New Orleans, LA (USA)

[Solo Inspection Trip] Woke up really early (0430) so I could drive over to DFW Airport in time to make my flight to New Orleans. This was my first time trying to park there and took a little bit to find the exact lot that my office wanted me to use... Fortunately, I was successful in my search and made it through security OK.  The airport was busy - I was surprised at the number of people this early on a Thursday. Had a bit of time to relax before getting on the plane (American Airlines). After departing from Texas (0730), the flight went by very quickly - I was in a three way conversation with some nearby passengers about housing, sights to see in Dallas and New Orleans and different career paths.  Interesting!  We landed at around 0840 and I was pleased to find my checked bag waiting at the claim area.  Very soon after that (0905), I got my rental car (from Hertz). I was glad to have GPS in the vehicle again - unfortunately, they charged me this time (I guess I've just been getting lucky)... Before driving too far, I changed into my work clothes and then headed to work in Belle Chasse. Met Greg there and got started with the inspection by around 1000. We worked for awhile until it was time for lunch; we went over to the nearby American Pizza & Wings restaurant and I had a Stromboli that filled me up for the rest of the day! Back at the office afterwards, I spent several more hours working in the afternoon. I finally left for my hotel at around 1700 and encountered some of the horrendous traffic that everyone always complains about for NOLA. Again, the GPS came in handy - it kept me moving on some surface streets I would never have known about otherwise. I checked into the Courtyard on St. Charles Avenue (near Canal Street) by 1735. After getting changed, I headed out to explore the French Quarter. When I visited the last time (see DEC 2008), the place was kind of dull and dumpy and not like I remembered from the early 1990s. Tonight, however, the place was busy and everyone was having a great time. Everything was open, too - I guess Mardi Gras gets things moving for the season... I found a hole in the wall place that was willing to sell me a (watered down) Hurricane. Later, I went in for a drink at Pat O'Brien's.  At least that place had the same ambiance as I'd previously enjoyed (see JAN 1993, NOV 1993, etc.). Along the way, I had a beer called "Abita" (local, Louisiana brew) - it was good. Even though it seemed later, I was back in my room by 2100 and went to bed soon afterwards.  This is going to be an interesting trip!