Arrival into NOLA

Arriving into Louis Armstrong airport, following a long nine hour flight sat surrounded by a drama school trip from Mississippi, I was hit by what can only be described as a tsunami of hot air on my face as I wheeled out my luggage. In the words of Jay Cartwright and Neil from the Inbetweeners “it’s well hot, might be too hot.”.

Once I had located my Uber, I began the 20 minute or so journey into the centre of New Orleans. Unlike England, where it is the norm for the journey to be complete in silence, I was given a lovely tour through the city by my driver, a lovely lady called Gina (more on her antics later). Gina was so proud of the city that she calls home that she offered to take a diversion in order to show me around. In fact, she was so proud that she gladly stopped the ride on the app in order to showcase New Orleans (or as she claimed “so Uber doesn't think I’m kidnapping you”). To top it all off, when I arrived she didn't accept my tip!

Started my first day in America as anyone should, with a Maccies breakfast watching the Premier league. Once the football was done, I decided I should probably head out and about so I know where I am actually living. Heading out in Blistering heat, which Apple said felt like 41c, I discovered Freret Street. According to the descriptions in a book I was given it sounded like New Orleans' very own Shoreditch. What more could I want? Two of my favourite things: pricey craft beer and small plates, but not 7000 km away. Time for a real housewives of Freret Instagram account?

Local street

First time “grocery” shopping was at a Rouses Market. First of all, America includes the tax on the original price, please. It's just silly and secondly why is a pack of bagels costing me $5.50? The cozzy lives have clearly hit across the pond as well. My day was then rounded off with a brief cameo from none other than Gina! I had left my headphones in the car without knowing and she so kindly drove to mine, knocked on the door to give me them back without me even requesting! The moral of the story is that Americans make better Uber drivers.

Song of the week: Whenever, Wherever- Bombay Bicycle Club