New Orleans by France. Unfortunately, a Saints flag has been plastered over the real one.

Bourbon Street after a Saints game.

The last day of our stay, we hired our taxi driver, Mr. Henry Lee Tennessee, to give us a two-hour tour of some of the areas hit hardest by Hurricane Katrina, especially the Lower 9th Ward, before we headed for the airport. He was extremely knowledgeable and gave us an insider's perspective that was both informative and moving.

Musicians' Village sponsored by Habitat for Humanity.

Brad Pitt's Make it Right.

The writing is still on the walls.