gi and i went to New Orleans for a conference. we rented an apartment for a week in Fabourg Marigny, just on the edge of the French Quarter. during the days we either hid in the air conditioned conference hotel or slugged around the streets in 100F heat. most of the early part of the day the French Quarter is deserted except for plastic cups, beads and other trash littering the streets from the night before.

Bourbon street is the skankiest street in the Quarter. This nine block strip is famous for bars, strip clubs and boob flashing. one evening stroll down Bourbon is enough to convince anyone that most Americans are thoroughly repressed and have no ability to consume in moderation. Although New Orleans is famous for its music, the bands on Bourbon also mostly suck.

among all the cheap indulgence there is beautiful architecture, streets made for human interaction. i guess the climate contributes to this. ornate balconies above sidewalks, tall doors that open the indoors right onto the street, steps with wide railings to sit on. everything invites you to linger in the street. you also don't need to go too far to hear amazing jazz. our place was near Frenchmen st. where drunks were fewer and music was great.

here is a photo of a barbershop (inspired by gi's photo series) with barbies (barbieshop get it?) in the window arranged in lascivious poses and a cat showing off fierce fangs. click on the image to see more