Puttin' On The Ritz

We headed out to New Orleans on Continental via Houston. It was Pleep's first airline experience. Ed tried to warn him but he was very excited. We hit the first snag in the security queue at KCI. The guy in front of us had 4 bags (one an oversized 70 lbs. plus), a guitar and no clue what he was doing. Pleep wanted to monkey butt him but we stopped it. The flights actually went very smoothly but the number of bus people flying was very high. Pleep did join the frequent flyer program and he enjoyed the banana muffin on the KC-Houston leg. Ed explained it was highly unusual to be given food at all. In the end, Pleep still prefers the freedom of the open road.

We hit the airport in New Orleans and ran into a odd mix of people. The anesthesiologists are all in for their annual convention and the New York Giants fans have descended en masse for the big game on Sunday. Pleep wanted to team up with the Giants fans because they were clearly already in full tilt party mode. He thought they looked as though they would be a lot more fun to hang out with than the gas passers.

When we arrived at the Ritz we were very surprised to learn that our reservations were actually at the Ritz's Maison Orleans their hotel within the hotel. It is an entirely separate wing with full "club" amenities - lounge, library, full bar, 4 meal/cocktail periods, etc. The room accommodations are spectacular as well. Pleep made himself comfortable while we unpacked.

We headed out for a walk through the warehouse and art district, the WWII museum and the Quarter. After enjoying cocktail hour, we had a great dinner at the Bon Ton and concluded the evening with Caucassians in the lounge. Ed has to go to work on Saturday morning so Pleep wants to tour the Quarter and scope out the action. He figures the NY fans will be kicking things up.