Hurricane Katrina-it's been 5 years...

(Jazz Musicians-the French Quarter)

New Orleans is one of my all time favorite places in the world. Absolutely love everything about the city...where would I even start? I have visited so many times and even spent a whole summer there once. Sultry jazz notes, Old River Mississippi lazy and languid and stretching out to forever. Steamboats and pomp, the oldness of everything soaked like layers of memories; thick with time...French architecture, faded grand-ness of days gone by, huge plantations that hide it's sordid history of slavery.

(the French Quarter)

Hints of voodoo everywhere, huge magnolia trees lush with perfumed flowers...an appreciation for all things art...And the food!! Oh! the food...when I spent the summer there, I quickly gained 10 pounds...It just couldn't be helped! There are divine pastry shops every few feet and a rich cuisine that blends French and African tastes.

(Cafe Du Monde-best beignets and coffee)

Tim and I spent our second honeymoon there -a year after Hurricane Katrina and the city was devastated. A hush had descended over the Big Easy. Everywhere we went, things had changed, people had changed...Everyone had a story...many stories to share. Today is the 5th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina...communities are rebuilding and hope is everywhere. But Old Man New Orleans..he will never be the same again...