I’m sure you have heard the song, “Walking to New Orleans.”

Well, put on your walking shoes and put some change in your pocket and come join me at the CMS Meeting for an adventure. It’s Sue Ferrell here, Ray’s wife. I have been asked to help with Guest activities. I can’t remember if the way I’m handling it has ever been done before, and, maybe it will never be handled this way again??? I’d like to introduce you to my birthplace. I’d be happy to guide you around to interesting places in the heart of New Orleans. I know where and how to get to the places that make New Orleans the city that care forgot! I’ve made up a tentative schedule just to see what you think.

I need replies, so guests, please e-mail me at sueferrell@cox.net ASAP. I can organize and plan, but I need YOUR input. If you are likely to attend one or more of these activities, please let me know. You don’t need a ticket to participate, you’ll pay as you go. I just need friendly people with an interest in seeing historical New Orleans through the eyes of a native.

Meeting times and places listed below are subject to change. All trips will start in the morning, so you will be able to spend all the time you like or go on to something else. Each day will have one main jaunt with suggestions for later jaunts.

We will meet under the Mardi Gras Jester by the Canal Street AAlgiers) Ferry Landing on the riverside of Harrah’s and then hop on a streetcar to go to our destination. It costs $1.25 oneway for each ride. It’s possible for you to purchase a Visitour Pass (1 day of unlimited trips for $5) or (3 days of unlimited trips for $12), but, for our trips, we are only going one round trip each day and that will be $2.50 with YOU paying YOUR fare with exact change. Check on the Internet at www.norta.com for more information on the Visitour Pass if you are interested in that.

SATURDAY, April 5, 2008
Meet group at 9:30 AM (Mardi Gras Jester)
Hop on a streetcar ($1.25)

Take a short ride to the French Quarter. We’ll get off at the end of the line and stroll through the original French Market where there are fruits, vegetables, and many souvenirs to look at and buy. Once you see how easy it is to get there, you can go on your own. Next, we’ll stop at the Café Du Monde so you can order and enjoy a cup of delicious café au lait and beignets covered in powdered sugar before beginning your self-guided walking tour. You might consider purchasing a mug there as a nice souvenir. The tour takes about 2-3 hours depending on how interested you are. Find a friend and walk at your own pace. I will start you on the Walking Tour and you can follow the map and then hop on the streetcar to get back to your hotel and the Convention Center. You can read about the Walking Tour on the Internet at www.neworleanscvb.com. I will provide you a pamphlet with instructions for the walk.

Later, you can shop or eat at the Riverwalk. It has many small shops under one roof and a good place to look around. Doors open at 10 AM.

SUNDAY, April 6, 2008
Meet group at 10 AM.
Hop the streetcar again to the Quarter ($1.25 each way)

Take a ride on the Natchez--- a paddlewheel boat with a calliope. It’s a 2-hour harbor cruise up and down the Mississippi River pointing out sights and events that have enriched the history of New Orleans and made it the place it is today. It’s fun and a good place to relax, listen, observe and go back into yesteryear. You can print out a $3.00 off-coupon before you leave home if you look up www.SteamboatNatchez.com on the website. Regular price is $19.50. Boarding at the dock for the midday cruise begins at 11AM. The Natchez sails at 11:30AM.

When you return, hop on the streetcar and go back to your hotel or walk around the Quarter with a friend, stroll down Bourbon Street, sit in front of the St. Louis Cathedral and people watch, or listen to jazz. You can have your fortune told or have an artist create your caricature. You can even do a buggy ride if you wish.

MONDAY, April 7, 2008
Meet group at 9:30 AM.

We will again meet at the Ferry Landing and head across the Mississippi River to Algiers and tour Mardi Gras World. The web site of www.mardigrasworld.com may interest you. Going across, the ferry is free. The return trip costs $1.00. A museum shuttle will pick us up and return us to the ferry. Blaine Kern has been a famous float designer for years and years and you will feel the excitement of Mardi Gras and what it means to the people of New Orleans. Tours start at 9:30 and continue until 4:30. The adult price is $17.00 or $13.00 for Seniors. There are group rates depending on how many sign up ahead of time. You should bring a camera and come prepared for an exciting day. King cake and coffee will be served during the tour. “Laissez le bon temps roulez! After returning on the ferry, hit the Quarter again, go shopping at the Riverwalk, or walk around the stores in the Jax Brewery. Don’t forget your coupon book.

TUESDAY, April 8, 2008
Meet group at 9:30 AM.

We’ll take a short walk to the Aquarium of the Americas. The normal price is $17.00 and $13.00 for Seniors. We can get a group rate if we have enough people going in at one time. There is also a coupon in your Premier Passport. Stroll at your own pace and leave when you are tired. Return to your hotel on the streetcar ($1.25) or walk back. If you desire, the D-Day Museum at 945 Magazine Street could be an extra activity for you and a friend. It is $14.00 regular price and $8.00 for Seniors. It’s a 6 block walk from the Convention Center and the phone number is 504-527-6012. Check it out. The web site is www.nationalww2museum.org. You can get coupons for $2.00 off on admission if you stop at the Tourist Information Center in the Quarter...

WEDNESDAY, April 9, 2008
Meet group at 9:30 AM.

Today starts out with another streetcar ride, but in a different direction. Cost one-way is $1.25. This time we will head down World Famous Canal Street and ride to the City Park. There, we walk one long block to leisurely visit the New Orleans Museum of Art. It costs $8.00, $7.00 for anyone over 65, and I am told that anybody with a valid Louisiana Driver’s license enters free of charge. In April, the exhibit is called Humans, Animals, and Spirit World --- Art from Villages and Tribal India. There are also permanent collections of Faberge, French art, and fantastic African Art. There is a Sculpture Garden nearby which is free and contains many flowers and trees. If I can get a headcount in advance, we can have docents give us a tour. After enjoying the museum at your own pace, you will hop on the streetcar again and return to town and your hotel.

On any night, you might take in Preservation Hall and listen to jazz or go to Pat O’Brien’s, sit in their patio, and enjoy their famous Hurricane drink.

Speaking of Hurricanes, Katrina, the big one, sure left its mark on New Orleans, but New Orleanspeople do love their city. The French Quarter had little damage compared to the rest of the city. New Orleans is still a fascinating place to experience. Don’t stay away. Be safe, not sorry. Just like in any big city, keep your eyes and ears open. Watch your belongings. Dress in comfortable clothes and wear shoes you are used to walking around in.