WHO DAT!

Rained out in New Orleans!  Like most of the country, we too are riding out a winter storm.  Rain, sleet, ice, and snow are in the forecast.  However, it was hardly a tough decision for us to stay an extra day and monitor the forecasts - New Orleans has been an amazing stop for ACK4ALL.  We rode in before the weekend on Hwy 90 (which treated us to 3 flats), eventually connecting with Franklin St. and Royal St. (parallel and a bit more toned down than Bourbon St.).  While pedaling through the 9th, 8th and 7th Wards, we observed areas of Hurricane Katrina's impact; schools, public buildings, households, and roadways left in ruin. Yet as we pedaled up Royal St., we were introduced to a city much alive; street performances, live music, bright lights, tourism, and even a parade.  We knew this would be unlike any of our stops during this trip.  

Over the weekend and past few days we have immersed ourselves in the New Orleans culture. Streetcars leisurely carried us through its neighborhoods and we walked its historic roads and parks.  We have had many unique/great experiences, so many that it would be nearly impossible to list them all.  But if there has been one theme to our time here, it has been kindness and compassion.  We never imagined the positive response we have received for our Haitian cause.  The people of New Orleans have generously fed us, shared the local brew with us (Abita!), entertained us (The Hornets, Rebirth Brass Band, Walter "Wolfman" Washington's Roadmasters  Soul Rebel), and shared their stories with us.  We have been truly overwhelmed with these non monetary donations in a city that has faced calamity of its own.  There remains a positive spirit and energy in the people of New Orleans despite their hardships.  This energy certainly showed in their empathy for our cause and sparked our hopes for Haiti's future.  

There is a long list of people that we would like to thank for their kindness and interest in our cause; Philip's Restaurant for a delicious dinner of red beans and rice donated by Chip and Jewelynn Nice, The Columns restaurant, Cafe Roma and Theo's (Mike Murphy) for those tasty pizzas, Surreys (Costa Rican breakfast), Hey Cafe, Miss Mae's for always being open, Le Bon Temps, Igors for a kitchen that never closes, Roger and everyone at The Eiffel Society for an induction pin and VIP treatment, Malachi at F&Ms for the same, Casey at St. James for great food and Beemster cheese/cow, Lara of Confederacy Cruisers and R Bar (generous bike tour offer!), Max and Brandy at the Bridge Lounge, Jermaine Quiz for the music and shout out, Guthrie and staff at Refuel for a dynamite breakfast (Drew Brees ate there just before us!), Mikethebikeguy for a tune up and bike advice, Vincent Broussard and the rest or Rebirth Brass Band for incredible music at The Maple Leaf, Travis and Tracey at The Maple Leaf, Catherine McNally (who we hope to see on Nantucket this summer), Laurie and Greg for one more delicious dinner of red beans and rice, Emma and Sam for the Hornets game, Adam Tataovich for the Hornets game, and Megan for showing us around the town.  Over the past few days it has been hard to keep track of all the kindness that we have received; so if we have forgotten you, we are truly sorry.

We know there are two people who are reading this right now and wondering where their names are.  Wait for it... all of this would not have been possible without the hospitality and generosity of the sisters Katz.  Molly and Johnice have graciously hosted us amidst their already busy schedules and made everything listed above possible.  Their spirit for New Orleans has been contagious and made our stay that more enjoyable.  We are truly fortunate to have met many of their friends and stayed in their Uptown apartment.  There will be sad goodbyes tomorrow, but we hope to find them here when we return!  

Tomorrow we hit the road (actually a bike path atop the levee), sights set for the West.  We had a feeling that New Orleans would be amazing and all of our expectations have been surpassed.  Tonight we will enjoy our last meal around the large Katz dining room table while we eye tomorrow's forecast.  Right now things are not looking very favorable, but if there is one thing we have learned while in New Orleans, it is that even the worst weather cannot take the spirit out of a person.

Oh, and if you're unfamiliar with "WHO DAT", it is the rally cheer for the Saints football team as well as a unifier for the city.  WHO DAT!