You both nailed it pretty much.After a few years ,the 'Unique' feel wears off....ecspecially in the beer soaked meat market down in the French Quarter as Fat Tuesday nears.The locals tend to stay out as The tourist are jammed in like cattle bumbling through the rowdy streets.The place to be is along the Parade routes,love the bands,UNO-Lsu dance teams ,Crazy floats and letting go,in moderation of course