For Brits like us from Wales this was the most extraordinary experience imaginable. We were drawn by the idea of "Living like a local in New Orleans", and so we booked for a month. It was a risk and could have been disastrous but instead was magical and perfect. No-one need have any worries about booking Tom's place and the Airbnb system worked very well.
The cab from the airport, a standard $33 at this time, dropped us at Tom's place in the evening and once inside we found welcoming lighting, music from the local radio, tea coffee and breakfast for the morning and a lovely bottle of wine and two glasses. The kitchen is extremely well equipped.
The neighbourhood is quiet and friendly and yet, we found many diverse restaurants, bars, some with a great range of beers, music, the Bank Street Bar has different live music every night until the early hours with no cover charge, supermarket, pharmacy and banks, and launderette, all within easy walking. We could have just stayed local the whole month, but only a block away, the street car takes you to City Park and Art Gallery in one direction and the fun of the French Quarter and Mississippi in the other. We used the public transport daily including the buses and never felt threatened although we did meet some amazing characters.We were lucky enough to be here over Mardi Gras and it was nice to be able to escape all the madness and come "home" to mid city.
Tom and his neighbours welcomed us into their celebrations and were a great source of information, Tom always willing to listen and advise. The local bar, Finn McCools' was packed with characters, had great burgers and we even watched 6 Nations Rugby there at 10am! We met some lovely people and Tom himself is very chilled and welcoming and made us feel special.
Even for a couple in their mid sixties, a month in Toms " Living like a local in New Orleans " was a massive adventure and we both wept when it was time to leave. There is not a shadow of a doubt we will be back.
Thanks Tom
Charles and Carol.