New Orleans -- February 2010

In February, I attended the annual International Studies Association conference, which was held in New Orleans. I hadn't been there since the last time ISA was there, which was about eight years ago. Mike also joined me, as I thought it would be a nice weekend getaway, and he would have a chance to meet some of my grad school friends.


New Orleans had just won the Superbowl, and we had just missed Mardis Gras. I was actually grateful, as I needed a bit of rest and relaxation (once conference stress was over). While I was conferencing, Mike ventured out into the French Quarter and took a tour of the city, which included some of the sites worst hit by Katrina in 2005.

While some might think it tacky that people profit from such tours, I think the educational value outweighs that. People should know what happened to New Orleans and how the poorest people were hit the hardest (compared to other parts of the city, such as the Garden District).

Mike saw a traditional New Orleans cemetary, where the tombs are all above ground due to the high water table.

Here's a tomb for multiple "residents."

These are quite beautiful resting places, I must say.

On Saturday of that weekend, we decided to ditch the conference and venture out into the city. We had breakfast at a place that was in an old bank. I ordered cat fish, eggs, and grits -- YUM! (Mike didn't think so, though).

Here's one of the vaults of that old bank. It was pretty cool to check out.

Our stroll to catch the trolley took us by this square, where the sign was both in English and in French.

The trolley is a nice way to travel while visiting New Orleans. Well, so long as it doesn't break down, which is what happened to friends of mine that weekend.

We headed over to Tulane University to check out the campus, which is in the Garden District.

Tulane University definitely appeared to have celebrated Mardis Gras, judging by all of the beads in this tree.

There were some interesting sculptures on the Tulane campus.

We then walked through a large park toward the New Orleans Zoo. It was a whirlwind visit, as we only had about 90 minutes before the park closed.

Of course, being the kitty lover I am, I had to see some BIG kitties! :-)

And of course, since we were in Louisiana, we had to see us some GATORS!

Here are some cuties...

and some beauties...

some are old, and some are unusual...

and some are just PINK! (the flamingos, not me).