To help the rebuilding effort that habitat for humanity is doin! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cyclops.gif" alt="" />

I'm going with Campus Crusade at UCSD, and I've never been to New Orleans, any advice? First time really going into a place which has been submitted to such extreme devistation <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" />, but its not my first time out of state or anything like that( i've been to seattle, south carolina and quite a few places imbetween). It will be my second time on a plane too!

what is the weather normally like? any advice from people who have done stuff like this before? Or anything that the media doesn't cover in places like that? Seriously anything would be helpful!

thanks!
<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shiner.gif" alt="" />

Get a tetanus shot before you go. Grab some salt tablets; it's QUITE humid.
Good work boots; something to change into after work to let your boots air out. EYE PROTECTION. If you've got a Leatherman tool or a good pocketknife, take 'em. Make sure you put 'em in your checked baggage.
Quite a few pairs of gloves; leave 'em when you're done for the next guy.
Get a case of water, or at least ask what the infrastucture situation is.
Bug dope; skeeters. Get the non-aerosol kind, so you can keep some in your hip pocket.

Check www.weatherunderground.com or google 'National Weather Service, Gulf region' Plan from there.

Pocket first aid-- 1x3 bandaids, Neosporin, athletic cloth tape, small pair of scissors, tweezers.

I play cribbage and dominoes, so I have mini sets of them for camping. Gives you something to do if you're not visiting the French Quarter.

Take a small steno notebook and a couple of fling cameras; remember to put your name/phone # on them. You're going to be in for an experience; document it for posterity.

Be respectful and compassionate-- the residents will appreciate their dignity being acknowledged....Gonna be a long road.

Have fun!!! Eat some local food if you can <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" /> I might wind up going down in a year or so myself. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

EDIT Give Sparkem a holler on the Mitsu board; he lost his home down there; recently posted back in the area; he can plumb you up...tell him you're coming out with a group, so maybe you guys can get a good brief.

I am in New Orleans, I have been back since 1 month after. Come up with an entire list of questions. I will be happy to answer them. Weather should be hot. Bugs are bad depending exactly where you will be, I find Deepwoods off works best. Some places are not bad.Stores are open, not everywhere though. [PM'd smartguy your phone number]

sweet, thanks alot <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

i won't be leaving until the 25th, so i'm sure i will think of lots of stuff between now and then <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/notooth.gif" alt="" />

is there still a lot of crime going on in Louisania, anything to where i should be concerned?

My brother wears one of these when he trout fishes, and swear by them. Its a BUZZOFF hat, treated with repellant, good for 25 washes:
BUZZ OFF Apparel

I use one of these when I'm catfishing on the Ohio and for Spring gobbler. Never have a problem with bugs, and they clip onto your belt.
Thermocell Repellants

There are places I would not go after dark. A lot of the bad places the people are gone. People are still breaking into houses in the less populated areas. You should not have a problem.

When I was stationed in Biloxi in the late 70's I used to hit NO every other weekend. Other then the French Qtrs, I always thought the rest of the city was a $hithole from driving around in it.
Those were some good partying days before you had to worry about AIDS and crap. I remember pulling some 36 hr runs and meeting some fine women down there. They used to love the military guys.. How times have changed...