First Night

Beneath the clear starry-night sky concentrated areas of tungsten illumination dot the land below.  As the aircraft descends I peer through the window towards the horizon and can unmistakingly identify the Gulf of Mexico in the distance as the lights below come to an end clearly tracing the southern shoreline of Louisiana.  Some sections below are predominantly yellow-lighted and I assume those are oil refineries.  Several can be seen as the plane turns over the southern bayous to approach the airstrip for landing.

It's nice to be on my feet again.  Flying always makes me a little nervous.  Just this thing about 30,000 feet distance between me and the ground.  Check the time,... it's 10:40 pm and I am officially in New Orleans.  The airport is unimpressive, not like others I've seen.  After a few phone calls it's time for a walking tour to find a place to rest,... yes, in the airport.  I have to be at the convention center ready to work at 8:30 in the morning so rather than pay an unnecessary night of lodging at the hostel I decided to rest here and find the least expensive transportation from here to the convention center in the morning.  Besides, I've heard and been warned of the high crime rate in this city and would rather not be in an unfamiliar place at night.

I'll be working the ACC show (American College of Cardiology) and if I had forgotten I am often reminded here as I can't help but see posters and signs displayed throughout the airport welcoming exhibitors and attendees of  ACC.11.

After a couple of hours wandering around both upstairs and downstairs I decide to make camp in the upstairs departures lobby in front of the check-in counters of Continental and Delta Airlines.  I'm pleased to see six others doing the same.  A couple is lying on the floor covered in blankets next to their luggage.  Two guys are passing time on their laptops.  A few other people are relaxing in seats on the opposite side of the lobby.  There are no departures until the morning so I know they are staying overnight.

Teeth brushed, alarm set for 6:00 am, it's about 1:30 am when I curl up on the seats and lay my head on my backpack to get what rest may be had.  I will have much more to write to you tomorrow when I actually get to see the city.

Good night!