Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Airplane Diaries + NOLA Adventures Day 1

Oh, American Airlines. Pretty much the worst airline ever. Our flight was late taking off and we were literally in the back of the bus. I don't care except it's the loudest place on any airplane to be. Deal, right? So I sucked it up and sat there in my nice middle seat next to someone who always manages to hog the armrest. I nearly lost my lunch on our ascent because the turbulence was intense. The flight attendants were quite rude-- not to me but to everyone around. They were condescending and in my opinion, that's not acceptable while on the clock. And finally... le pièce de résistance. I had just fallen asleep and that's a huge deal since I rarely am able to fall asleep during flights. Anxiety, discomfort... not sure. Anyway, snoozing the time away to get rid of the headache that turbulence caused and I hear banging behind me. What is that noise, you ask? Well, it was this loveliness:
Why yes... that is indeed a finger skateboard. The adult behind me was playing with a finger skateboard on his tray table to pass the time away.

I proceeded to glance back through the seats and shoot him a swift dirty look upon which stopped him in his tracks. Silence ensued. As it should be. Please find another hobby, I beg you.

New Orleans. Here's my list of sleaziest U.S. cities closest to hell in the evil/disgusting category:

Hell
1. Las Vegas
2. New Orleans

Seriously.

Though I feel as though I'm on the edge of burning flames while I'm here, I still enjoy the architecture and just being in a city that is not still cold and on the brink of rain/snow at the end of April. The ironwork is gorgeous. The music culture is enjoyable. The food, decent. We stopped into a cajun/creole place for dinner and then walked around and down disgusting Bourbon Street trying to avoid the following things: beads being thrown from balconies, whores, drunk people, street performers, urine-infested sidewalks, the smell of vomit, smelly trashcans, and cars. One guy even called us "nerds" because we're clearly out of place on Bourbon Street. It went something like this: "You guys are lookin' like nerds. You're on Bourbon Street! C'mon!" We managed to make it to Frenchmen Street and found a cute bar to order a couple drinks and listen to Jazz. {In case you're wondering, my challenge is on a hiatus anytime I leave via jetplane. It will ensue upon touchdown in Chi-town. Hellllllo wine.} We even hit up Cafe Du Monde for beignets before heading to CVS to buy razors and a hairbrush that I forgot to pack to our hotel.

Excuse the red-eye I'm too lazy to edit. They're Blackberry photos, after all.
Mmm. Donuts. Beignets = glorified, but delish funnel cake.
Terrible lighting but a wonderful husband.

9 comments:

Molly said... [Reply to comment]

WOW--I started laughing at the finger skateboard (wtf????) and LOST IT at the nerd comment. Now full on LMAO!

Lj82 said... [Reply to comment]

Clearly you're very uncool for 1) NOT bringing your own finger skateboard for plane rides 2) Not being a whorish, peeing mess as you walk down Bourbon Street. If the challenge is off, you should be truly *enjoying yourself*. ha

Solange, Nik, Caitlin and Oliver said... [Reply to comment]

Seriously? The finger skate board? Even little kids don't play with those anymore.
I'm glad you enjoyed the beignets at least and got to be off your challenge to eat the yumminess!

Brooke said... [Reply to comment]

I think I want a finger skateboard. I cannot believe a stranger on Bourbon street called you a nerd. Maybe you needed to be stumbling or vomiting to fit in.

Newlywed Next Door said... [Reply to comment]

I actually think United is the worst airline. I could on and on.
BUT a finger skateboard?! That takes the cake for strange passenger.
Never been to NOLA. Was hoping to go this year but the plane tickets from LA to NOLA were SO pricey. So we bagged the idea.

Kattieap said... [Reply to comment]

I have two students that play with finger skateboards all period. I confiscate them from time to time. Can't believe it was an adult though.

boo and stacy said... [Reply to comment]

YUM, cute hat, and the third sleaziest city has to be Hermosa Beach on the 4th of July around 10pm. Enjoy your hubby!!

Anonymous said... [Reply to comment]

First off, I just want to express how sorry I am for the loss of your first born son, Andrew. Obviously and clearly, you ache in a very deep way, and I can only imagine the pain you feel. I also realize this is your blog, and If people are offended, they should stop reading. Honestly, I don't want to stop reading because I want you to see happier days. However, this entry was a hard one for me. WOW...you really are angry at the world. They way you trashed Las Vegas and New Orleans was unfair. I could go on, but I just wanted to give you some feedback. You don't mince your words and you are not fake, but you don't need to be unkind. sorry....

Kristi said... [Reply to comment]

Glad you liked the beignets! You described Bourbon Street just like I remember it... the worst smell in the world! I do love NOLA, even with all of it's faults though. :-) Enjoy your time in the Big Easy... eager to hear what else you do/see.