Today we went into NOLA because we had to see it.  We have been there a number of times but not during Mardi Gras or since Katrina.  We walked Canal Street, the riverfront, Jackson Square and the French Quarter, especially Bourbon Street.  We had cafe au lait and beignets and ate lunch at Pat O'Briens.  The city sure knows how to party.  The crowds were getting pretty bad  and it was over 80 so we left after lunch.  We drove in and out through the city streets rather than the interstates to see how they are doing after Katrina.  It sure did a lot of damage and you see lots of examples even after almost 3 years.  Finding parking was more interesting because many of the lots are still filled with FEMA trailers.  We met the Marshall's downtown and dropped them off on the way home.  We drove back through burning fields which must be standard practice because we see burning fields every day.  It was especially 'interesting' driving among the burning fields last night after the game.