keykey travels round the world: USA - Exploring New Orleans

During the first 2 days, Big key and his friend were busy exploring New Orleans. Keykey was stuck in the hole in the wall!

Anyway, they went exploring the school, bourbon street, etc.

The nice chandelier at the passageway of the hostel.

New Orleans is the largest city in Louisiana state and is one of the major port in US. Its history is a bit similar to Singapore due to its being one of the main ports in US. As such, there were lots of people of different nationalities then. Similarly, the cuisine is also highly influenced by these people. Of particular interest is that of creole and cajun. One of my particular pastime is trying out the different cuisines here. It is also known as the birthplace of jazz. Music is definitely an important part of the city.

Majority of the poeple here are African Americans with quite a decent proportion of whites and Hispanics. Asians Americans are less although still present. People from Southeast Asia are almost 0 here. Have not met another Singapore/Malaysian thoughout the whole 4-5 months trip here. Somehow, Big Key felt that the African Americans here are far friendlier than those from the big city such as NYC. Appreciated the hospitabilty many provided.

Anyway, the main city area (at least where we hang out) is around 10km long. The public transportation system is not particularly modern. Main means of transport is the streetcar, taxis and buses. However, Big Key do find the streetcar particularly nice and interesting. Streetcar is actually an electric tram although people like to call it the streetcar. Started in 1835, it was reportedly the "oldest continously operating street railway system in the world" (Wikipedia). It was also made famous by the movie "A Streetcar Named Desire" In America, most people travelled by car but we travelled only by public transport and foot. LOL.

In the morning, Big Key and his friend decided to pay the school - Tulane University a visit. The streetcar they took is along one of the main street known as St. Charles.

The street is styled with the streetcar line in the middle with the opposing directed road on its left and right.

There is only a signage to made known the streetcar stop. Every trip cost $1.25usd and a unlimited day pass is $5. Transfer is only another 25 cents although you will need to remember to ask for a transfer ticket from the driver of the first leg of the trip. Exact change is needed.

Incoming streetcar!

O... next is the weather. The weather here during August - Sept is almost similar to Singapore. Sometimes, Big Key suspect it is even hotter than Singapore. Also, rainy days will occur quite frequently. Big Key hardly bring umbrella out but here, it is almost a necessity for every trip out. Big Key was wet wet on the first few days due to no umbrella! The rain is often heavy and quite windy. You will not want to wait for the streetcar in the rain. Another thing is weather forecast are normally quite accurate.

Travelling on the streetcar! Normally, i felt that around 40% of the people on the streetcar are tourists. Can see them taking pictures out of the windows as the car rolled along. The other thing is people around here tend to hook up a conversation with you in the train. Talked about weather, school, country, etc. After sometime, Big Key also developed this habit of talking to people on public transportation. haha. People must have thought he is a weirdo back in Singapore.

On the streetcar!

Not sure of the other states, but in New Orleans, Big Key felt particularly relaxed. Everyone seemed to be relaxed and not in such a hurry. At the same time, everyone also seemed quite friendly.

After 15-20mins, Big Key and his friend reached the school. Another college was beside it - Loyola University. Being a Jesuit University, the architecture was heavily influenced. Big Key and his friend decided to hang around for a few photos before going to Tulane.

The school front

The Loyola building directly next to Tulane University

Next, we went to Tulane University. Being the weekend, there were not many people in the school. After walking for like only 20m into the place, Big Key and co. were stopped by the school Police. The police were on Segways and asked Big Key his purpose. Hor, Keykey always tell Big Key not to step on th egrass but he never listen. They also suspected Big Key and co. of entering the construction area along their way in. They seemed dead sure Big Key was naughty and entered that place. Not particularly the best welcome from the school. Anyway, lucky Big Key and his friend just deny it and said that they were on exchange here (lucky they brought the paperwork along). After a while, the police were much friendlier and talked to them about Bourbon St and not to drink too much. LOL?

Soon, Big Key started touring around the school compound. Lots of open spaces and greenery with short building around a few stories high for classes.

Coil from someone's bed got abandoned on the lawn.

The surrounding area of the school compound.

There was also this PJ's Coffee in the school. It is a franchise which is like Starbucks but is more famous than the latter in the New Orleans area.

After the day trip, Big Key and co. decided to check out Bourbon St at night! Again, they didn't bring me along! Bourbon St is a famous street in the French Quarter Area in New Orleans. French Quarter is kinda the oldest and most famous neighbourhood in that area. Sorta like town area in Sg and Bourbon St is the equivalent of Mohammed Sultan in the earlier days. The whole stretch of Bourbon St is full of pubs and strip clubs! hahaa. Somehow, there are not many clubs around. A must go place for tourist to New Orleans, even if you don't drink. Walk around and soak in the atmosphere.

They stopped at Canal St and proceeded to Bourbon St along it.

Music players along the entrance from Canal St. (Btw, Foot Locker is like our Sportlink but focuses almost entirely on shoes only)

The starting part of the Bourbon St. Not the most happening area yet.

They also went to the Harrah's NewOrleans. A casino in the city area along Canal St. Big Key didn't bring his passport along and thus, can't enter. =(

Anyway, they walked around, had a few beers and soon, decided to go back to the hostel. Waited for the streetcar for almost an hr (till around 1am +) Not particularly the most efficient mode of transport but one of the cheapest. lol. If you have not realised yet, it is particularly infrequent at night although it is 24hrs.

Popped by Walgreens on their way back. Kinda like a 24 hrs Cold Storage. Although a bit more ex than Walmart, Walgreens are normally located in the city area as compared to Walmart which is normally a bit further out. Bought a Jumbo Bun with nice icing.

Big Key came back and found key key hanging around (literally!) and having fun. So naughty! Still give the innocent look when caught.