New Orleans: A Complicated Love Story

"A city of jazz, crawfish, and... lingering scars." Once America’s 3rd-largest city, post-Katrina NOLA still struggles to reclaim its glory. Here’s my unfiltered take: 🌪️ The Hard Truths 🏚️ French Quarter: Napoleon’s fire sale left a legacy of flood-prone streets and sewage smells. Bourbon Street at night: A mix of vomit, weed, and urine (with a side of jazz). 🦞 Overpriced, Underwhelming Food: $38 for tiny crawfish (off-season robbery at Boil Seafood House). Acme’s $39 oysters: Salty as the Gulf + sneaky upcharges. Winner? California’s Boiling Crab. 🚗 Transport Nightmare: Parking = hell. Walk or Uber. 👀 Local Attitudes: "Subtle racism" toward Asians left a sour taste. ✨ The Silver Linings 🎷 Jazz: Still soul-stirring in hidden clubs. 🦞 Cajun flavors: When done right, they sing. 🏨 Affordable hotels (vs. NYC insanity). #NOLARealityCheck #MixedFeelings #TravelTruths