[UPDATE: Unfortuantely, the photo journal referenced here has been taken down either by the author or by kodakgallery.com. It is a truly touching look a city and the real people who live there attempting to survive a major catastrophic event. Media hype has been eliminated. I am leaving this post in place to remind me to try to find it if it has been reposted elsewhere. I will update the link if I find it has become available again.]
In this photo journal slideshow, you will see and read the rather amazing story of a young man who was a resident of the French Quarter in New Orleans and an employee of the Chateau Sonesta Hotel. He stayed through the storm, working at the hotel to make those guests who chose to stay behind or who were forced to stay because they were unable to get a flight or vehicle to leave the city as comfortable as possible.
Photos here make it a bit more evident why some might have stayed and give the impressions of a resident who has nothing to gain by over sensationalizing. Media revels in the ratings gained by over dramatizing. This man does not.
The tale which unfolds in his photos and comments is chilling none the less. It is a story of fear before the storm, elation when it appeared the worst had missed the Grand Dame city of the South, and then… the hell of water and a spirit of greed and desperation.
A hearty thank you to this gentleman for posting his amazing experiences in the City of New Orleans.
We of the Cathouse send a prayer in the direction of the City that Was and her good residents.
Posted by farron at September 8, 2005 08:30 AM