We'd sadly rushed through so many places but were thankfully able to spend a few days in New Orleans. The hostel we stayed at was out of town but only a tram ride away. Unlike many other places we had stayed, the hostel was very backpacker friendly so we enjoyed a few cocktails and beers there before venturing out. As we made our way to the tram and into town we couldn't help but notice the old colourful beads from Mardi Gras that now shine in trees, balconies and through drain grates. Although its techincally litter, its colourful and acts as a constant reminder of the party spirit that lives in New Orleans. We made our way to the Bourbon Street which is jam packed with bars and clubs. Sadly it was tackier and overly touristy. There were strip joints with girls outside trying their best to leer gentlemen inside. Dotted along the road were street bars selling cheap beers and shots. It appeared to be the New Orleans version of the Westend in Ibiza. Its what you go to Ibiza for, not New Orleans. We grabbed a bite to eat in a nice restaurant just off the main strip and then luckily found a darker quite bar called Fritzels. It wasn't the best music but it was nicer than what some of the surrounding pubs had to offer. On our first day we ventured into town and walked around. As we tried to establish our bearings, the muggy-ness began to take its toll so we took solace in the pub. We only wanted a quick quiet soft drink but ended up talking to some weirdos! An elderly woman (mutton dressed as lamb) was a little drunk and talking to us about random rubbish but we struggled to escape from her. Sat beside us along the bar were her two American flatmates, equally drunk. They mumbled on about how rugby is a real mans game and laughing at how England were out of the World Cup. For 11am, it was a messy situation. Walking around the French Quater and looking at all the gorgeous iron balconies and colourful houses was nice. We passed some square gardens and popped in and out of shops on our way. The market area was really nice and full of crafts and colourful art. As we strolled along the Mississippi River we watched hundreds of kids lining up to go on the Steam boat Cruises. (There was some religious gathering in town so the place was filled with Children and youth workers and their livid green backpacks). It was really nice to just wander round and soak up the sun and atmosphere of New Orleans. Back at the hostel we began chatting to four Americans who were doing a road trip. The four lads could honestly star in the American version of the Inbetweeners - they were awesome! They told us about Freeman Street, an area virtually void of tourists and full of decent music bars. The guys were underage but we they managed to get in and we were served. The bars weren't overly busy as it was a week night, but the music was good. The lady behind the bar instantly knew I wasn't American when I ordered my beer and decided to tell me that tipping is not included in the price of the drinks! It just seemed so rude to ask for a tip when all she did was reach down, grab a beer, take the top off and hand it to me. In America you're meant to tip everyone. At first we tipped, but then realised we couldn't afford to tip every meal or drink as we had to eat out at least twice a day! The staff aren't paid a minimum wage and earn around $2.50 an hour, but with everyones tip they earn well over what they should for an average job. We tipped people who gave us really good service, not those who asked for money or drew smiley faces on our reciepts stating how much a 15% tip and 20% tip would be! At the end of the night we chilled on a balcony listening to the music and people watching. On our way home waiting for the tram, Simon was desperate and went for a wee against a wall. The lads were all laughing as Simon didn't realise he had pee'd right infront of an undercover cop car!!! Our second day was again spent wandering around the city. There were endless peices of art dotted around and a few street performers. One guy painted silver had his entire boy hidden and his head was dressed as a baby, as we passed he began crying and wailing 'mommy' and dadda' which was unique and very bizarre. We popped into the absinthe museum which was full of drinks fountains and green goblin related stuff. Later on we made our way to the cemetry as the tombs were famous for being so large and white. As we wandered round we felt like we were at the begining of a horror film, depsite it still being daylight. It was really creepy not being able to see who else was about. One tomb we found was covered in XXX and had cent coints and flowers left beside it. At closer inspection we realised it was the tomb of a voodoo queen - creepy!

Our last night was spent in the hostel with the Americans playing Ring Of Fire. When the 'make a rule' card was drawn they decided that English accents should be used for the rest of the game. It was so funny as they all sounded like a masculine Mary Poppins! Our Coors was finished faster than we had planned so I had to nip to the pharmacy to buy more - yes drugstores sell alcohol! I picked Si up some 1st Degree Burns Jalapeno Doritios crisps. They tasted just like jalapenos and, despite being mega spicy, were delish (hope they're out in the UK). We also played our first ever game of Beer Pong. Basically, you have to throw the pingpong into the oppositions cups. Your elbow cannot go over the table and if it bounces on the table the other team can try to prevent the ball going into a cup. The contents of the cup the ball lands in must be drunk. It felt so American with red cups! Good times!!! As we left New Orleans on the bus we passed numerous houses that had still not been repaired from hurricane Katrina back in 2005. Roofs and buildings had half collapsed and were left to rot. The remaining devastation gave us a little insight into how Katrina destroyed and damaged so many lives.