When I heard that NAR had chosen New Orleans as the site of the 2007 National Convention, I was disappointed. I didn't think the city was going to be ready for 30,000 people and selfishly, I knew that finding a hotel for our Cyberprofessionals group would be difficult . NAR, in the past, would not let us book a block of rooms together. But NAR was determined to get people back to New Orleans... so this year, with the help of Judy Burkett , past president of the Baton Rouge Association of Realtors, NAR agreed to allow us to book 30 rooms in the same hotel.
I blogged about my first day here and the tale of the mouse. You can find that here. On the second day we took a tour of the city. The tour ended with a visit to the 9th Ward...it was a scene I will never forget. I've included one of many photos we took of the devastation in just one area. The tour guide was obviously unhappy (more like angry) with "the government" including FEMA and the Army Corps of Engineers. And he was frustrated at how slow the restoration project was going and the unwillingness of congress to send more money. He didn't exactly blame the president but you could tell he was holding back. But now having seen it for myself, it is hard to blame anyone. The rebuilding project is so huge and the task is so overwhelming, it is hard to get your arms around it. And while the media focuses on New Orleans, there are other sections of the gulf coast in dire straights. I understand Mississippi needs to completely rebuild 77,000 homes.
After the tour, we visited the Riverwalk Mall. I talked to several of the merchants and they were thrilled about the NAR Convention being here. They were absolutely excited to have a big group of paying customers! The NAR convention is the largest since Katrina. We had a group dinner at K-Pauls - they thanked us for coming to New Orleans to help fuel their economy. Seeing the genuine appreciation of the business owners convinced me that coming here was the right decision after all.
Great Post Linda! I am fascinated by your photos, please keep them and your comments coming. Hearing about the area from your perspective is very important.
kk
Linda, I have seen picture of the 9th ward before and each time the destruction still amazes me.
Thats what I was curious about too Carole. I heard that when realtors are there they are encouraged to help out in the community.
have you seen any of that? i wish I was there. It definitely gives you prespective on life when you see when you see what others are going through.
Gena,
I took your advice about the Ritz Crackers. I left some on the 8th floor. I'm on the 7th. :-)
Gena,
I took your advice about the Ritz Crackers. I left some on the 8th floor. I'm on the 7th. :-)
Thank you and the NAR for having their convention in my hometown. I don't suppose your guide was Stanley Bergeron from Tours by Isabelle? I loved him because he had just as much rage as I did (and do). The anger comes from the fact that 1.) the destruction of New Orleans was PREVENTABLE and 2.)from the total incompetence of the government at every level. Personally my rage also comes fron the fact that so many Americans think it is just hunky dory to desert New Orleans, as if we are not Americans also. I truly don't expect anybody that has not lived here to understand the water torture of the last year. Believe me though, there is plenty of blame to go around. Now for the upside, we have also seen the beauty of many. many Americans and even citizens from all over the world that have taken time out from their lives to come down and help. Truly wonderful people. I hear NAR is planning projects to help and for that I thank you again. Really just coming down and having a good time is enough for me to be grateful for your organization. Enjoy yourself, learn tons of good stull at your meetings and go home and spread the word of what you have seen during your time here. NEw Orleans lives!
I wish you had left the Ritz crackers on a lower floor... 8 is too close to 9... where I am.
Great post Linda, we are getting some good stories here... the alarm in the middle of the night just adds to the stew.
Moo