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New Orleans, Louisiana (NOLA) is a small but vibrant city in the United States. There are plenty of young people attracted by the many Universities and an inexplicable magnetism.

At the height of the Katrina hurricane aftermath crisis New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin said: "I need reinforcements, I need troops, man. I need 500 buses. Get every dog-gone Greyhound bus line in the country and get their asses moving to New Orleans ... This is a major, major, major deal. I can't emphasize that enough."

In short, New Orleans needs you. If ever a city merited 500 passenger busses heading its way it's the great City of New Orleans, Louisiana. Home of American Mardi Gras, Hurricanes, Jazz and plenty of go-cups, New Orleans is a city like no other mixing American, European, and Carribean sensibilities. Don't let the idea of total devistation from a violent hurricane fueled wave of destruction fool you, New Orleans is alive and well.

Things To Know

• New Orleans is very flat and easily traveled by bicycle. There are also street cars and buses. Consider asking your host further about transportation and how you can acquire a bicycle to use while in New Orleans.

• Mardi Gras, a huge carnival celebration including a parade and plenty of drunken debauchery, is the largest and most well known event in New Orleans. In 2007 Madi Gras is Tuesday February 20. To enjoy the festivities travelers should stay the prior weekend and leave inhibitions and valuables at home.

• The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival (Jazzfest) is another major cultural event with people traveling from across the globe. This is another great time to come to New Orleans. The 2008 dates are April 25-27 and May 2-4.

• New Orleans residents often make advance plans for big events like Mardi Gras and Jazzfest. If you are planning to come for these events you should contact your host much ahead of time.

Meetups

In addition to the occassional couchsurfing meetups posted in the NOLA CS group There is a regular Third Sunday of the Month potluck with its own discussion group, everyone is welcome to join. These events and others are posted to the CS NOLA Google Calendar.

Transportation:

• NORTA, Public Bus service in New Orleans
• Jefferson Transit, Public Buses in Metairie, Kenner, Airport and the Westbank
• LASwift, Public Bus service between Baton Rouge and New Orleans

Taxi’s

• United Cabs Inc (504) 522-9771
• American Taxi (504) 299-0386
• Coleman Cab (504) 586-0222
• White Fleet Rollins Cab Co (504) 822-3800
• Veterans Cab Co (504) 367-6767
• Checker Yellow Cabs (504) 525-3311
• Patio Cab Services (504) 891-6484

Bike Shops:

• Plan B, The New Orleans Community Bike Project is a bike collective where you can repair your bike or build one yourself at a low cost. 511 Marigny St,
• Gno Cyclery A full service bike shop located in the River Bend area. (504) 861-0023
• Bicycle Michael's A full service bike shop located just outside the French Quarter (504) 945-9505
• Bayou Bicycles A full service bike shop located in the mid city area. (504) 488-1946

Hostels:

Its a good idea to keep a list of local hostel and their phone numbers in case you find yourself without a place to stay.

• India House 124 S Lopez St, (504) 821-1904
• Marquette House 2249 Carondelet St, (504) 523-3014
• Joe & Flo Old Candlelight Hostels 1129 N Robertson St - (504) 581-6689
• St Vincent Guest House 1507 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA (504) 302 9606
• St. Charles Guest House, 1748 Prytania St, (504) 523-6556
• Olde Town Inn, pet friendly, 1001 Marigny Street, New Orleans, LA 70117 800-209-9408

Local Couchsurfing Ambassadors

If you run into problems in your travels or need advice, New Orleans has two city Ambassadors: Minka Stoyanova and Darryl Goodwin Please see their profiles for contact information.

Local links

Couchsurfing group - Wikipedia - Wikitravel

• New Orleans City Park, Our largest park in New Orleans
• Best of New Orleans, Schedule of events, restaurants and what is going on in the city.
• NOLA DIY, Listing of local area entertainment events
• NOLA eats, It’s a local discussion of area restaurants
• The National Park Service which offers free tours and jazz concerts
• Pakupaku, Great info on eating Vegan in NOLA