This week my family and I are in New Orleans for ApacheCon US 08.

I didn't really know what to expect when coming here, other than the stereotypical stuff, the craziness of Bourbon street, good food, street musicians. You know.

I was not prepared for how gracious and warm the people are and how beautiful the city is. Heather, Jakob and I have walked around the French Quarter quite a bit, and sampled various fairs.

First, the food

I have never, without a doubt, had finer food or better service than here in New Orleans.

Most of the restaurants here have 3 servers for each table, one for just your drinks, one for your food orders and one for... well I am not sure what the third one is for, they were just there. At one of the cafe's, the waiter escorted my wife to the bathroom area. Escorted her there.

The restaurants here pride themselves on fresh ingredients and authentic recipes and man, do they deliver. The best vinaigrette I have ever tasted was on a spinach salad here. I am thinking of going back to the restaurant today for lunch and just getting two of those salads.

Second, the architecture

New Orleans has changed hands 3 times in its history, it was first ruled by the Spanish, then the french and finally it was absorbed into the US via the Louisiana Purchase. Because of this fact the city is resplendent with opposing architectural motifs. Walking down St. Charles or Chartre you can pass from one cultural landscape to another as the architecture changes. There is even a building here that was built during the reign of Napoleon.

I am not sure there is another place in the contiguous states that you can find architecture this old.

Third, the music

I love music. Love it, and one of my favorite genres of music is jazz. New Orleans bleeds jazz. From the clubs along Bourbon street, to the street musicians that dot every corner, this is a city that revels in her musical heritage, as well she should. Most nights I just want to sit outside the hotel and drink in the smells of food and sounds of jazz that waft through the air.

I just got done with my presentation, and it was a great experience again. I am passionate about Meritocracy, and it feels so amazing to see people getting it. For those who would like to see my outline slides, go ahead and take a look see. But remember these are just an outline for my talk, not the talk itself.

Well, time for a nap and then more ApacheCon action.