Roger (![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small} nycroger1972) wrote,@ 2007-01-13 18:48:00 |
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Phoenix
Since Tseeps complains, here's a cut for you guys...
Since Tseeps complains, here's a cut for you guys...
George and I decided to push through to Phoenix instead of spending the night in El Paso, so once again the blog was delayed by lack of driving. The good news is I’ve added some pictures s. You can view them here. This will be the next to last blog. I’ll try to write a final recap or something when I get back Sunday. (Speaking of Sunday, I’m insanely excited about 24 starting.)
For those of you wanting more pictures, you can view them here.
http://www1.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/A
Unfortunately, you have to register, but it’s free.
Final impressions of NO. The French Quarter didn’t actually flood and we didn’t leave the French Quarter, so we were spared seeing the worst of Katrina’s effects. There was still plenty of damage around but it’s hard to tell what Katrina related, what’s people doing work and what’s just New Orleans. I guess that sounds like a major dig, but it’s not. The design of that group of houses hasn’t changed… ever, so a completely remodeled building can be identical to a rundown building.
(Side Note: I thought the Rio Grande would be more Grand… or at least more Rio. Instead it’s more mud than anything.)
While the state of the (dis)repair of the buildings is in doubt, the effect on the population are undeniable. Katrina came up frequently and every time it was quite obvious how hard it has been on the residents. One of our waitresses and her son lost everything. They spent eight days “living in a bathroom.” She was still outwardly cheery as waitresses tend to be, but her voice dropped a notch when she was talking about it. We overheard a conversation between a small business owner and a newly elected/appointed community leader. The SBO was talking about how bad it has gotten and how she feels forgotten by the-powers-that-be “since.” It makes me wonder what I would have sounded like right after 9/11. I really wish I’d met these people before Katrina.
More from New Orleans… George had a bit of a sore throat and wanted something hot. The bartender made him something with hot chocolate and rum and whipped cream. He took a sip and loved it so much he immediately named it the George. 5 minutes later he threw most of it away. When I inquired why, he said it sucked.
On to cheerier stuff: food.
Gary, our new best friend, recommended the County Line BBQ along the Riverwalk and it was awesome. Luckily there’s not one in Brooklyn or my weight would sky rocket (instead of the slow steady upward climb it’s on now). Beef ribs are twice, maybe thrice the size of baby back ribs.
Aside from the thousands of extra dudes floating around the area, the Riverwalk was pretty cool. Lots of bars and restaurants with outdoor seating. Could have been great. We didn’t bring cameras, but here’s a link.
http://mywebpages.comcast.net/hmpi/Proje
(Side Note: Passing though New Mexico, the 21st state I’ve ever been in. And that’s the most interesting thing I have to say about our trip through New Mexico. Oh, look at that nothing over there behind nothing. I can’t wait to get out of here.)
We arrived in Phoenix Wednesday night and basically passed out.
Thursday morning was spent shopping and putting together furniture. George’s new roomie Paul’s boat had to take his boat out to run the engine so we got to spend an hour on Lake Pleasant. Did I mention I can’t swim? The idea of being on a boat smaller than the QE2 is daunting, but I went anyway. I’ll let the pictures do the talking.
The ladies in the pictures are George’s new neighbors Lauren (in the sunglasses) and Nikki. The five of us and joined by Meghan and Sam for some liquid refreshment. The night begins with shots of something Paul’s father made. It ends with us sprawled all over the living room watching Beerfest.
Friday found us recovering from Thursday. George said he’s a bigger nerd than I am. And he was serious. I think the Phoenix heat is starting to get to him. After a long afternoon, we head out across town. The one real highlight: me defeating George in ping-pong. (For those of you keeping score, I’m 2-0 in athletic competitions versus George on the road trip.)
Now it’s a fine Saturday afternoon, we’re watching football and my flight is rapidly approaching. That’s all for now.
For those of you wanting more pictures, you can view them here.
http://www1.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/A
Unfortunately, you have to register, but it’s free.
Final impressions of NO. The French Quarter didn’t actually flood and we didn’t leave the French Quarter, so we were spared seeing the worst of Katrina’s effects. There was still plenty of damage around but it’s hard to tell what Katrina related, what’s people doing work and what’s just New Orleans. I guess that sounds like a major dig, but it’s not. The design of that group of houses hasn’t changed… ever, so a completely remodeled building can be identical to a rundown building.
(Side Note: I thought the Rio Grande would be more Grand… or at least more Rio. Instead it’s more mud than anything.)
While the state of the (dis)repair of the buildings is in doubt, the effect on the population are undeniable. Katrina came up frequently and every time it was quite obvious how hard it has been on the residents. One of our waitresses and her son lost everything. They spent eight days “living in a bathroom.” She was still outwardly cheery as waitresses tend to be, but her voice dropped a notch when she was talking about it. We overheard a conversation between a small business owner and a newly elected/appointed community leader. The SBO was talking about how bad it has gotten and how she feels forgotten by the-powers-that-be “since.” It makes me wonder what I would have sounded like right after 9/11. I really wish I’d met these people before Katrina.
More from New Orleans… George had a bit of a sore throat and wanted something hot. The bartender made him something with hot chocolate and rum and whipped cream. He took a sip and loved it so much he immediately named it the George. 5 minutes later he threw most of it away. When I inquired why, he said it sucked.
On to cheerier stuff: food.
Gary, our new best friend, recommended the County Line BBQ along the Riverwalk and it was awesome. Luckily there’s not one in Brooklyn or my weight would sky rocket (instead of the slow steady upward climb it’s on now). Beef ribs are twice, maybe thrice the size of baby back ribs.
Aside from the thousands of extra dudes floating around the area, the Riverwalk was pretty cool. Lots of bars and restaurants with outdoor seating. Could have been great. We didn’t bring cameras, but here’s a link.
http://mywebpages.comcast.net/hmpi/Proje
(Side Note: Passing though New Mexico, the 21st state I’ve ever been in. And that’s the most interesting thing I have to say about our trip through New Mexico. Oh, look at that nothing over there behind nothing. I can’t wait to get out of here.)
We arrived in Phoenix Wednesday night and basically passed out.
Thursday morning was spent shopping and putting together furniture. George’s new roomie Paul’s boat had to take his boat out to run the engine so we got to spend an hour on Lake Pleasant. Did I mention I can’t swim? The idea of being on a boat smaller than the QE2 is daunting, but I went anyway. I’ll let the pictures do the talking.
The ladies in the pictures are George’s new neighbors Lauren (in the sunglasses) and Nikki. The five of us and joined by Meghan and Sam for some liquid refreshment. The night begins with shots of something Paul’s father made. It ends with us sprawled all over the living room watching Beerfest.
Friday found us recovering from Thursday. George said he’s a bigger nerd than I am. And he was serious. I think the Phoenix heat is starting to get to him. After a long afternoon, we head out across town. The one real highlight: me defeating George in ping-pong. (For those of you keeping score, I’m 2-0 in athletic competitions versus George on the road trip.)
Now it’s a fine Saturday afternoon, we’re watching football and my flight is rapidly approaching. That’s all for now.
