[chachacha]

i luckily happened to arrive in new orleans on march 19. my first impressions were not too good as there was garbage out on the curb all along bourbon st. but at 6 pm a parade started put on by the italian community in honor of st joseph....it was great; music, floats, terrific dance routines, throwing of beads...a miniature mardi gras. that made my visit very memorable. i also loved the garden section and wonder if it has been restored after the vandalism of katrina....