New Yorkers visit storm-damaged New Orleans to promote tourism

[Sleepless In NY]

We learned here not to depend on bush after 9/11, so I was so happy to see this happening, we really need to pull together & help each other:

Feb 10, 5:36 PM EST

New Yorkers visit storm-damaged New Orleans to promote tourism

By STACEY PLAISANCE
Associated Press Writer

NEW ORLEANS (AP) -- Dozens of New Yorkers arrived at an upscale shopping center Friday as it opened its doors for the first time since Hurricane Katrina hit more than five months ago.

Recalling how the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks crippled New York's tourism industry and how New Orleanians traveled there in the months after the attacks, Jonathan Tisch, chairman of New York City's visitor's bureau, said he had come to return the favor.

"We want to do what we can as a city that has been through the pain," he said, adding that like New York, New Orleans will rely heavily on travel and tourism as it recovers. "You helped us. You were there in droves. You showed us that you cared. Now we are returning the favor."

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/N/NY_KATRINA_NEW_YORKERS_BAOL-?SITE=NYNYD&SECTION=MIDEAST&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

[ClintonTyree]

1. I'm leaving in 2 weeks........

for 10 glorious days! Actually, I'll be "pet sitting" for my daughter and her room-mates pets while they're on spring break. But I'll catch a few days of Mardi Gras, take the Greyline "Katrina" Tour, and have fun with the dogs and cats. I'm looking forward to it.

[CottonBear]

2. We're going to be in NOLA for Mardi Gras too!

Mr. CB is a NOLA native. We will be staying with his sister. We will great food and go into NOLA from St. Tammnay Parish for Cafe au Lait, beignets, 'erster Po' Boys, a visit to the St. Louis cathedral and Jackson Square (we always go there) and a Mardi Gras parade. Oh yeah, and we're gonna visit BOSSHOG's fave haunt Tropical Isle!

We had a trip scheduled to visit sister right before the hurricane hit. :( His family evacuated and they still haven't slept in their own beds since then due to the hurricane damage to their home. :cry:

Good news! She's almost done with repair and renovation so we'll have a bed or at least an air mattress to sleep upon! :)

Maybe some of us DUers can meet up at Cafe du Monde.

Laissez les bon temps roulet! :party: