20 Days in NOLA

I've been hanging around New Orleans since just before the new year and it's been quite enjoyable. Last Friday I checked into one of the hostels here and things have gotten better since then. It's nice having a full kitchen and some interesting folks from all over the country and world. Sometimes there are annoying parts (like the really loud snorer that was on the bunk beneath me for a few days), but nothing too bad.

I've been recovering from some issues I picked up along the way... I got sick after getting on the bus wet and riding for 45 minutes in the AC and I've had foot issues from some bad boots and socks I had when I came to town. Pseudoephedrine has the first problem under control and some new boots and socks are making the second a bit better, but I'm still recovering too.

I'm looking at a longer term place to stay here since I really don't want to head back to North Carolina. My budget is getting pretty thin, but I'm holding up. It's been nice being able to go to the grocery store and pick up food I can make. The ones within walking distance are pretty nice, but a bit on the expensive side with very few specials on meat that needs to sale soon. Maybe if I get settled a bit more, I can make a longer journey out to the Winn ✔️ Dixie or Walmart and save a bit more money.

The folks I've talked to in the hostel have been pretty cool, I even had some Poutine made by a Canadian. So far, I've been there almost a week, so we'll see what this new weekend brings in.

Right now, I'm sitting in a dive bar/laundromat waiting on some laundry to finish. That's the only downside to this hostel, no washing machines for guest use. Fortunately, this bar is only about three blocks away, and the machines are only $4.00 for a full load washed and dried, so it'll be nice to have some clean clothes. Until now, I've been washing my clothes in sinks and dry bags and just letting them dry in front of an air conditioner, so it'll be nice to finally get the lint out of my new socks! 😁

Even though it's nothing like the trip I expected, I'm glad I came even if I did blow up my budget way sooner than I expected.