New Orleans is trying to make a come back since the hurricane and devastation of 2005 which it has come a long way in rebuilding and getting back to being a tourist Mecca. The one thing I've noticed mostly is it's not too handicapped accessible for wheelchairs and scooters. Many of the streets are under repair and the sidewalks are blocked off where there is work being done to store fronts. So there is no way get pass that part of the sidewalk in a wheelchair or scooter, if you are on foot, you can step out into the street and go around that spot. Many of the sidewalks are cobblestone or brick making your ride very bumpy. Cars of tourist are everywhere not watching where they drive so getting hit is very possible if you ride in the streets.

Many of the entrances to stores and buildings have steps, and all the houses use steps, no ramps available. Then, you really have to watch where you go and only go doing the day so you have police protection. Otherwise people figure you got money and are not afraid to rob you. Shooting occur on a regular basis every time I visit here so I stay mainly in my hotel to be safe.

If you go to buy souvenirs and stuff in the stores, they are so crowded with displays and people you can't move around inside and the people hanging around outside are waiting for a handout and you could get hurt. The Police Force is not necessarily on your side although they are on bicycles and some walking patrols in the French Quarters and high tourist areas.

Now places like Harrah's Casino is handicapped friendly, doors, elevators and ramps everywhere. Even their hotels and hotels build lately are places to stay if you are wheelchair bound or scooters. All rooms have wide doors not just the handicapped rooms on the lower floors. I suppose since this city was first laid out and homes and businesses build by the French years ago there was no thought of people with disabilities. Makes me wonder what people did back then that was handicapped?

Well, we depart here tomorrow, Wednesday, and return home but for any of you that may have plans to visit the city soon it's not ready yet for the handicapped persons to get around by wheelchair or scooters all over the city.