New Orleans: 18 months after Katrina

Last week, I visited New Orleans to attend HIMSS, the gorilla of all healthcare IT conferences. The booths were more gigantic and ostentatious than ever - you would think that millions of Americans are running arms wide open to embrace these products. In reality, even some of the biggest companies are struggling to get consumers engaged.

But New Orleans itself was pretty mindblowing. Despite some of the pictures below taken in the 9th ward, the city has made a miraculous recovery. Only 1/3 of the population has returned and resettled. Everyday is a reminder of Katrina, even in the posh neighborhoods. And yet a fierce sense of community remains. We visited a charming restaurant opened by a husband and wife team. Although a cop stands outside to escort guests back to their cars, the atmosphere is warm, friendly and more welcoming than ever.