The French Quarter in the Spring!!

My BFF, Ann and I haven't vacationed together since May of 2000 when I flew in to Seattle and took her to Victoria, Canada. It's time to do it again.

When I was single, I used to "get away" to NOLA quite often with friends, and I've done it all. Bourbon, City Park, Mardi Gras on a balcony (never again), and many more things I'm sure I've forgotten. Since Katrina, we have boycotted NOLA because of crime, filth and other undesirable situations. However, watching the news, things seem to be looking pretty benign in the Quarter and I've been longing to return to the anonymity of a bigger place to just disappear for a little while.

My husband was shocked to learn that I wanted to go to New Orleans, but then I told him about the plantations, which were minimally effected by Katrina and the Swamp Tour that I've never taken, he agreed that it would probably be safe enough. I've always felt at home there, but now I am anxoius to see how Katrina has changed it. Not just the physical devastation, but the emotional and spiritual feel of the city that "I loved, loved to visit, but would never want to live."

And so.........I'm excited! Here's what I plan to spend:

BUDGET (per person)

Gas $15 (We live 1 1/2 hours away, but will be doing the plantations on the way.)

Parking $60 in the hotel's garage.

Hotel $235

Admission fees $156.50

Food - $250 I am allowing $50 a day for food and drinks - hey, isn't that a highlight in NOLA??!!??

Misc - $100 Streetcar, whatever else comes up...

So that's it. $816.50 is going to get ME a heckafun time in New Orleans.

Also, I considered purchasing a VISITicket, which ran diffent sales during my planning phase, but depending on how fast you want to move, you are better off just buying direct from the companies, like Cajun Pride Swamp Tours. I used my AAA membership to get the best rates.

I also researched the Meal Ticket, but at the time we were going, there were only 7 participating restautants with Lunch and Dinner offered only (although it says Breakfast)and from a limited menu. You have a choice of about 3 or 4 menu items from 7 participants. We opted to skip that.

When I return, I'll let you know how close I came to BUDGET and what to add and maybe what to skip. I'll also let you know how NOLA felt to a "retired party girl" like me.