re: First Mardi Gras

Honestly, prepare for crowds...you have probably never dealt with anything like that before. Plan on parking your car when you get there and not moving it again until you leave.

As with any large crowd, there is the danger of pickpockets, etc....keep your cash in your front pocket and don't even think of your girlfriend carrying a purse or anything like that.

Hope you are not easily offended, because you are going to see a lot of shite that you would get arrested for anywhere else in the world. However, do whatever you have to do in order to avoid pissing in the street or fighting, as that will get you arrested with quickness...and if you get arrested, you stay in Jail until Ash Wednesday before they will process anyone out.

All of that said, there is nothing like Mardi Gras...everyone should go at least one time. I haven't been in over a decade and I still smile every time I think of it!