Now where do we go?

bobkatmsu wrote:
Ok, so after reading the responses, I started having second thoughts. Maybe I was over reacting. I checked with two acquaintances, that I know do a fair amount of traveling. The first gentleman I spoke to said he and his fiancé did not have and direct problems, however there were several times that there were groups of young men that were being intimidating and they felt compelled to cross the street. It happened often enough, they felt it put a serious blemish on an otherwise enjoyable weekend. They love the city and were very disappointed when they realized both had no intention of ever returning again.
The second gentleman I spoke to is a very successful business owner and a little over a year ago scheduled a meeting in N.O. for 27 of his top management people from around the country. The facilities were great, the people that worked in the hospitality business were the best he had ever seen, but and you knew that was coming, of the 27, 6 had guys come up behind them with box cutters and cut the back of their pants, not all at once, but over a 3 day period, stealing their wallets. When they approached the police they all told the same story, a guy in khaki pants and a t-shirt cut the pants and took off with their wallet. Police nodded said, yup, that's their M.O. No one can ever identify them, they all look alike.
Thanks for your input. I cancelled all reservations.

I would STILL take my chances having a great time in NOLA over painting my house. Besides now that you will have eyes in the back of your head you'll be fine.

When I was there at the Mardi Gras, I stayed at the St-Bernard State Park, very quiet. I took the scooter and parked at the ferry parking that goes near the French Quarter. One time I drove over the bridge and went all over downtown.

Big crowd, big party, big time music all over, parade, it was all worth the trip, I will go back for sure, maybe this year.

NO is not going worst, it is going for the better. I would not cancel, just take more precaution if you feel at risk like staying at the campground and taking a cab to go to the party area.

We were just in FQRV a week ago. Walked from out rig at about 6 PM to St Charles and Canal and caught a trolley to Commanders Palace for wonderful dinner. Given the time and distance when we left we took a cab back to the campground - $10 - on top of dinner at Commanders Palace, not even noticeable. The next night we got back to our coach late afternoon and had dinner on board.

I would not hesitate to take DW and go there again. My Rochester apartment is in central city and has the same feel of risk as NO after dark. We travel in NYC by foot and love it. The only pickpocket experience I remember was in the Rome Train station and had he succeeded he would have gotten two pipes and 1/4 pound of pipe tobacco, instead he had a really sore wrist when I swung my arm down to block him. I carry very little on me, a credit card or two and enough cash to pay for a couple of cab rides, don't need a big roll or all my ID for dinner and a drink or two.

Let's see. They're at a convention/business meeting. They're on Bourbon St. at night. They're probably all drunk.

Where were these 6 guys hanging out and at what time? Also seems for being in a group they didn't communicate with each other very well and if they did 5 of them were very slow learners.
I would have fired the 4th, 5th, and 6th guys. Who would want those idiots working for them.

Believe what you like. This is a mature, successful man that would have no need to "BS" me. As for me, I'm not nearly as mature or successful, but, no I'm not "BSing" you either. He did not mention anything about cutting or bleeding. So maybe yes, maybe no.
Go ahead, put your head in the sand.

bobkatmsu wrote:
6 had guys come up behind them with box cutters and cut the back of their pants, not all at once, but over a 3 day period, stealing their wallets.

This sounds like total bs, but it's not on Snopes so perhaps it's true. but....

Was this done without any cutting or bleeding from the victim?

We've been there several times and always walked back to FQRV at night... never had any issues, nor did I feel uneasy. But since you cancelled, it is a moot point.
We are heading down to the Keys... made our reservations months ago, but last year, we did it at the last minute and were able to get into Blue Water and then Knights Key.... Knights key seemed to have several open spots, you might want to give them a shout and put off painting the house till the spring

bobkatmsu wrote:
Ok, so after reading the responses, I started having second thoughts. Maybe I was over reacting. I checked with two acquaintances, that I know do a fair amount of traveling. The first gentleman I spoke to said he and his fiancé did not have and direct problems, however there were several times that there were groups of young men that were being intimidating and they felt compelled to cross the street. It happened often enough, they felt it put a serious blemish on an otherwise enjoyable weekend. They love the city and were very disappointed when they realized both had no intention of ever returning again.
The second gentleman I spoke to is a very successful business owner and a little over a year ago scheduled a meeting in N.O. for 27 of his top management people from around the country. The facilities were great, the people that worked in the hospitality business were the best he had ever seen, but and you knew that was coming, of the 27, 6 had guys come up behind them with box cutters and cut the back of their pants, not all at once, but over a 3 day period, stealing their wallets. When they approached the police they all told the same story, a guy in khaki pants and a t-shirt cut the pants and took off with their wallet. Police nodded said, yup, that's their M.O. No one can ever identify them, they all look alike.
Thanks for your input. I cancelled all reservations.

Pickpockets are always a concern in crowed tourist areas. That's why I put my billfold in my right front pocket when in those kind of areas. That has worked in lots of places including several nights on Bourbon St., lots of places in Mexico, and other similar places.

Oh yes, I also never have more than 1 drink in those situations. A clear head is a good idea then.

At least now you can paint your house....:)