South - New Orleans Mardi Gras 2008

I have the opportunity to visit New Orleans for the first time and could plan to be there for Mardi Gras. I have a gap in my schedule and MSY would only be a 1.5 hour flight away.

I'm curious what the city is like now. I realize this sounds like an ignorant question but in this case I really am ignorant. I've been on a mission for a few months now and no one that I've asked has any idea. I'm a young guy in his mid 20s...Do you think it is worth my while to make a special trip to MSY?

Thanks in advance

What the city is like now? Some residential areas have a long way to go still. But the tourist areas are pretty much recovered from Katrina. Mardi Gras will be a huge party, and you'll likely have a lot of fun.

(I'm not sure what sort of a mission you're on, but if mindless drunken partying does not appeal to you, try watching the parades from updown or the garden district, where it's much more of a family atmosphere).