[Cam] The Big Easy

[karohemd]

SCRE in New Orleans is sooo tempting (3rd to 6th of March 2005). It's a city that's on my definite to visit list (being a big fan of Blues and all) and I could meet up with people (like nikkita422) I missed this year because I didn't go to ICC and the tourist aspect definitely outweighs the Cam aspect. At the current exchange rate, 90 bucks for a room/night is doable as well.
Flights are OK price-wise (under £350 atm) but horribly long (15h+) as there aren't any direct flights to New Orleans so to be able to do some sightseeing (two days at least) and one day each to get there and back plus one to recover afterwards, so I'd need at least six days of leave. Also doable as I won't do ICC then, one US trip per year is enough and New Orleans is much more interesting than Phoenix. Also, the climate should be bearable even for me that early in the year.

I need to check my finances at the end of November to see if I can afford it.

Just on the chance I could afford it (I should if I restrain myself from buying other things), would anyone be interested in coming along? It would have to be someone who's more interested in touristy things than Cam (I'll prolly only play/NPC 'ling) and like Blues and similar music. Share of room is also possible and would even be welcome.

Update:
However, akonken just mentioned that the climate would already be really bad (for me) around that time. I can't stand heat and I definitely can't stand humidity. Combine both and I'd likely die. :o(
Need to do some more research before I commit because not only wouldn't I be able to enjoy it but I also might have serious health problems...

Comments

[davywavy.livejournal.com]

And the dates are?

[karohemd.livejournal.com]

3rd to 6th of March 2005. If I'm going, I'd be leaving on the 1st, though to get in as much sightseeing/wandering around places as I can.

[davywavy.livejournal.com]

I think going to a cam event on my birthday is too sad even for me.

[karohemd.livejournal.com]

Heh, but think of all the Southern Belles who will be throwing themselves at you...

[davywavy.livejournal.com]

I'm not sure I ever think of anythign else :)

[kyrthira.livejournal.com]

That would kick ass :)

[karohemd.livejournal.com]

It's looking very likely now! :o)
I probably won't be at the Con much but I'll play ling and do parties/clubs.
My main objective will be to explore the city and nightlife.

[kyrthira.livejournal.com]

That's okay, long as you can take pictures!

Hmm... and perhaps bring another bottle of wine for the Dead-Dog. Yes, I've heard from Her Holiness Cat that there will be a Dead-Dog at Scare. (It's to make up for the utter lack at ICC; we both decided that it was for the best to just let people unwind. Should make SCARE a blast.)

[karohemd.livejournal.com]

You bet I will, shiny new camera and all that (also available for private sessions ;o]).

That can be arranged, too. Dead Dogs are good, yeah!
Her Holiness Cat sounds about right. :o)

[poetman.livejournal.com]

If you want to break your flight up into two segments with a layover in Boston, you would be very welcome to stay with me!

Thanks for the offer!

[karohemd.livejournal.com]

As there are no direct flights to New Orleans from London, I might just do that.
I had a quick look online and Virgin to a return flight to Boston for a risible £260 (incl. tax and fees).
All I need is a return flight to New Orleans.
Any recommendations which site to use for cheap US internal flights?

I'll let you know early December at the latest if I intend to do it.

Possible plan: Get to Boston on 25th of February in the evening, spent weekend and Monday in Boston and surroundings, fly to NO on Tuesday. Back from NO on Monday but most likely flying straight on to London, unless there's no connecting flight.

Re: Thanks for the offer!

[poetman.livejournal.com]

There are no direct flights from Boston to NOLA on a low cost carrier - you have to use one of the majors for that. However, there is www.airtran.com that flies there with a layover in Atlanta.

Re: Weather

While hot weather can come early that far south I *seriously* doubt it would get 25+(C) in March. It does happen I am sure, but that would be an aberration (take it from someone who grew up in that part of the country).

Re: Thanks for the offer!

[karohemd.livejournal.com]

Hm, I'd rather pay a little extra for nonstop. I don't want to spend most of my holiday on airports and on planes. ;o)

Hm, best nonstop I can get currently is 280 bucks, airtran with stopover in Atlanta is 240. That's only 20 quid difference...

Re: Thanks for the offer!

[kyrthira.livejournal.com]

I've had good luck with Expedia.com in the past.

Re: Thanks for the offer!

[karohemd.livejournal.com]

*nods*
I've tried that and Orbitz. Both came up with the same flight (Boston-NO-Boston: 280 bucks incl. with AA).

[belak-krin.livejournal.com]

If I had any money, time, or a passport that didn't have a picture of me with long hair, I would love to :( mmmmm.... blues

[karohemd.livejournal.com]

And you'd be more than welcome to come along...

[akonken.livejournal.com]

I went to the Vampire Ball in New Orleans a few years ago (1999 maybe? 1998?) and had a wonderful time. I certainly plan to go again one day.

I will warn you, it'll probably be a bit muggy in March. When I went in October/November, it was barely tolerable at 90 degrees and 190% humidity (I will admit to a very slight exaggeration there, and of course the temperature is in Farenheit). Pack very light, and take your sauna gear.

[karohemd.livejournal.com]

In March already? I'd hoped it wouldn't be as bad yet.

That puts a big downer on the plan already as I would die (literally) under the conditions you describe.

[karohemd.livejournal.com]

According to various online sources, the average temp in March is 70-75F, that would be great. At that temp I could deal with some humidity as well. Not so bad after all.
Then again, it shows pretty much the same level for Oct/Nov...

[akonken.livejournal.com]

Maybe it was just a bad year. Or maybe I'm just a humidity sissy. You be the judge!

[karohemd.livejournal.com]

I'm probably a worse humidity sissy than you...

[kyrthira.livejournal.com]

Humidity sucks. I'm from Montana, we don't understand this 'Humidity'.

Last two SEREs, I've not even left the hotel except to have a smoke :)

[karohemd.livejournal.com]

Unfortunately, I will spend most of my time *outside* the hotel as I have once in a lifetime opportunity to explore New Orleans.
My research so far shows that it should be fine, though.