I have been to Mardi Gras twice, both times courtesy of Uncle Sam. The first time as a young airman fresh out of basic training and sent to Biloxi, Ms. ,1976. I went down to Bourbon St with some buddies and it was something else. We tied our belts together so we would lose anyone. Seriously. If you don’t like folks in your personal space, it ain’t for you. It ain’t for me neither. But I went and it was good drunken fun.
I went back to Biloxi TDY for some more tech training when I was a buck sgt. Life it totally different when you are an experienced old 24 year old with a few stripes. My second Mardi Gras we spent in Biloxi and Ocean Springs. Landed at a friend’s house that was right on the main parade route in Ocean Springs so we sat on the porch and partied and people watched. It was 9000% more fun.

Those southern coastal folk. They do love their Mardi Gras!

BKB