Ran away from home up north in 1975 at fourteen. At sixteen ended up in New Orleans washing pots and pans in a fancy restaurant on St. Charles. Got an apartment on Magazine Street and would walk home at night from St. Charles. I will never forget the kindness and generosity of the parishioners of the Baptist churches along the way, who would feed me and give me pop. We sat on the steps and I was told the ins and outs of staying alive in the environment that I clearly knew nothing about. I will never forget Eartha and Jeanette……
I ran away from home when I was 14 too.I went to Queensland and stayed there for two years then had to come back to Sydney.but It made me the person I am today
I learned more about the USA in one year from your YT channel than in the previous 60 years. All my life as a German I was a strict anti-American without knowing the real life of "normal" people in America. Now that I've learned, I despise politicians and oligarchs all the more. But I've come to appreciate Joe Sixpack. In the meantime I've developed a great fondness for the Hill Billys and Appalachians. Your interview partners on your travels give me courage. Not the superhumans drawn by the transatlantic propaganda, but completely normal, imaginative and extremely reasonable people, like here in Germany, as well as in Russia and China. I want to thank you for that
The American forefather are rolling in their graves seeing us allow the government to control so much of our life now. If you can watch 2000 mules and you will see how Joe Biden won the presidency.
I am a 7th generation New Orleanian. I lived there my first 28 years of life before moving for work. Spent about 15 in NYC, DC, SF among others before moving back and buying a jazz club in the quarter. My first apartment, at 17, was behind a bar in your video, 3 legged dog. It was called Maxwell’s Plum then, and 3 friends I went to high school with owned it. Good times for sure. New Orleans was an almost magical place to grow up in, with each neighborhood having its own Mardi Gras parade and plenty of tremendous local stores and businesses that gave each neighborhood a certain “feel”. This was long before national chains moved in and started buying up all the local places that give an area its charm. Crime wasn’t nearly as bad as it is now. In the 70’s, 80’s you could still pretty much walk anywhere in the French Quarter at any hour, with no problem. Even less street crime there in the 50’s and 60’s when the local mob helped the police keep certain areas safe and crime free, except for their crimes of course like gambling and hookers. My 1st apt was an efficiency for $150 a month. When I moved back to open the club, I found a 1 bedroom for $350 a month. Now? Probably couldn’t get either place for less than $900-$1000. So I ran my club, and opened a restaurant as well. But as crime increased, Katrina, BP oil spill, and finally covidscam, I sold it all and now live 85 miles east, on the Gulf of Mexico, beautiful home, water views, low crime, low taxes, friendly people. Folks always ask if I miss Nola. The Nola I miss, doesn’t exist anymore, only In memories. The friends , neighbors, unique businesses, New Orleans’ distinct characters like “Black Cat” LaComb, Dr John, Al “Mr Crawfish “ Scramuzza, and stores like D H Holmes, K&B Drugs and Kirschman’s are all gone, along with most of my friends and family. But so glad I got to live it when it was still a truly awesome, magical place.
I went to college in New Orleans. I remember going on those bayou tours. I spent the BEST time of my life down there. This was a couple years before Katrina. Biking with my roommates through the garden district and studying at epic coffee shops like Rue De la cour was magical.
I lived there for a year in 2020 with my husband who is from New Orleans. We did have to move back to Texas, but man that city felt like my home more than houston, my actual home. This city will always have a piece of me and my heart. I fell deeply in love with the city. The people and the city are so resilient and the entire city has a sense of nostalgia, beauty, tragedy, and love. ❤
This is SO TRUE for me and my husband! We moved there in 2013 and lived there for 10 years. We had to move back to TN for a little bit, but I am counting the days until I can go HOME!!!! IT IS home for us! My son moved there after we did and has made an amazing life for himself. He would NEVER live anywhere else either. The BEST people on the planet are there. Sure there are bad ones- they are everywhere.
I was born and raised there. It was great growing up there but once Katrina swept by everything changed. I live in the Austin, TX area now and will never move back. I visit my family every year but that’s it. I miss the old N’Awlins. Thank you for your content.
Me too born and raise in the 60s-70s nothing better than New Orleans from 1968-1980s. Also very true about Katrina the city hasn't recovered its wonderful past. . .😢
Hi! I’m sorry to hear you had to leave. I know I’d feel homesick if I left my home state. I’m going to NOLA in June, with my Sister. I’ve heard there is great, and not so great parts. I have always wanted to visit. At one time, I thought of moving there, but probably just going to make it a regular spot to visit.:-) Best Wishes!
Mee too I regret I left but came back been back for almost three years it's so sad and hurtful LEAVING IN THREE WEEKS never coming back Hurtful hurtful I've been in Florida where tornados hit all the time but they get there state back in order we still struggling from Katrina people always focus on THE FOOD smh Even areas that were nice not nice anymore smh 😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢 I love my people here but even the famous people don't visit regularly Bless the aboriginals in the city
You were very kind with your comments - one glaring omission was that over half the population of the city moved there from elsewhere- mostly after the storm - and the gentrification that's driven out many of the locals. How many Airbnbs are there on Roberta's block now? Stuff like that.
Glad to see you made it to my neck of the woods, Nick! I live north of New Orleans. Spent 22 years crossing the causeway across Lake Pontchartrain to work. The city used to be someplace we’d go on weekends or in the evening. It’s gotten rather bad now and we don’t go anymore. The loss of marshland and coastline could be fixed if we removed levees south of the city and let the river flood its banks and replenish like it used to. But that’s not possible because many people live south of NOLA and there is a big portion of our economy down there. So we continue to send the Midwest sediment that built this area flow straight out into the Gulf instead of replenishing the coast.
Dear Nick, from a loyal viewer. My Memphis based (my home town) gigantic overnight delivery service provider of 31 years transferred me to New Orleans in 1997, I was 37 for my dream HR job. I bought a renovated shotgun house on Decatur Street 4 blocks from Frenchmen Street. How I was able to avoid being a druggie and huge alcoholic, walking to Bourbon Street 4 nights a week AND excel at my job is amazing. This is by far the best video you have ever made and your observations are exactly accurate. From age 37 to 47, I loved it, like a kid in a candy store. By age 52 security became my number one issue and I hated it. Therefore, I moved to the Louisiana Swamplands near alligators and snakes. I love it. Never lock up the house and leave the keys in the Tundra. Great job my friend, worry about you in some of these ghettos you film. Greg Adams, Springfield, Louisiana population 400. Thank you for this!!!!!!!
Wild that you were down there back in March. I was also in New Orleans in March. I fell deeply in love with it. The city has such chaotic but lovely people, vibe and urban planning. As many problems as it has, I don't think we'll let it sink. Strongly considering to the city from Detroit once I graduate.
Born and raised here. My wife and I just had our first child. By the skin of our teeth we are stuck here, we hope this is the year we can finally afford to move. We have struggled, lived bare means, and have worked very hard for years to make this dream come true, including both of us going back to school. My wife has just graduated and is now a RN. For the livelihood of our children we will continue till we finally are able to plant roots and own a home. Love and believe in each other. Great video Nick.
I feel the same way. I’m depressed down here too. Working hard trying to save & survive & its still a no go. We all in the same boat. Want to leave so bad but can’t afford to leave. It’s miserable
The blending of many different culture's is what has always been what makes New Orleans Unique & wonderful. Cuisine, music & culture. Despite it's setbacks it will continue to be a very special place.
Spent time working there a few years ago. Was advised by locals not to go outside tourist zone because " people end up missing ". It was such a common part of discussion, as if daily life could be no different. Sad to see so many people make excuses for murderers and rapists.
@@205rlg6 I'm from New Orleans. It got worst after Katrina. Especially now how these kids want to be durk and NBA young boy so bad. The crime rate passed up how it was when heroin hit the scenes in the 80's and 90's
@Vardek Petrovic same DNA as the cousins still in Africa. That's why New Orleans is so much like Africa. This is their normal. Replace the population of New Orleans with Japanese people and the entire city would become safe and functional overnight.
Thank you Nick for these insightful tours of many US cities that I have never seen while on business and travelling in the USA, and also many of the ones where I have spent time, but didn't see every side of the life in them. i really appreciate your commentary and style. keep up the good work. I would invite you to visit Australia, but I think you still have plenty left to show us from your own country.
I grew up in New Orleans in the 1960's/70's and left in 1982 when the city was still functioning , albeit with lots of chronic problems like poverty, crime, stagnant economy, poor public k-12 education. Now 40+ years later the city has become a 3rd world dystopia. It is now one of the most dangerous and violent cities in the WORLD. I visit family there every year and it breaks my heart to see what has become of my home town. I love the city and its' unique culture. The food and music are wonderful . I'll never move back there.
I've been out there once in the 90s and one thing I'll never forget is the smell. Like you described, it smells of booze, urine, trash, and vomit. That being said, it's probably the most unique city I've been to in this country. If I had to describe it in one word I'd say it's "spooky."
10 years after Katrina, houses were still there with the water marks up to the roofs. 10 years later. The cemetery had some stones still over turned not fixed, 10 years later. Can't imagine staying under the bridge or in that dome during Katrina 17 years ago
I visited New Orleans in February this year, and had no issues - even the scammers in the French Quarter were polite. 😄. I very much enjoyed my vacation there!
I live in Baton Rouge since 1984. Since hurricane Katrina the population has grown dramatically because people from NO have come to live here. In the past I used to frequent French Quarter, but because the area is not as safe as before so I have not visited for many years.
My son and some friends decided to move there a couple of years ago. Let’s say they only stayed a few months. They’re all from Massachusetts. They went down to see Mardi Gras as well. At the time, unfortunately,my son and his friends were drug addicts and heavy drinkers. NOLA is a very easy place to score drugs,and of course drink 24 hours a day. My son told me it was an eye opening place. One thing that surprised him was,NOLA was one of the most bigoted places he’d ever been to. The blacks and whites don’t like one another at all. The crime is awful and the cops don’t care. Shortly after he arrived,he was robbed at gun point for his bike,wallet and phone. The apartment they rented had been subleted by them,for 6 months. But the owner kicked them out because his daughter moved back and needed a place to live. So they were all homeless. They kind of went their own ways at that point. He usually got into a shelter at night for dinner and breakfast. He was able to get a sleeping bag from them,some used clothes,and socks. He slept in a couple of parks under a gazebo when he couldn’t get into a shelter. He tried to get work,but with no address or ID,no one would hire him. A couple of street people taught him how to spange,pan handle, and do spoof tricks on the tourists on bourbon st. He’d get fresh free food that restaurants were tossing,so he ate pretty well. He’d go over to the big cemetery#1,to get his dope. Sometimes he slept there. He said the neighbours were quiet. He finally got tired of the place,and wanted to come home to Massachusetts. Well without an ID,we couldn’t get him a plane or train ticket. But he could ride the greyhound bus. So we got him on the bus,and for the next three days he went north. We got him home, and in the next couple of months he went to rehab. He’s been sober for 2 years now. Working full time,making good money. He has no plans to travel again…
Glad your son is back on track with his life and OUT of New Orleans. My family and I were born and raised there but we began moving out back in the late 70's to early 80's. Some of my family moved to Lynn, Mass. I moved to Missouri. We're all GLAD to be out of New Orleans, particularly with all the dysfunction in city administration, crime, low paying jobs, and crumbling infrastructure. Very occasional visits are quite good enough for me and all I'll ever want from a city like New Orleans.
I worked as a RN in New Orleans in 1978. I never saw any homeless people. The poor lived in shanties along the river with no running water or electricity. The lower class lived in trailers and in the 9th ward. It was quite an experience living there for 15 months since I was from Canada. The people, music and food was unforgettable.
If I could go to new Orleans in 1978 I would jump on it in a second. Alas you couldn't pay me to go live there now in 2023, and the same could be said for nearly all US cities . America used to be cool, Avant garde , even compared to Europe. now , in the cities, it's just too tense and dirty. Curiously, Dublin, my home city, is similarly in decline, addiction, homelessness, filth, gentrification, violent crime and a lack of police (Garda) on the streets . Honestly not very safe for tourists to be out late at night in certain places.
As someone who was born and raised in Louisiana, I can tell you, you are correct, you either love New Orleans or you hate it!!! I’ve been going to the Quarter since I was 17 years old, and that was more than 30 years ago 😱 It’s architecture is beautiful and its culture is like nowhere else!! Needless to say I am an individual who loves New Orleans!!! Cheers
Nick, thanks for the great videos. I used to go to New Orleans, but due to the very high crime, haven't been back in years. It's just not worth it the risk.
Hi Nick, There is a distinctive and vibrant traditional atmosphere in the city of New Orleans that sets it apart from other cities, and I am confident that it will continue to thrive in the future.🎉🎉
@@FELIPEGARCIA-fk6zx New Orleans is attractive because of its identity compared to other areas. It has the ability to attract people, which is why I felt it has a great future and will continue to thrive 😉.
@@FELIPEGARCIA-fk6zx . Why don’t we hope ? In the future, when we elected a good President for the sake of the Country and the people, it’s possible, I think it will affect and thrive in the future. Think about it when the current Government cuts the Police, the Security problem for the People is the same as it is now.
i went to new orleans back in december and was a bit amazed at how rough it is, especially at night. anywhere that isn’t bourbon street is sketchy, even canal street didn’t feel great. ended up getting followed at one point too which was fun. id still absolutely go back though
Just wondering: America does not have enough money to clear streets from poverty while in much poorer countries there are even no single street filled with tents? Why those homeless scenes can be seen only there?
What I like about the South is the friendly people. Here in my native state of Washington, specifically the Seattle area, people are generally not very friendly.
I went to New Orleans last November for my birthday. I had a great time but I'd be lying if I didn't say that city has some major problems. From the homeless who litter canal street to the violence. I overheard at least 3 times on separate occasions locals talking about being involved with violence. One lady a security guard on the phone yelling at someone she not afraid of nothing she got a gun and not afraid to use it. Not to mention just listening to the news where I was there and shootings left and right.
Never been there but it actually looks fun and attractive. The alligator trip looks fun, I would like to do that. Shame about the crime, economy and homelessness. Seems like every place is being destroyed nowadays. Thanks for the vid, Nick. Keep up the good work.
@ Salty 🐈, 🤗🦊 I went to New Orleans on the 10 year anniversary of Katrina . I stayed for 4 days . Drove and walked around. Hard Rock Cafe was down the street where I stayed, tried a Bonet ( I think the spelling is right) , just a fluffy donut with powdered sugar. Night time was filled with music in the Streets. Day time there was a lot of construction going on, looked like there were people who were remodeling a lot of buildings so I saw hope but still some homeless people sleeping in the alleys and if you were walking back to your Hotel and not watching where you were walking 😲so. I stayed at Mont Leon which was beautiful and Foxie Dog was treated like royalty. The history of that hotel is really amazing and Foxie and I met the behind the scenes manager that was located behind the hotel and across the alley, the hotel staff was nothing but kind and caring and wonderful. Walgreens was right down the street so you could get Pepto if you ate something that didn't agree with you. I haven't been back since and it's Really Sad to see it looks worse now then 10 years after Katrina. I hope the Governor will turn it around, it really would be sad to see the lost original way the made New Orleans famous. And I learned people don't call it Nalands as that is disrespectful. It's pronounced " New Orleens " spelled " New Orleans"🤗🦊
Definitely go, if you get the chance! It's different from any other large city in the US. Stay in the tourist areas and be alert and you'll be just fine
That's ok, once they "clean up the place" they will have a bunch of modernized storefronts, with no businesses. And the businesses that do fill the spots, will not last, and will likely drown under egregious lease and operating costs
The tourist bring in lots of money so I call BS when they say they don’t have money to repair roads and sewers. Kinda important. Anyhoo loved the video really awesome. Makes me want to visit.
My wife and I visited NO for 3 days last fall, camping in a state park adjacent to the bayou. It worked out fine for us. We saw plenty of sketchy stuff, but never felt threatened.
I visited NO in '03 and '07, before and after Katrina. I actually had a good time visiting The French Quarters, Swamp Tours, Voodoo Tours, The Trolley Cars, and a party at every corner. Met two college kids from Tulane and a sailor from TX. It had a high crime rate even then, but the natives were nice and helpful to tourists. I plan to visit Baton Rouge and the Florida Panhandle later this year. Thanks Nick!
There has ALWAYS been a homeless problem in NOLA for my entire life but it was far smaller. The homeless used to mainly be in the Quarter sleeping around Jackson Square. We also had the gutter punks that would be mostly in the Quarter and Marigny. The population of homeless exploded after Katrina though! It is just out of control now...
@@ssumrall70 The MAJORITY of homeless people in the Quarter are NOT from New Orleans and were homeless by choice! They were called gGUTTERPUNKS back in the day. Lil rich white kids running away from mommie and daddie so they do not count.
I moved to Metairie, Louisiana last year (15 mins outside the city) from Cleveland and so far I love it. I work in the central business district downtown and was lucky to find a good paying job. The city has its problems but it’s so fun and the FOOOOOD! I think it’s interesting that wealthy people will buy a house in the hood, restore it, put up a fence and some cameras, buy a gun and live their best life 🤣 back home you couldn’t pay anyone to restore anything in East Cleveland. People really have love for this city and as crazy as this place is it’s way friendlier than Ohio.
Ohio has no soul! My best friend in the Navy was from East Cleveland and grew up on Harvard Avenue in Cleveland. He doesn’t miss Ohio at all. Serving in the Navy showed him there’s more to life than just living in the hood and now he is a veteran and lives happy in San Antonio, TX. Columbus is the only decent city left in Ohio
@@NewHaven203 If I had to move back to Ohio it would be Cleveland. I’m originally from Canton so I was born and raised an hour south in a small city with a country vibe. Columbus vibe is a bit too boujie for my taste I find that people in Cleveland are more laid back and into nature like myself.
It was really great to see this video and to see the highs and lows of New Orleans. It really helps getting a perspective from someone that is in the action. It wouldn't bother me one bit to stay in a rundown hotel there in order to go to cultural events like ghost tours, fortune tellers, voodoo events, etc.
@@anon2427 Cameroon wasn’t a bad country until white man went over there and start exploiting resources….to fuel their shitty European countries and the western world
37:32 dude I saw your video man, and I'm moving to NOLA in about 5 months. Amazingly your video has given me more drive and excitement to move there. I'm a subscriber now, and thanks! 🎉
Hey Nick just discovered your channel and thanks for your vlogs. Shocking and disturbing but positive as well. We must be positive. Here in UK this deterioration beginning too. Keep up the good work.
New Orleans is sinking because they built levees up and down the river that prevent mud from being carried along. Without mud from upstream, the land at the delta isn't replenished.
Great video, Nick! My parents and I like New Orleans, but haven't been there for a very long time. (My parents went to a conference there and then flew out something like 24 hours before Hurricane Katrina hit. Yikes!) I never realized before how popular daiquiris were there. We visited a cemetery there where the graves were located ABOVE ground because of the sinking soil. Yes, the sinking land really is that big of an issue! If you ever get around to wearing those wigs, then please send me a photo! :D
The graves are located above ground because of the high water table. (It doesn't take much digging to hit water saturated soil.) Yes, there is sinking going on, but this is really a separate problem.
Excellent and truthful review Nick of my hometown. Looking forward to your next installment. Not insulted at all. In fact, I was surprised how "on point" you actually were with this video.
@@NickJohnson Thanks Nick...by the way, the guy at the end of your part 1 video did nice job trying to explain NOLA and it's many problems to your viewers. Actually, I could see that he held back significantly when speaking about the situation. There's a lot more to it than just bad infrastructure and crooked mayors.
I moved away from New Orleans about a year ago. I'll always miss it - I lived in the Upper D, or the portion of Decatur street close to Canal. It was the most fun, beautiful place I've ever lived. I even shopped at that run-down Walgreens you featured in the vid! I'll come back soon once the crime cools down and the leadership of the city pulls their head out of their asses. Despite the poor governance, it's such a beautiful place that I still go back to.
I am almost a native of N.O and having grown up there and went to school there from elementary to college and in a nutshell, I think N.O is a very unique and special place like no other place in the world and just like everything in life it is what you make of it. It's a fun city and there are plenty of good things too and people are amazing. It's not as bad as it sounds.
8:03 Museum of Death... that's pretty much every museum, if you think about it. Not many exhibits of people who are still alive, except at wax museums.
Hey Nick. Business owner here raising a family in New Orleans. I'm a long watcher of your channel. I've always been worried about your New Orleans episode. There's a lot of history here to unpack and summarize. I think you did a great job though. I'd make a few edits, but for just spending a few days here it makes me trust your other videos even more.
Oh and I think you totally missed the cool shopping part of Magazine St you referenced. You were in the warehouse district not uptown unless it's in a future video.
Nick, you are a blessing to the universe. Your videos are top shelf. Thank you, for the time, money, and energy you put into sharing the underbelly of the true America. I always look forward to your content. YOU ARE AN AMAZING HUMAN BEING. ❤
I've never been but I don't want to go. I can already say that I love the architecture and older homes. I detest the witchcraft and glorification of death.
Most of that witchcraft and Voodoo is more for the tourists. There are a small number of actual Voodoo practitioners around but it is a tiny percentage of the population. There are all kinds of witchcraft, vampire and other fetishes out-of-town folks who roll into the city import but most of that is not from the history of the city. There are LOTS of weird and freaky things all the time in the French Quarter while it gets more normal out in other neighborhoods. People from NOLA still don't get surprised by much as you could have on a crazy costume anytime of year and it won't raise any attention. The food alone is worth a visit!
I'm from Baton Rouge, so I spent a huge amount of time in New Orleans growing up. It's the only place in the country that I know of where the bars are open 24/7, and you can wander the streets with open containers. It's a lot of fun, the food is great, the people are nice and laid back, but I moved up to Wisconsin in 2005, and I will never move back South again.
Was in Nola in 2019. Alot of history and cool places to see. It was pretty crazy to still see X’s marked on houses still after Katrina. I also remember the streets in the morning smelling like piss. A swamp tour is also mandatory. Don’t know if I’ll
@@landonbarretto4933 don’t know who you’re referencing to but if its me then your comment says what kinda trash you are, lmfao. If you don’t like seeing different places with history and cool things to see then thats your loss. I didn’t go down there to party, I went to see all the cool old sites. Would I live there nope but it was well worth visiting!
Those trolleys look cool. The air boats look awesome! That would be so fun to be in a band that is just sitting somewhere in the public area. Love some of the bright and neon colors. Some of the names of the stores like Jester, Slush, Factory of Weird, Voodoo Blues are awesome. The food and music sound awesome. I really like gumbo, jambalaya, red beans and rice, and garlic mashed potatoes. I would love to hang around one of those cool jazz places. The fortune teller, crystal ball, voodoo, witchcraft, ghosts, and dead culture are super interesting, that would be the #1 reason I would go there.
I was born there, at Charity hospital but I could never live there or anywhere in Louisiana because it's just too damn hot... But I love visiting. Listening to the way people talk is like music to my ears. I lost my Louisiana accent a long time ago. Whenever I'm there, it really bugs the heck out of me when I have small talk with strangers and they turn around and ask me where I'm from. 😊
Born and raised in Louisiana but never lived in/near the city. I used to frequent the city quite a bit between the museums, balls, festivals, business functions, etc but have not set foot anywhere near there in a few years. Too much lack of interest amongst the politicians and a few areas of the city only get attention for large functions…MARDI GRAS, SUPER BOWL, FINAL FOUR, you get the picture. Crime is out of control and just not worth taking the risk to head down there. Really quite a shame too because back in the day, the city was cleaner, safer, and more full to capacity but those days are gone. Anyone coming in for their first trip…BE CAREFUL and KNOW your surroundings and DONT head too far off into areas that look rundown because they are hot spots for murders. Just my opinion. 🤷♀️
Still miss it. Hate to think of New Orleans and be obliged to say, "ain't there no mo." When I saw the bridge to the westbank, i broke down. Voters in the city won't vote for leadership to even try to fix things.
Got a car in June. Left end of July to my hometown. Ida happened and I came back in October to work. Car was gone and never found in January. Being within steps of homicides and shootings has been a weekly or more than weekly occurrence. Lots of places changing for the better, but New Orleans is messed up and getting worse. If it gets better, expect it to be far less attainable and even desirable. Then the weather. This place wants to be the swamp again. Its warm in the winter, fun and I do work that isnt terrible.
I met people while working with the homeless that were working three jobs and we're still on the street because they couldn't afford housing. As inflation and the cost of things continue to rise, you will continue to see people get forced out of their homes and pushed onto the streets. Here where I live, many elderly have been forced out of their housing by transplants from liberal States. It's a huge problem. I've seen people as old as 80 on the street. They had housing not long ago but their landlord wanted more money from the out of State transplants and raised the cost of the rent which caused them to be homeless/ live out of their car. The elderly, veterans and people with disabilities get treated the worse by the system. A lot of people don't understand how bad inflation is in many areas and how bad it effects people. It's really bad. Here a lot of people can't even afford food. It's really sad.
Lived there in the late 80’s and 90’s and loved every minute. Moved right before Katrina and when I visited years after it is a completely different city. So sad
I agree with this gentleman 100 %. He is right about the local govt. That extends all the way to Washington DC and the white house. They all need to go and new, forward, progressive real people put in their places. And when big companies leave, they need to leave the communities whole again by re-educating their employees for other fields, or create new businesses to replace the loss to the families and cities they leave. Maybe a fund set up for former employees(not just a severance package). People who will look at the entire picture need to be in place. It's a shame.
Comments like this explain why there are so many issues. People expect some private business to be nursemaids to every citizen. Why would a business be on the hook for educating people or creating another business before they leave? The business is moving for a reason. Likely because they cannot continue making money where they are. Now you want to saddle them with what could be millions in payments to support people may never have worked for them? Get real. If you want a business to thrive and pay well then expect to pay more for whatever product or service you want. Buying the cheapest is the quickest way to drive jobs overseas.
@@MasterMalrubius Look at Detroit and Flint. The car companies went overseas and left those places devastated. Look at our farmers miners, and fishery. I don't want to be food dependent when we have all we need here. We need to stop allowing a lot that goes on. I would seriously penalize or boycott things not made here. I don't know where pvt businesses came in. The govt makes the policies and Biden reopened trade and screwed everybody.
I love the video. Having spent most of my adult life in Louisiana; I appreciate your visiting. Yes, New Orleans has changed. Very sad. Thx again. Oh one thing where Macon lives is pronounced Bayou La-battery…… ❤️
Spent five days there recently. Commentary is spot on. Loud and obnoxious at night. Marijuana everywhere. The best fried chicken is at the gas station on Rampart across the street from the French Quarter.
Here's my entire Deep South Road Trip Playlist: ua-cam.com/play/PLq-_cmf3H6yrg0_gX1fq81lsxUQTnt7Vl.html
Mardi Gras
Can you tell me the name of the Swamp Tour company you went with please. I live on the Northshore & I want to bring my son on one of those
Is soul the same as spirit?
Theyre not homeless theyre just on the streets camped up to buy and sell drugs and their family doesn't like them using drugs in the home.
Don’t mention CA and wish cities to get better not worst and repeat same behavior of criminals it was segregations and wars fault
Ran away from home up north in 1975 at fourteen. At sixteen ended up in New Orleans washing pots and pans in a fancy restaurant on St. Charles. Got an apartment on Magazine Street and would walk home at night from St. Charles. I will never forget the kindness and generosity of the parishioners of the Baptist churches along the way, who would feed me and give me pop. We sat on the steps and I was told the ins and outs of staying alive in the environment that I clearly knew nothing about. I will never forget Eartha and Jeanette……
That is beautiful ❤! Thank you for sharing!
I ran away from home when I was 14 too.I went to Queensland and stayed there for two years then had to come back to Sydney.but It made me the person I am today
I learned more about the USA in one year from your YT channel than in the previous 60 years. All my life as a German I was a strict anti-American without knowing the real life of "normal" people in America. Now that I've learned, I despise politicians and oligarchs all the more. But I've come to appreciate Joe Sixpack. In the meantime I've developed a great fondness for the Hill Billys and Appalachians. Your interview partners on your travels give me courage. Not the superhumans drawn by the transatlantic propaganda, but completely normal, imaginative and extremely reasonable people, like here in Germany, as well as in Russia and China. I want to thank you for that
The American forefather are rolling in their graves seeing us allow the government to control so much of our life now. If you can watch 2000 mules and you will see how Joe Biden won the presidency.
Noch ein Deutscher hier in den Kommentaren :D und geht mir ähnlich!
The germans always thought they were a superior race , you just proved it
Cool Nick like your vids.
transatlantic propaganda? please do care to explain this term
I am a 7th generation New Orleanian. I lived there my first 28 years of life before moving for work. Spent about 15 in NYC, DC, SF among others before moving back and buying a jazz club in the quarter. My first apartment, at 17, was behind a bar in your video, 3 legged dog. It was called Maxwell’s Plum then, and 3 friends I went to high school with owned it. Good times for sure. New Orleans was an almost magical place to grow up in, with each neighborhood having its own Mardi Gras parade and plenty of tremendous local stores and businesses that gave each neighborhood a certain “feel”. This was long before national chains moved in and started buying up all the local places that give an area its charm. Crime wasn’t nearly as bad as it is now. In the 70’s, 80’s you could still pretty much walk anywhere in the French Quarter at any hour, with no problem. Even less street crime there in the 50’s and 60’s when the local mob helped the police keep certain areas safe and crime free, except for their crimes of course like gambling and hookers. My 1st apt was an efficiency for $150 a month. When I moved back to open the club, I found a 1 bedroom for $350 a month. Now? Probably couldn’t get either place for less than $900-$1000. So I ran my club, and opened a restaurant as well. But as crime increased, Katrina, BP oil spill, and finally covidscam, I sold it all and now live 85 miles east, on the Gulf of Mexico, beautiful home, water views, low crime, low taxes, friendly people. Folks always ask if I miss Nola. The Nola I miss, doesn’t exist anymore, only In memories. The friends , neighbors, unique businesses, New Orleans’ distinct characters like “Black Cat” LaComb, Dr John, Al “Mr Crawfish “ Scramuzza, and stores like D H Holmes, K&B Drugs and Kirschman’s are all gone, along with most of my friends and family. But so glad I got to live it when it was still a truly awesome, magical place.
and a crawfish they caught in arabie
@@chipslovack7635 dix-pak of sixie
@@johnmaxwell4072 ain’t der no mo
Love this. I am glad you are enjoying yourself and got to experience the real NOLA.
🐂sh💩t is screwed 🆙 EVERYWHERE
I went to college in New Orleans. I remember going on those bayou tours. I spent the BEST time of my life down there. This was a couple years before Katrina. Biking with my roommates through the garden district and studying at epic coffee shops like Rue De la cour was magical.
back when New orleans was one of the best. us cities
What college? Tulane, Loyola, dillard, suno, Delgado, or u.n.o. ?
@@matteasy101 I went to Loyola.
@@ClairenParkerontheRoad I was born and raised in New Orleans. I went to Delgado by city park but Katrina interfered my sophomore year of college
I want to move here
I lived there for a year in 2020 with my husband who is from New Orleans. We did have to move back to Texas, but man that city felt like my home more than houston, my actual home. This city will always have a piece of me and my heart. I fell deeply in love with the city. The people and the city are so resilient and the entire city has a sense of nostalgia, beauty, tragedy, and love. ❤
This is SO TRUE for me and my husband! We moved there in 2013 and lived there for 10 years. We had to move back to TN for a little bit, but I am counting the days until I can go HOME!!!! IT IS home for us! My son moved there after we did and has made an amazing life for himself. He would NEVER live anywhere else either. The BEST people on the planet are there. Sure there are bad ones- they are everywhere.
I was born and raised there. It was great growing up there but once Katrina swept by everything changed. I live in the Austin, TX area now and will never move back. I visit my family every year but that’s it. I miss the old N’Awlins. Thank you for your content.
Me too. I landed in Western NC
Me too born and raise in the 60s-70s nothing better than New Orleans from 1968-1980s. Also very true about Katrina the city hasn't recovered its wonderful past. . .😢
Add me to the list. Katrina sent me to Round Rock and even though I miss New Orleans of the past, this move was the best decision ever.
Hi! I’m sorry to hear you had to leave. I know I’d feel homesick if I left my home state. I’m going to NOLA in June, with my Sister. I’ve heard there is great, and not so great parts. I have always wanted to visit. At one time, I thought of moving there, but probably just going to make it a regular spot to visit.:-) Best Wishes!
Mee too I regret I left but came back been back for almost three years it's so sad and hurtful LEAVING IN THREE WEEKS never coming back
Hurtful hurtful
I've been in Florida where tornados hit all the time but they get there state back in order we still struggling from Katrina people always focus on THE FOOD smh
Even areas that were nice not nice anymore smh
😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢
I love my people here but even the famous people don't visit regularly Bless the aboriginals in the city
Thank you Nick! It was great to meet you and to have the opportunity to be in your video!
Jason!!! Come see me now!
@@NickJohnson you back in town?
@@NickJohnson oh, you mean up in the Carolinas. We actually may be planning a trip up that way this summer. I’ll let you know.
You were very kind with your comments - one glaring omission was that over half the population of the city moved there from elsewhere- mostly after the storm - and the gentrification that's driven out many of the locals. How many Airbnbs are there on Roberta's block now? Stuff like that.
So sorry for the innocent citizens caught in a thoroughly corrupted city.
Yup. God refers to them as Locusts for a good reason. Everywhere they go, they destroy.
@@saltycat662 Who is them?
For decades, corrupt New Orleans politicians have made Chicago politicians look like amateurs.
@@All2JC2275 anyine bad
They voted for this.
One of the most colorful and interesting cities in the country. And it's nice that you let your guests talk in depth and at length; terrific video.
Glad to see you made it to my neck of the woods, Nick! I live north of New Orleans. Spent 22 years crossing the causeway across Lake Pontchartrain to work. The city used to be someplace we’d go on weekends or in the evening. It’s gotten rather bad now and we don’t go anymore.
The loss of marshland and coastline could be fixed if we removed levees south of the city and let the river flood its banks and replenish like it used to. But that’s not possible because many people live south of NOLA and there is a big portion of our economy down there. So we continue to send the Midwest sediment that built this area flow straight out into the Gulf instead of replenishing the coast.
Dear Nick, from a loyal viewer. My Memphis based (my home town) gigantic overnight delivery service provider of 31 years transferred me to New Orleans in 1997, I was 37 for my dream HR job. I bought a renovated shotgun house on Decatur Street 4 blocks from Frenchmen Street. How I was able to avoid being a druggie and huge alcoholic, walking to Bourbon Street 4 nights a week AND excel at my job is amazing. This is by far the best video you have ever made and your observations are exactly accurate. From age 37 to 47, I loved it, like a kid in a candy store. By age 52 security became my number one issue and I hated it. Therefore, I moved to the Louisiana Swamplands near alligators and snakes. I love it. Never lock up the house and leave the keys in the Tundra. Great job my friend, worry about you in some of these ghettos you film. Greg Adams, Springfield, Louisiana population 400. Thank you for this!!!!!!!
Ok Greg!
Wild that you were down there back in March. I was also in New Orleans in March. I fell deeply in love with it. The city has such chaotic but lovely people, vibe and urban planning. As many problems as it has, I don't think we'll let it sink. Strongly considering to the city from Detroit once I graduate.
You should!
Born and raised here. My wife and I just had our first child. By the skin of our teeth we are stuck here, we hope this is the year we can finally afford to move. We have struggled, lived bare means, and have worked very hard for years to make this dream come true, including both of us going back to school. My wife has just graduated and is now a RN. For the livelihood of our children we will continue till we finally are able to plant roots and own a home. Love and believe in each other. Great video Nick.
Where are you guys gonna move?
Come to Wheat Ridge, Colorado. We'll be hiring nurses (several hundred) at a brand new hospital.
And they'll be waiting to uproot you once you are settled
I feel the same way. I’m depressed down here too. Working hard trying to save & survive & its still a no go. We all in the same boat. Want to leave so bad but can’t afford to leave. It’s miserable
@@MonaJ888 just start walking. All these things are dead weight
Natchitoches, Louisiana! It’s worth a stop. One of the last gasps of charming southern hospitality.
Too small and country for me.
@@RiVer-Parish go VENICE or PERTH.
Arné that city is next!!
I had a friend from natchitouches when I was in the Navy, he had a THICK southern accent
@@NickJohnson Good to hear, Nick! Very charming little city that everyone should see once.
The blending of many different culture's is what has always been what makes New Orleans Unique & wonderful. Cuisine, music & culture. Despite it's setbacks it will continue to be a very special place.
It will continue to be a very nasty place.
Friend lives there...tons of crime now and unfit for tourism.
It's not as dangerous as it was before Katrina
Spent time working there a few years ago. Was advised by locals not to go outside tourist zone because " people end up missing ". It was such a common part of discussion, as if daily life could be no different.
Sad to see so many people make excuses for murderers and rapists.
@@205rlg6 I'm from New Orleans. It got worst after Katrina. Especially now how these kids want to be durk and NBA young boy so bad. The crime rate passed up how it was when heroin hit the scenes in the 80's and 90's
Things really broke down after Katrina, and it's never recovered since
@Vardek Petrovic same DNA as the cousins still in Africa. That's why New Orleans is so much like Africa. This is their normal.
Replace the population of New Orleans with Japanese people and the entire city would become safe and functional overnight.
Thank you Nick for these insightful tours of many US cities that I have never seen while on business and travelling in the USA, and also many of the ones where I have spent time, but didn't see every side of the life in them. i really appreciate your commentary and style. keep up the good work. I would invite you to visit Australia, but I think you still have plenty left to show us from your own country.
I need to come. Are you offering me a safari if I make it? 🐨 🐍 🦘
Thanks!
I grew up in New Orleans in the 1960's/70's and left in 1982 when the city was still functioning , albeit with lots of chronic problems like poverty, crime, stagnant economy, poor public k-12 education. Now 40+ years later the city has become a 3rd world dystopia. It is now one of the most dangerous and violent cities in the WORLD. I visit family there every year and it breaks my heart to see what has become of my home town. I love the city and its' unique culture. The food and music are wonderful . I'll never move back there.
I've been out there once in the 90s and one thing I'll never forget is the smell. Like you described, it smells of booze, urine, trash, and vomit. That being said, it's probably the most unique city I've been to in this country. If I had to describe it in one word I'd say it's "spooky."
I was there in ‘90. And I can still remember the smell.. very scummy and stinky. I was 13 and had no desire to stay around there
Booze, urine,trash and vomit? That's just disgusting 🤢
We went in the winter a couple months after Ida hit. Between the storm’s rains and it being winter, there was no smell. It was nice.
If the bathrooms are gross just imagine what the kitchen's look like
10 years after Katrina, houses were still there with the water marks up to the roofs. 10 years later. The cemetery had some stones still over turned not fixed, 10 years later. Can't imagine staying under the bridge or in that dome during Katrina 17 years ago
From one Louisianian: Thanks for being fair. Anyone willing to be friendly will always be welcome here.
I visited New Orleans in February this year, and had no issues - even the scammers in the French Quarter were polite. 😄. I very much enjoyed my vacation there!
I’m coming to visit in June.:-) I am very excited! Best wishes!
I've lived in the Greater New Orleans area my entire life and anytime I go anywhere else I'm reminded why I always come home. If you know, ya know.
Great work Nick! We really enjoy your videos and writing. Looking forward to more stops on your road trip of the South!
I live in Baton Rouge since 1984. Since hurricane Katrina the population has grown dramatically because people from NO have come to live here. In the past I used to frequent French Quarter, but because the area is not as safe as before so I have not visited for many years.
I remember my relatives telling me how their rent doubled when that happened.
My son and some friends decided to move there a couple of years ago. Let’s say they only stayed a few months. They’re all from Massachusetts.
They went down to see Mardi Gras as well.
At the time,
unfortunately,my son and his friends were drug addicts and heavy drinkers.
NOLA is a very easy place to score drugs,and of course drink 24 hours a day. My son told me it was an eye opening place.
One thing that surprised him was,NOLA was one of the most bigoted places he’d ever been to.
The blacks and whites don’t like one another at all. The crime is awful and the cops don’t care. Shortly after he arrived,he was robbed at gun point for his bike,wallet and phone.
The apartment they rented had been subleted by them,for 6 months. But the owner kicked them out because his daughter moved back and needed a place to live. So they were all homeless. They kind of went their own ways at that point. He usually got into a shelter at night for dinner and breakfast. He was able to get a sleeping bag from them,some used clothes,and socks.
He slept in a couple of parks under a gazebo when he couldn’t get into a shelter. He tried to get work,but with no address or ID,no one would hire him. A couple of street people taught him how to spange,pan handle, and do spoof tricks on the tourists on bourbon st. He’d get fresh free food that restaurants were tossing,so he ate pretty well. He’d go over to the big cemetery#1,to get his dope. Sometimes he slept there. He said the neighbours were quiet.
He finally got tired of the place,and wanted to come home to Massachusetts. Well without an ID,we couldn’t get him a plane or train ticket. But he could ride the greyhound bus. So we got him on the bus,and for the next three days he went north. We got him home, and in the next couple of months he went to rehab. He’s been sober for 2 years now. Working full time,making good money. He has no plans to travel again…
Glad your son is back on track with his life and OUT of New Orleans. My family and I were born and raised there but we began moving out back in the late 70's to early 80's. Some of my family moved to Lynn, Mass. I moved to Missouri. We're all GLAD to be out of New Orleans, particularly with all the dysfunction in city administration, crime, low paying jobs, and crumbling infrastructure. Very occasional visits are quite good enough for me and all I'll ever want from a city like New Orleans.
Roberta- I'd love to hear more of that story! Email me! NickJohnsonNC18@gmail
My son is 33 now,I’m so grateful he’s here.
@@NickJohnson I will!!!
Tammy,
My son said the taxes are very high,and the potholes alone could swallow a Prius!
I worked as a RN in New Orleans in 1978. I never saw any homeless people. The poor lived in shanties along the river with no running water or electricity. The lower class lived in trailers and in the 9th ward. It was quite an experience living there for 15 months since I was from Canada. The people, music and food was unforgettable.
If I could go to new Orleans in 1978 I would jump on it in a second.
Alas you couldn't pay me to go live there now in 2023, and the same could be said for nearly all US cities . America used to be cool, Avant garde , even compared to Europe. now , in the cities, it's just too tense and dirty. Curiously, Dublin, my home city, is similarly in decline, addiction, homelessness, filth, gentrification, violent crime and a lack of police (Garda) on the streets . Honestly not very safe for tourists to be out late at night in certain places.
@@cyclocrossthesea-lionman1824 Europe/the EU is not on the best path either.
Love visiting New Orleans! There’s crime in every major city.
NOLA is a very unique and historical city! Love it.
I think this is your best video yet. Very thoughtful and thorough. Thank you for making it.
Your reporting is really interesting and educational in nature. I enjoyed it very much! You are truly gifted Nick Johnson! Keep it up!
As someone who was born and raised in Louisiana, I can tell you, you are correct, you either love New Orleans or you hate it!!! I’ve been going to the Quarter since I was 17 years old, and that was more than 30 years ago 😱 It’s architecture is beautiful and its culture is like nowhere else!! Needless to say I am an individual who loves New Orleans!!!
Cheers
Nick, thanks for the great videos. I used to go to New Orleans, but due to the very high crime, haven't been back in years. It's just not worth it the risk.
Hi Nick, There is a distinctive and vibrant traditional atmosphere in the city of New Orleans that sets it apart from other cities, and I am confident that it will continue to thrive in the future.🎉🎉
Thrive???.. I wonder what kind of thrive..🙄 LOL!!!🤣😂😂
@@FELIPEGARCIA-fk6zx New Orleans is attractive because of its identity compared to other areas. It has the ability to attract people, which is why I felt it has a great future and will continue to thrive 😉.
@@ホルスの目 The criminals there certainly seem to be thriving.
@@FELIPEGARCIA-fk6zx . Why don’t we hope ? In the future, when we elected a good President for the sake of the Country and the people, it’s possible, I think it will affect and thrive in the future. Think about it when the current Government cuts the Police, the Security problem for the People is the same as it is now.
@@ホルスの目 It has the ability to attract only illegals and criminals.
My hometown, my favorite place in the world. It has many problems, but it is also a very beautiful place with a great culture and history.
Great story!
i went to new orleans back in december and was a bit amazed at how rough it is, especially at night. anywhere that isn’t bourbon street is sketchy, even canal street didn’t feel great. ended up getting followed at one point too which was fun.
id still absolutely go back though
Da Rougarou gon git chu, mane
Just wondering: America does not have enough money to clear streets from poverty while in much poorer countries there are even no single street filled with tents? Why those homeless scenes can be seen only there?
What I like about the South is the friendly people. Here in my native state of Washington, specifically the Seattle area, people are generally not very friendly.
I went to New Orleans last November for my birthday. I had a great time but I'd be lying if I didn't say that city has some major problems. From the homeless who litter canal street to the violence. I overheard at least 3 times on separate occasions locals talking about being involved with violence. One lady a security guard on the phone yelling at someone she not afraid of nothing she got a gun and not afraid to use it. Not to mention just listening to the news where I was there and shootings left and right.
Never been there but it actually looks fun and attractive. The alligator trip looks fun, I would like to do that. Shame about the crime, economy and homelessness. Seems like every place is being destroyed nowadays. Thanks for the vid, Nick. Keep up the good work.
@ Salty 🐈, 🤗🦊 I went to New Orleans on the 10 year anniversary of Katrina . I stayed for 4 days . Drove and walked around. Hard Rock Cafe was down the street where I stayed, tried a Bonet ( I think the spelling is right) , just a fluffy donut with powdered sugar. Night time was filled with music in the Streets. Day time there was a lot of construction going on, looked like there were people who were remodeling a lot of buildings so I saw hope but still some homeless people sleeping in the alleys and if you were walking back to your Hotel and not watching where you were walking 😲so. I stayed at Mont Leon which was beautiful and Foxie Dog was treated like royalty. The history of that hotel is really amazing and Foxie and I met the behind the scenes manager that was located behind the hotel and across the alley, the hotel staff was nothing but kind and caring and wonderful. Walgreens was right down the street so you could get Pepto if you ate something that didn't agree with you. I haven't been back since and it's Really Sad to see it looks worse now then 10 years after Katrina. I hope the Governor will turn it around, it really would be sad to see the lost original way the made New Orleans famous. And I learned people don't call it Nalands as that is disrespectful. It's pronounced
" New Orleens " spelled " New Orleans"🤗🦊
@@foxiedogitchypaws7141 Compared to S.F., L.A., Portland and Seattle, New Orleans was just ahead of its time.
@@foxiedogitchypaws7141 The confectionary item to which you refer is a beignet.
Definitely go, if you get the chance! It's different from any other large city in the US. Stay in the tourist areas and be alert and you'll be just fine
That's ok, once they "clean up the place" they will have a bunch of modernized storefronts, with no businesses. And the businesses that do fill the spots, will not last, and will likely drown under egregious lease and operating costs
The tourist bring in lots of money so I call BS when they say they don’t have money to repair roads and sewers. Kinda important. Anyhoo loved the video really awesome. Makes me want to visit.
Exactly!
Calling the French Quarter glamorous is like calling a cesspool sanitary.
“Hey, let’s get something to eat”
Love your videos. Mappy rocks!
My wife and I visited NO for 3 days last fall, camping in a state park adjacent to the bayou. It worked out fine for us. We saw plenty of sketchy stuff, but never felt threatened.
I visited NO in '03 and '07, before and after Katrina. I actually had a good time visiting The French Quarters, Swamp Tours, Voodoo Tours, The Trolley Cars, and a party at every corner. Met two college kids from Tulane and a sailor from TX. It had a high crime rate even then, but the natives were nice and helpful to tourists. I plan to visit Baton Rouge and the Florida Panhandle later this year. Thanks Nick!
Another Gem Nick
Did Mardi Gras 15 years ago, at the time wife's friend was an LSU professor. Real good time, glad I did it.
Being from the New Orleans area, I think you have nailed it pretty good - good job...
New orleans did not have a homeless problem UNTIL after Katrina. That local guy you interviewed was GREAT! He was spot on and intelligent.🤔
There has ALWAYS been a homeless problem in NOLA for my entire life but it was far smaller. The homeless used to mainly be in the Quarter sleeping around Jackson Square. We also had the gutter punks that would be mostly in the Quarter and Marigny. The population of homeless exploded after Katrina though! It is just out of control now...
@@ssumrall70 The MAJORITY of homeless people in the Quarter are NOT from New Orleans and were homeless by choice! They were called gGUTTERPUNKS back in the day. Lil rich white kids running away from mommie and daddie so they do not count.
I moved to Metairie, Louisiana last year (15 mins outside the city) from Cleveland and so far I love it. I work in the central business district downtown and was lucky to find a good paying job. The city has its problems but it’s so fun and the FOOOOOD! I think it’s interesting that wealthy people will buy a house in the hood, restore it, put up a fence and some cameras, buy a gun and live their best life 🤣 back home you couldn’t pay anyone to restore anything in East Cleveland. People really have love for this city and as crazy as this place is it’s way friendlier than Ohio.
Ohio has no soul! My best friend in the Navy was from East Cleveland and grew up on Harvard Avenue in Cleveland. He doesn’t miss Ohio at all. Serving in the Navy showed him there’s more to life than just living in the hood and now he is a veteran and lives happy in San Antonio, TX. Columbus is the only decent city left in Ohio
@@NewHaven203 If I had to move back to Ohio it would be Cleveland. I’m originally from Canton so I was born and raised an hour south in a small city with a country vibe. Columbus vibe is a bit too boujie for my taste I find that people in Cleveland are more laid back and into nature like myself.
It was really great to see this video and to see the highs and lows of New Orleans. It really helps getting a perspective from someone that is in the action.
It wouldn't bother me one bit to stay in a rundown hotel there in order to go to cultural events like ghost tours, fortune tellers, voodoo events, etc.
Thx4share great content and great narrative Nick 👍🇺🇲
Swamp adventure looks great, ty for sharing
It would be best to return it to France and explain to them that it just didn't work out.
What’s wrong with you two? New Orleans is the best thing about the United States
Yes, please give us back to France. We would very much appreciate that.
@@iluomobravoLol best thing about the unitied states ? Have you ever travelled outside of Louisiana?
So they can turn it into Cameroon even faster😂
@@anon2427 Cameroon wasn’t a bad country until white man went over there and start exploiting resources….to fuel their shitty European countries and the western world
37:32 dude I saw your video man, and I'm moving to NOLA in about 5 months. Amazingly your video has given me more drive and excitement to move there. I'm a subscriber now, and thanks! 🎉
Hey Nick just discovered your channel and thanks for your vlogs. Shocking and disturbing but positive as well. We must be positive. Here in UK this deterioration beginning too. Keep up the good work.
Beginning ? We've had 12 years of Tory austerity, the UK is crippled mate
@@mikeeroony6683 move to IRELAND.
New Orleans is sinking because they built levees up and down the river that prevent mud from being carried along. Without mud from upstream, the land at the delta isn't replenished.
Great video, Nick! My parents and I like New Orleans, but haven't been there for a very long time. (My parents went to a conference there and then flew out something like 24 hours before Hurricane Katrina hit. Yikes!) I never realized before how popular daiquiris were there. We visited a cemetery there where the graves were located ABOVE ground because of the sinking soil. Yes, the sinking land really is that big of an issue! If you ever get around to wearing those wigs, then please send me a photo! :D
Matt if I ever put that wig on god help me
The graves are located above ground because of the high water table. (It doesn't take much digging to hit water saturated soil.) Yes, there is sinking going on, but this is really a separate problem.
Excellent and truthful review Nick of my hometown. Looking forward to your next installment. Not insulted at all. In fact, I was surprised how "on point" you actually were with this video.
John there's a part two 😢
@@NickJohnson Thanks Nick...by the way, the guy at the end of your part 1 video did nice job trying to explain NOLA and it's many problems to your viewers. Actually, I could see that he held back significantly when speaking about the situation. There's a lot more to it than just bad infrastructure and crooked mayors.
Absolutely love your vids, Nick- slick and informative. Another masterpiece and we need more! Well and truly Hooked as ever ... stay safe ❤😂
Very astute commentary as usual!
I moved away from New Orleans about a year ago. I'll always miss it - I lived in the Upper D, or the portion of Decatur street close to Canal. It was the most fun, beautiful place I've ever lived. I even shopped at that run-down Walgreens you featured in the vid! I'll come back soon once the crime cools down and the leadership of the city pulls their head out of their asses. Despite the poor governance, it's such a beautiful place that I still go back to.
crime will never cool down...
Why do you think the crime will cool down?
I am almost a native of N.O and having grown up there and went to school
there from elementary to college and in a nutshell, I think N.O is a very unique
and special place like no other place in the world and just like everything in life
it is what you make of it. It's a fun city and there are plenty of good things too and
people are amazing. It's not as bad as it sounds.
EXCATLY
Awesome, thanks again for your videos!
I left NOLA two weeks ago. Now I’m in Atlanta. Let’s see how this goes, which me luck!
So how has it been? Lol
Nick, so good as usual!
great interview too!
8:03 Museum of Death... that's pretty much every museum, if you think about it. Not many exhibits of people who are still alive, except at wax museums.
Nick, as always, thans for sharing this video. Look for the next ones in New Oleans.
Hey Nick. Business owner here raising a family in New Orleans. I'm a long watcher of your channel. I've always been worried about your New Orleans episode. There's a lot of history here to unpack and summarize. I think you did a great job though. I'd make a few edits, but for just spending a few days here it makes me trust your other videos even more.
Oh and I think you totally missed the cool shopping part of Magazine St you referenced. You were in the warehouse district not uptown unless it's in a future video.
There's a part 2 Kevin and it gets worse. Sorry.
One big septic tank!
Nick, you are a blessing to the universe. Your videos are top shelf. Thank you, for the time, money, and energy you put into sharing the underbelly of the true America. I always look forward to your content. YOU ARE AN AMAZING HUMAN BEING. ❤
When you branch away from the party zone it becomes really scary really quickly "after dark"
Darker side bad street lights
Thanks for touring us and giving a glance of the USA from this side of the world. Hello everyone, I hope you are good and well.
I've never been but I don't want to go. I can already say that I love the architecture and older homes. I detest the witchcraft and glorification of death.
Most of that witchcraft and Voodoo is more for the tourists. There are a small number of actual Voodoo practitioners around but it is a tiny percentage of the population. There are all kinds of witchcraft, vampire and other fetishes out-of-town folks who roll into the city import but most of that is not from the history of the city. There are LOTS of weird and freaky things all the time in the French Quarter while it gets more normal out in other neighborhoods. People from NOLA still don't get surprised by much as you could have on a crazy costume anytime of year and it won't raise any attention. The food alone is worth a visit!
Great video! Been here for about 25 years. Love it with all my soul! Who Dat?!
I'm from Baton Rouge, so I spent a huge amount of time in New Orleans growing up. It's the only place in the country that I know of where the bars are open 24/7, and you can wander the streets with open containers. It's a lot of fun, the food is great, the people are nice and laid back, but I moved up to Wisconsin in 2005, and I will never move back South again.
Interesting video. Thanks!
Thanks for sharing New Orleans with us Nick. Never been,& don’t want to go nowadays. 💯👍🏾💜🙋🏽♀️✝️🙏🏾🇺🇸
Unfortunately the once beautiful 1800's city has been slowly deteriorating. Due to lack of maintenance the past 20-years or so-!!!🤔.
Great video ,thank you for sharing
Was in Nola in 2019. Alot of history and cool places to see. It was pretty crazy to still see X’s marked on houses still after Katrina. I also remember the streets in the morning smelling like piss. A swamp tour is also mandatory. Don’t know if I’ll
You need to do it 🐊
@@landonbarretto4933 don’t know who you’re referencing to but if its me then your comment says what kinda trash you are, lmfao. If you don’t like seeing different places with history and cool things to see then thats your loss. I didn’t go down there to party, I went to see all the cool old sites. Would I live there nope but it was well worth visiting!
This video and your video about San Bernardino are my favorites that you have done. Thanks so much.
That SB one was popular!
Those trolleys look cool.
The air boats look awesome!
That would be so fun to be in a band that is just sitting somewhere in the public area.
Love some of the bright and neon colors.
Some of the names of the stores like Jester, Slush, Factory of Weird, Voodoo Blues are awesome.
The food and music sound awesome. I really like gumbo, jambalaya, red beans and rice, and garlic mashed potatoes. I would love to hang around one of those cool jazz places.
The fortune teller, crystal ball, voodoo, witchcraft, ghosts, and dead culture are super interesting, that would be the #1 reason I would go there.
Awesome production! You get better, and better. Thanks, for what you're doing.
I was born there, at Charity hospital but I could never live there or anywhere in Louisiana because it's just too damn hot... But I love visiting. Listening to the way people talk is like music to my ears. I lost my Louisiana accent a long time ago. Whenever I'm there, it really bugs the heck out of me when I have small talk with strangers and they turn around and ask me where I'm from. 😊
Thanks. That was awesome
Born and raised in Louisiana but never lived in/near the city. I used to frequent the city quite a bit between the museums, balls, festivals, business functions, etc but have not set foot anywhere near there in a few years. Too much lack of interest amongst the politicians and a few areas of the city only get attention for large functions…MARDI GRAS, SUPER BOWL, FINAL FOUR, you get the picture. Crime is out of control and just not worth taking the risk to head down there. Really quite a shame too because back in the day, the city was cleaner, safer, and more full to capacity but those days are gone. Anyone coming in for their first trip…BE CAREFUL and KNOW your surroundings and DONT head too far off into areas that look rundown because they are hot spots for murders. Just my opinion. 🤷♀️
Thank_you for your time! Keep going!))) 💪
I was stationed in New Orleans.... I loved it. Very sad news.
Thx for you doing these Nick !
Still miss it. Hate to think of New Orleans and be obliged to say, "ain't there no mo." When I saw the bridge to the westbank, i broke down. Voters in the city won't vote for leadership to even try to fix things.
Got a car in June. Left end of July to my hometown. Ida happened and I came back in October to work. Car was gone and never found in January. Being within steps of homicides and shootings has been a weekly or more than weekly occurrence. Lots of places changing for the better, but New Orleans is messed up and getting worse. If it gets better, expect it to be far less attainable and even desirable.
Then the weather. This place wants to be the swamp again. Its warm in the winter, fun and I do work that isnt terrible.
All i can say is, " I Love You" you have the best personality keep up the fine work!!!
I met people while working with the homeless that were working three jobs and we're still on the street because they couldn't afford housing. As inflation and the cost of things continue to rise, you will continue to see people get forced out of their homes and pushed onto the streets. Here where I live, many elderly have been forced out of their housing by transplants from liberal States. It's a huge problem. I've seen people as old as 80 on the street. They had housing not long ago but their landlord wanted more money from the out of State transplants and raised the cost of the rent which caused them to be homeless/ live out of their car. The elderly, veterans and people with disabilities get treated the worse by the system. A lot of people don't understand how bad inflation is in many areas and how bad it effects people. It's really bad. Here a lot of people can't even afford food. It's really sad.
Lived there in the late 80’s and 90’s and loved every minute. Moved right before Katrina and when I visited years after it is a completely different city. So sad
I agree with this gentleman 100 %. He is right about the local govt. That extends all the way to Washington DC and the white house. They all need to go and new, forward, progressive real people put in their places. And when big companies leave, they need to leave the communities whole again by re-educating their employees for other fields, or create new businesses to replace the loss to the families and cities they leave. Maybe a fund set up for former employees(not just a severance package). People who will look at the entire picture need to be in place. It's a shame.
Wow that'll never happen but I love the optimism haha
Comments like this explain why there are so many issues. People expect some private business to be nursemaids to every citizen. Why would a business be on the hook for educating people or creating another business before they leave? The business is moving for a reason. Likely because they cannot continue making money where they are. Now you want to saddle them with what could be millions in payments to support people may never have worked for them? Get real. If you want a business to thrive and pay well then expect to pay more for whatever product or service you want. Buying the cheapest is the quickest way to drive jobs overseas.
@@NickJohnson I can only have hope
@@MasterMalrubius Look at Detroit and Flint. The car companies went overseas and left those places devastated. Look at our farmers miners, and fishery. I don't want to be food dependent when we have all we need here. We need to stop allowing a lot that goes on. I would seriously penalize or boycott things not made here. I don't know where pvt businesses came in. The govt makes the policies and Biden reopened trade and screwed everybody.
I love the video. Having spent most of my adult life in Louisiana; I appreciate your visiting. Yes, New Orleans has changed. Very sad. Thx again. Oh one thing where Macon lives is pronounced Bayou La-battery…… ❤️
Spent five days there recently. Commentary is spot on. Loud and obnoxious at night. Marijuana everywhere.
The best fried chicken is at the gas station on Rampart across the street from the French Quarter.
Yeah,nick
You covered the good, the bad and the ugly. Great video!