Five years later when I pass the convention center I think of all those people scared and dying on the curb side of the convention center. I can not wipe those images from my mind. It is really amazing how New Orleans has rebuilt and cleaned itself up. It is a real reflection of the pride of this city. Now with the Gulf spill it is like we just picked ourselves up, brushed ourselves off and then got kicked in the teeth again. If we survive this Oil Spill after Katrine then I may start to believe that we are invincible.

Ernest N. Morial Convention Center History

The Convention Center was planned starting in 1978. It is the 5th-largest facility of its kind in the United States, and as of early 2005 was the second-busiest. The first portion of the building was constructed as part of the 1984 Louisiana World Exposition; a series of additions in subsequent decades expanded the center further upriver. The complex was named in honor of Ernest N. Morial, the city’s first African American mayor, in 1992. In 2008, the Center was renamed the New Orleans Morial Convention Center in order to emphasize its New Orleans location.

From August 26 through 27, 2005, Wheel of Fortune came to tape three weeks of shows at the convention center. But as Hurricane Katrina threatened the area, they canceled the last week in order to evacuate. In the aftermath of Katrina, the Convention Center was the second most important shelter for survivors, after the Louisiana Superdome. After serving as a temporary medical clinic for some time, the structure again began welcoming conventions in early 2006, including that of the American Library Association.

The Convention Center recently finished a complete renovation of the facility in November 2006. A previously scheduled expansion project, which would add 524,000 square feet (48,700 m2) of exhibition space in a new building, has been temporarily delayed.

For more information on the Ernest Morial Convention Center read the Hotel Monteleone’s review.

What does New Orleans have that no other place in the USA doesn’t have?

1. Being that it is carnival time, I have to start with Mardi Gras. Some cities have tried it but no other city shuts down for the celebration and throws such a big party.
2. Jazz and Blues. Well, so does Chicago, New York, Detroit, etc. so I will scratch this. New Orleans has some of the best in the country though.
   
3. Cajun and Creole cooking! Others are trying it but not to the New Orleans standards.
4. Biggest Historic District in the Nation!
5. At least 1 local festival everyday of the year! Not sure if I am incorrect here. Leave a comment if I am.
6. The cheapest and best place for crawfish and oysters. Well almost, you also have Lafayette and some cities along the South Coast.
7. Home of the first mixed drink, Sazerac!
   
8. SUPER BOWL 44 CHAMPIONS! Who Dat!
9. Hosted the most Super Bowls in country along with Miami.
10. Survived the biggest disasster in the Nations history, Hurricane Katrina.
11. Northern most Carribean city. Debatable!
12. More churches per square mile.
13. More bars and restaurants per square mile.

And yes the list goes on. If you have more accomplishments that are not listed here that need recognition then please post them in the comments below.

Beside all of New Orleans unqiue qualities that make it such an intriging city, what really makes New Orleans what it is, is the culture. It is the only place in this country that when you visit or live here you are immeddiatly a part of the culture. It sucks you in and makes you one of itself. Life is no longer about the JOB or your next respondsiblity. It is only about the moment! This is why the city refuses to evolve. It is a real time capsule that has turned many visitors into permanent resident. It isn’t common to meet someone in town, who when asked, “So why did you move here?” their response is, “I didn’t plan to, I just came for a visit and never left!”

So take this as a warning, “If you plan on visiting New Orleans, make sure you pack enough because you could windup staying for a while.”