I arrived at Seatac Airport early as I always do before a flight. I do not like having to rush and it gives me all the more time to grab a coffee and check out the Borders book store. Something about flying always makes me feel like a child, flying to places far away and experiencing life with a sense of adventure. I know for seasoned travelers, those who travel on business, the airport can be one of rushing and waiting. For me the airport is a kaleidoscope of voices, people and experiences.

As I write this in the Oakland airport, two little kids are fighting and the level of each scream and wail increases to outdo the other. The Mom tries to do her best to keep the calm, but the children are the boss and their needs come before the needs of others as the masses shift uncomfortably in their seats, with the stare to parts unknown. You know that look people get when they are completely bored. Then there's the guys walking fast, talking loud on their cell phones like they are saving the business world from imminent destruction . Of course there is always the friendly reminder that if you leave your bag for a moment to get a drink of water or buy a paper, it will be confiscated, searched, inspected, damaged and removal for anyone who even thinks that getting up and walking five paces from their bag. So much for the efforts of the TSA employees making me remove my shoes, take off my belt, remove my laptop from the bag, empty my pockets and give me the look as if I am a terrorist ready to bring down the nation. Telling me all the while to enjoy my flight as I fear some jackass working baggage security might steal underwear out of my checked in luggage. Seatac was voted one of the worst airports for theft, so I keep my expectations low.

As we took off from Seattle, I kicked myself for not sitting further back in the plane, instead of over the wings like I always do. The day was perfect with beautiful blue sky, a few cumulonimbus clouds and the amazing Puget Sound fanning out in all directions. I settled in, excited to listen to Def Leppards new CD, "Songs from the Sparkle Lounge", recently downloaded from iTunes. By far their best album in 20 years, with every song a winner. Listening, I caught up on the latest issue of American Photo Magazine. One the photographers featured, Jim Richardson, raved about the new Nikon D3. I hate reading articled like this, because then I always get the I wants. The D3 has a full size sensor with it's highest ISO rating of 6400. These two features make the purchase of one of the camera's a must. You will be able to shoot in virtually any lighting condition and you get full frame with no distortion. Nice! Almost makes me irritated about the new Nikon S52 I just bought to take on this trip.

Sometimes as a photographer, you really miss a lot of what is going on around you, because you are so busy shooting and for once I wanted to enjoy New Orleans without being on a full blown mission to "Get the shot". Trust me it's really tough hanging out at O'Briens after your second hurricane and trying to shoot. The S52 fits into my Blackberry holster perfectly and even though it's the size of my cell phone, it shoots at a respectable 9 MP.

I arrived at Steve's home late in the evening last night, Rosanne taking an extra day to arrive before me. As I sit in a swinging chair on the porch, there is a cool breeze with low humidity today. The fragrance of honeysuckle lingers in the air as the wind rustles the leaves in the trees. The Garden District is a neighborhood with big beautiful homes like one would imagine from the deep south. Peyton and Eli Mannings parents live a couple blocks away and Ann Rice owned a home a few minutes steps from here. Columns support their grandeur, framing the shuttered windows that is not only a necessity, but creates contrast with the bright colors that many are painted. Only in New Oleans can you paint a house purple and get away with it. The sidewalk in front of the homes are usually laid brick with wrought iron gates framing the property. Kids ride by on their bikes and neighbors always have a hello or a HowYaDoing. There is a friendliness that we seldom see in Seattle A friendliness that pervades the people of New Orleans. A town where people really live and socializing takes a front seat to pretentiousness.

We experienced our first day at jazz fest and not only was the music fantastic, the art was even better. It makes me realize how much more work I need to do to improve my photography. Frank Relle is a photographer who has been able to capture some great images of the houses of New Orleans. Going out at night, he uses both ambient and staged lighting to create a mood and an atmosphere with his images. Check out his website for some amazing images. While you're at it, go to wwoz.org and listen to some great Louisiana style music.

So Friday's highlight was seeing Michael Franti, just an amazing musician as well as a very caring person. First off he signed CD's and greeted everyone with a warm, "Hello Sunshine" or how ya doing? Instead of sitting behind a table, he stood in his bare feet and hugged everyone, took the time to take photos and interact. Before he went on stage to play, as the sound guys were setting up, he came of with a few of his friends and kicked the soccer ball around with the fans. Not just for a few minutes, but probably 15 minutes, taking the time to take photos when people asked.

Then he got on stage and had the crowd on their feet right at the start and really got everyone fired up with "Hello Bonjour", then the skies opened up and within minutes the crowd was drenched with rain. This was all Michael needed to get out into the crowd. We were fortunate enough to have perfect seats and he came out right in front and played to the audience. Later he jumped over the barrier and sang as he walked through the crowd. There was no way the audience could not be into his energy level and tap into it.