Kit and Carol on the Road

We are currently in New Iberia, Lousiana (the Bakersfield of Louisiana--no redeeming qualities) but last night at this time we were in the middle of a parade in the middle of the French Quarter. We arrived at the KOA outside of New Orleans on Friday. You can still see a lot of Katrina damage on the way into the city. The part where the KOA is was not damaged by flood--just by wind. Anyway, this KOA has a shuttle into downtown which we took on Saturday. We thought we arrived early enough in February to avoid Mardi Gras mayhem (the RV park was certainly uncrowded) but it turns out that the first parade of the season--mostly for the locals--was last night. So we spent the day wandering the city. Took a free ferry across the Mississippi to see Mardi Gras World where they create the floats for the big parades (starting next weekend). Wandered up Bourbon Street listening to live music in every bar (you can peek in from the street). And found a spot for the parade. It is impossible to describe this parade experience. The parade itself is described as "adult, satirical, and rauchy". It reminded us of Eugene Celebration. But the parade experience is totally different. We staked our spot about an hour early and people watched. Across the street people were throwing beads and things off a balcony which created a sensation among those just walking the street. There was such a mass of people the parade could hardly get through. I was within inches of the small floats and lots of marchers. What more can I say. You have to be there. (Once is enough for us). I am going to post this so we can look at our photos and see if we can post some.