So I know this is a DC-centric blog, but I just got back from a trip to New Orleans and feel it my civic duty to tell everyone that they should go.

Why? Because the city is still not the same and they (1) need your tourist dollaz and (2) need people to know that.

3 Rules for going

1) Be safe. New Orleans can be a rough city and there's plenty of dark alleys. Stay on main, well-lit streets and be aware of your surroundings.

2) Get off Bourbon. Bourbon St. is fun and all, but that's not all there is to the city. I had a great time on Frenchman St., but there's plenty of other areas around.

3) Visit the 9th Ward. This is where you will really see that all is not right. Ask the hotel (or the concierge at a nicer one nearby) about tours. I know some people that got a cabbie to take them around.