Day Two in the Crescent City

I spent most of the day on Monday just sort of staying busy until I could move into my apartment. I dropped my bike off for some repairs and visited a hat shop that I found online (I love hats due to a lack of hair) and went to Borders to buy a city map.

I am super glad to say that the meeting with the landlord and the move-in went well. I have been a home owner for two years and the idea of renting (and really the word landlord) at this point is about as far from ideal as I could explain. Adrianne and I keep reminding each other to be flexible and patient so I am reminding myself again right here, right now. (I would love it if someone read that last phrase and then sung "watching the world wake up from history" to themselves. Jesus Jones was the artist. Stop racking your brain.) Anyway, Tony is a super nice guy and we have had many great conversations over the phone. However, as he swung the door to the apartment open, I held my breath awaiting a roach motel. I should mention here that this was the first time I had EVER seen the place, aside from some blurry photos on Craigslist. I found the place and booked it because the landlord accepted three month leases. It was perfect for what I needed. One of my trusty New Orleans pals went to check it out for me and gave it his approval. Still though, what if my pal had been distracted on a cell phone? What if he had not noticed "that smell" or what if the landlord had hurried him through his inspection? I was concerned and feeling hesitant.

The apartment rocks! It is perfect in every way. My landlord immediately noticed some light bulbs had burned out and instead of saying he'd get to them soon, he dashed across the street (where he lives) and went about making the changes. Here's the deal with the apartment...quite often in a massively touristy place like New Orleans, Bed & Breakfast locations would sell out and be booked solid. He had the bright idea to use this apartment as overflow lodging for "turned away at the inn" B&B customers. Therefore, it is adorned beautifully. There are even two bathrobes (nice ones) hanging in the bathroom. The bed might be the best bed I have ever slept in. Anyway, Craigslist once again proved to me that the world's largest, online yard sale might be the best invention since the internet itself. If I ever meet Craig, I am buying him a beer or a bowl of cereal, depending on what time of day it is.

I am within walking distance to so many things that I can not believe it. Great bars and restaurants and a hospital should I ever need it (let's hope not) and that Borders mentioned earlier. The streetcar is four blocks away. I have still not ridden a streetcar but will soon. It will probably be its own post.

I visited my new grocery store and bough essentials for living: olives, Goldfish crackers, granola bars, ingredients for grilled cheese, lemons, bananas, powdered Gatorade and coffee supplies.

The rest of the day was spent playing tennis at Audobon Park with my friend Karen (I lost to a girl - sweet) and then dinner at a wonderful place called Lola's that specializes in Spanish paella. This dinner excursion was my first time seeing what is called Mid-City and City Park. New Orleans' City Park is bigger than NYC's Central Park and San Fran's Golden Gate Park.

Pictures will come soon. Thanks for reading.