NO

We've arrived in New Orleans for the 2006 ALA Annual Conference. Our flight was one of the most uncomfortable I've ever been on, no less so because we were in the very last row. Cramped seats plus the added bonus of being right next to the restrooms and last to be served warm Pepsi (no Coke=frowny face) and to pay for a bag of trail mix. That's right, a crappy bag of trail mix cost $1. Since when did shitty snacks become a premium item? Bleh. I'm contemplating upgrading us to first class for the return flight. Anyone ever upgraded with Northwest? I can't seem to locate the info about how much it would cost and such.

On the contrary, our shuttle from the airport was very nice - mega air-conditioned, plush seats, and a very good-natured driver who gave a running commentary with many points of interest on the ride to the hotel. As I'd read, it appears that our hotel is in an area that missed the brunt of Katrina. The streetcar that goes right by our hotel is even functional and, thanks to FEMA, completely free. Of course the conference provides complimentary (thanks to those generous Michiganders at Thomson Gale) shuttles so we probably won't end up using public transport much, but it's nice to have it available. Our hotel is really nice, too. It's a Marriott and seems to be no different than any other such hotel we've stayed at.

Things really get started tomorrow. For any YALSA folks reading this, I'll see you at YALSA 101 tomorrow at 4PM!