#70 Feb 2015 New Orleans, Louisiana

As we planned our trip around the US we wanted to remember each state individually. New Orleans is such a familiar name that I didn’t even think about the fact that it's in Louisiana. Now I have the connection.

We took a city tour of New Orleans and glimpsed a few facets of the city through the eyes of a retired teacher who knows and loves his city.

Much of the damage from Hurricane Katrina has been demolished or repaired. This home is one of a few where, just below the mailbox, the marks from the rescue team still show.

This magnolia provides a sense of hope for the future. Life prevails.

A shotgun house is typically 12 feet wide with rooms arranged behind each other and doors at each end of the house. There are archways between rooms which allows the breeze to flow through when the doors are open. Both of these are under repair from the Hurricane damage.

This Greek Revival Home has been renovated and cherished by its owners.

The French, Spanish and English have influenced New Orleans architecture for more than 300 years. The homes of the slaves were also distinctive. This photo through the bus window shows the slave quarters where the roofline always sloped towards the slave owner’s house.

Cemeteries in New Orleans are a popular tourist destination but many of them are crowded and it is difficult to get a sense of them. Our tour stopped at St Roch’s and we were able to respectfully understand the different styles of burial. The tombs may be used for many generations of a family.

The family has not maintained this tomb.

This sign explains the maintenance of the plots and tombs.

Originally all graves were above ground due to the ground water level. Now they may be buried underground such as this row with a new mound which has not yet settled.

The French Quarter is the heart of New Orleans.

The balconies with flower boxes

The music legends

The street musicians

Jackson Square and St Louis Cathedral

The street art

Bourbon Street

You don’t see these scenes anywhere else. Everyone needs to experience New Orleans at least once.