First off, let me just say this. Priceline. Sweet Jesus, have I been living under a rock? How is it that I never used this website? I am pretty darned good at sniffing out a good travel deal, but this is crazy. I did one of their express deals, where you choose how many stars you want for a pre-determined price, and you find out the name after you pay for it. So, right on Bourbon Street, The Royal Sonesta Hotel, a four star hotel, (and in New Orleans, you really want as many stars as you can afford!) was only $84 a night. Score!

We spent the next few days eating, drinking, listening to some wonderful live music and wandering through the streets of New Orleans. I even managed to get caught in a massive downpour, a good distance from our hotel, which is where I left Rick and my umbrella as well. I seem to have a talent for being in cities all around the world without an umbrella with me when the rain hits. I used to just buy plain black ones, but finally decided to own it and buy touristy ones. They’re just more fun, and a constant reminder of how I keep having to buy umbrellas….