My life as a tourist. Part I
As mentioned in the earlier entry, TBK and I are downtown for a couple of nights. Our hotel is also the headquarters for the national convention of the Disabled American Veterans. This was unintentional, but fascinating on a variety of levels. The hotel is also hosting a variety of others, from Saints fans left over from the Friday night game to a couple we met today that just decided to come to town from Florida for the hell of it.
It has been eye-opening, to say the least, in both a very, very good way and in a bad way (though, so far, the bad has been pretty minor). And, in just some brief wanderings around the foot of Canal and Poydras Sts (near the casino), it has been really, um, different to see things from the view of folks who have never been here, folks who come here often but never leave the CBD/FQ, and from the eyes and ears of the folks who work down here.
As those who actually live in New Orleans every day, we tend to fall victim to what I call Residentitis. If we live in the French Quarter, Uptown, Mid-City or wherever, we see the city as a series of intersections to be avoided, hassles to mitigate, clients to serve and difficulties to be surmounted. We struggle to park, wonder why our water pressure is so low and bitch about our dickhead local leaders. What we don’t see is the city laid out before us as a blank slate for our own enjoyment. Where to begin? Where to eat? Which direction do we take first? We can really stroll along with a beer?
Did you know Aidan Gill is about to open another location? This is only one of the discoveries I’ve made today. Do you know how good the burgers are at Kabby’s (scroll down)?
I’m not here to be a mouthpiece for the Convention and Visitors Bureau. Matter of fact, this was among the last of my intentions. I spent over 30 years being a professional cynic and I’m good at it. But sometimes it’s fun to put some new glasses on. For two days, I don’t mind if they’re a bit rose-tinted.
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Kabby’s is awesome. My employer has our office Christmas party there every year. The food is fantastic.