My Bourbon Street observations this Mardi Gras

Yes yes I know New Orleans is a 3rd world country teetering on the brink of societal collapse riddled with constant hails of gun fire and if you dare step foot out your door at night you will be mugged and killed while Mitch Landrieu stands over your dying corpse lecturing you to Stay Woke

Now that that disclaimer is out of the way. . .

I was actually thoroughly impressed with how Bourbon Street looked this Mardi Gras. There were several observations I had about this year in comparison to previous years, some recent years and some nearly a decade ago.

1. The foot traffic seemed less dense this year. I remember some nights where you are literally shoulder to should chest to chest with masses of bodies just pushing in the general direction you want to go. Like you get caught in a tide and just have to go where it takes you.

This year there were times I would have spread my arms out and walk down the street and not touch anybody.

2. It seemed there was less actual foot patrol presence of NOPD. In years passed I remember seeing a handful of officers at every corner. A few horses here and there in between. I don't remember seeing this this year.

3. What I DID see was huge halogen light posts on every block. It was lit up extremely well, like a practice field.

4. Police drones

5. There were (semi?) permanent barrier posts in the street at the entrance of Bourbon from Canal. Similar barriers like this intermittently throughout Bourbon. And side streets at times had metal ones that would be able to lift up to divert traffic, and then be lowered back down into a sort of speed bump when not in use. I think the final plan is to turn Bourbon St into pedestrian only correct? Maybe I'm confused. And there are definitely instruments in place to divert side street traffic away from trying to turn on to Bourbon as well. Another thought that crossed my mind was these large barriers were probably inspired to be put up to deter vehicular based terrorist attacks.

All in all I was actually very impressed.

A less noticeable human police force, but somehow felt safer, cleaner, brighter. . . and most importantly this didn't affect the party at all

Just thought I'd share