We are told that we’re looking through rose colored glasses when we reminisce or think of all the good times we’ve had in the past. We are also told that sometimes, most times, it’s better to let the past stay in the past and not revisit it.
A few days ago, I visited a club that I used to frequent about ten to twelve years ago when I was living in New Orleans. I’m not going to cast aspersions, and I’ll be as tactful and tasteful as I can, but this place is not the same. Well, it is the same in some ways… What I mean by that is that some of the same talent is still there.
Usually, a girl will have retired from the pole after five or six years. Some will go a little longer, especially if they’ve taken care of themselves and were drug-free. There’s always a waitress spot or at the front desk or back office, and if they’re lucky, they can get a housemom gig. The tips are pretty good.
Maybe I’m spoiled being in Dallas so long, where the clubs are some of the best in the nation. Or, maybe it’s gone down from when I used to have fun. I was friends with and dated quite a few of the girls. This was all before Hurricane Katrina, of course. Nothing was the same after that. And, quite possible that is what happened to Visions. It could be that it never fully recovered. I don’t know.
There are other clubs in New Orleans to visit if I decide that I want to go downtown to the French Quarter. However, as a native, it’s not really ideal.
The French Quarter is a tourist trap. A shakedown. It’s not very hospitable for New Orleanians, and it’s one of the reasons that, unless you’re employed at one of the establishments, live down there, or go there to hustle visitors, it’s not a place where any of us really want to be near.
I used to have a “lifetime” membership at Rick’s Cabaret. Notice I said I used to. How could I “used to have” a lifetime membership? On my last visit, back like in 2002, Rick’s had gone through an ownership and management change, and my membership was no longer valid. At least that was what they’d told me at the door. They basically stole my money. I’d decided then that I wasn’t ever going to go back, and I haven’t.
There are a couple of Larry Flint clubs, and I think that there is still The Gold Club, but I never really enjoyed those. I just wasn’t comfortable and never really had a good time. It just didn’t do it for me.
I will be here in New Orleans for the time being, but I have quite a few friends in Dallas, and I’m missing them dearly. I’m also missing the clubs, too.
I’ll see what happens after the holidays. I may pay a visit to Dallas. Even if I just stay for a week or two and come on back home. Maybe that will be my party place, and New Orleans will remain my home base.
Hmm… I’m going to start working on that right now. Just as soon as I remove these glasses.
Creole Gaudet
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The views and opinions in Libertine Dreams are those of the author and make no guarantees or promises regarding the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of the information presented. It is solely for entertainment purposes.