This year we are going to try a house swap again. The exchange with Vancouver was so successful we decided to try again this year.
We had hoped to get an exchange in the New York area. But while there appeared to be some interest in Ireland, when it came down to it seems that Dublin just doesn't do it for New York exchangers this year. So around April we widened out the search. We had some interesting offers from Italy, France and Spain. We made requests into Santa Barbara and Berkley in California. Then we saw New Orleans and after a couple of false starts to get our dates aligned BINGO we were agreed. We booked our flights. Travelling out through New York meant a long wait in Newark and arrival in New Orleans at 11.30 at night, a journey of more than 18 hours. However the flight via Chicago saves more than 6 hours off the journey and we arrive around 5pm.
It is hot and tropical in New Orleans in August - it's probably not the best time of year to visit. But our exchange has a pool in the back garden and along with air conditioning we should be fine. There is much to see and do in New Orleans. By all accounts the damage done by Hurricane Katrina is repaired in the main centre city areas. I am looking forward to the jazz clubs and the music. We are also doing a car swap so we will venture out around Cajun country and visit some of the old plantation houses.
On the way home we are going to spend 3 days in New York. We are staying at the Roosevelt Hotel on 44th street in Manhattan. We will be there from Saturday until Tuesday. I have just booked to see the famous Les Paul on Monday night at the Iridium Jazz Club on Broadway. In case you don't know Les Paul is the inventor of the solid electric guitar and now at 94 years of age still plays every Monday night at the Iridium. We went to see him a couple of years ago and are looking forward to seeing him again. We will also take in a Broadway show - Katy saw Mary Poppins last year and recommends it strongly.
Of course with the dollar exchange rate still good we will have to do some shopping! Just a little over 2 weeks to go - excitement is building!
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