Mardi Gras 2006 pictures

Here are a few images from parades at Mardi Gras in New Orleans this year. I only attended a few parades in the week before Mardi Gras, and the crowds were thin. Even late night in the French Quarter felt a bit barren. But by Friday night of the weekend before Mardi Gras, lots of people had arrived, and the crowds were incredible. There were even thousands of people who were camped out in their flooded homes. It was strange to see devastated neighborhoods that had been abandoned for the past 6 months crawling with people.

Let's see what the next months bring. We hope that Jazz Fest will bring people back to New Orleans as well. This will be a big boost to Mid City since the Fair Grounds (where Jazz Fest is held) are in Mid City...just a couple of blocks from where I lived.



This is my friend Chris. He spent the week in New Orleans and his presence really helped make this a fun week. Spending time with Chris is unique and fun...we'd go from being ridiculously silly to some soul-searching conversations in just moments. Every moment with Chris is a blessing.