New Awlins

I have made it to New Orleans. No pictures in this update as the computer I'm using won't allow it. The first night here I was a bit frightened after hearing what I thought was a gunshot. I decided to stay in the hostel, but I developed a rather bad headache, so needed to go get some asprin. I headed out and found a convenience store nearby and picked some up. It was a long day of driving that had finally ended.

The next day I got a better look around and did some shopping in the french quarter. This is the area with the famous Bourbon street. Now I had been told about this place called Preservation Hall that had some really good blues. I didn't recognize the band that was playing that evening, and didn't have internet access so I couldn't listen to them before going, so it would be a real mystery I guess.

I chilled at the hostel for a little while then went over to the Gumbo Shop and had some red beans and rice. Basically, red beans, rice, and sausage in a bowl. I'm going to be making some for myself when I get back to Seattle.

After that, I walked a few feet up the street to stand in line for Preservation Hall. This venue is basically a box. Most people had to stand to watch the band play, they don't have a bar, and have no restrooms. The band was phenominal, The Preservation Hall-Stars. These are the most laid back and casually masterful musicians I've seen. They played early new orleans jazz-blues and their set-up from left to right was trombone, drums, trumpet, upright bass, and piano. Really really a great show. They played this gospel song that was just stellar, I have a short video of it and as soon as I get a computer, I'll be updating these posts to be more complete. Here's the Preservation Hall myspace.

After that, I walked around Bourbon street. Had some expensive beer and saw a lot of scantily-clad ladies. By the end of the night I was playing a piano at the European Jazz bar for about 10 minutes until they kicked me out for closing time.

I forgot to mention that I met this interesting guy named Azrael staying at my hostel. He's studying faith and says Seattle has a strong energy, and noted the space needle as being a major part of that. Really interesting fellow, glad to have met him. This is a very spiritual place. It seems like every block has a baptist church.

Today has been pretty slow, I thought I would come to Loyola University and take care of some writing. Got as much done as I could, also checked out the Park accross the street. It feels like I'm walking through a painting over there, there's a small river, golf course, and a bunch of people walking around. Kind of a Greenlake counterpart here in New Orleans.

Everything is pretty expensive around here. I think I'm about ready to be back in Seattle. I'm going to go check out Frenchman Street which supposedly has some great blues. Tomorrow is my last day here, when I'll be heading back for Austin for one night, then back on a plane to Seattle on Saturday.