The city of New Orleans, Louisiana was the site of a natural catastrophe on August 29, 2005 when Hurricane Katrina flooded much of the city. Not only is there no accurate count of how many people survived in the area, there is no complete count of how many perished. Very little is left of this once-vibrant city, the home of Mardi Gra and flamboyant partying is now little more than a shell of a city. The French Quarter of Louisiana, which is in the middle of the city, was not hit as hard as other areas. Apparently, all is well in the French Quarter and they are waiting for the next wave of tourists! A small Mardi Gras celebration was held during 2006, but it lacked in luster, size and glory from those before it. New Orleans is the birthplace of author Anne Rice.