So, our final day in New Orleans and it was time to head out of the city and into the bayous for a swamp tour.

Rhian unfortunately was really suffering from flu-like symptoms, but the promise of seeing some gators up close and personal was too good for her to turn down, and boy were we not to be disappointed.

The morning got off to a surreal start as we were picked up from our hotel by the Louisiana Tour Company in a shuttlebus driven by Brian, a jovial yet ever-so slightly crazy New Orleans native.

Although we revelled in his off-the-wall stories, it was plainly obvious not all of our fellow travellers felt likewise.

But 30 minutes out of town and we were in swamp country, preparing for a 75- minute airboat tour through the bayous taking in the sights.

Our driver was Ernie, and he made the trip a real treat with a host of interesting anecdotes, as well as an impressive knowledge of alligators and the other assorted wildlife.

After speeding along the river in impressive and exhilarating style it was time to head off the main route, and out came the gators.

You could spot the odd one here and there, but once the engine was turned off and the airboat simply drifted in the water, we were quickly surrounded by a host of them.

The reason?

Well, these clever creatures knew there was the possibility of some food. Not us thank goodness, but some marshmallows which Ernie tossed into the water to trigger a mini feeding frenzy.

This was the stuff cameras were invented for, and the chance to see these fantastic creatures in a natural habitat was a massive buzz.

Without a doubt this was the highlight of the New Orleans segment as far as I was concerned, and an absolute must do for anyone considering visiting this area.

After that it was back to the city, and with the New Orleans Saints taking on the San Francisco 49ers later that evening (in SF) it was no joke to say pretty much every other person was decked out in some sort of Saints gear as they made their way to the bars to watch the game.

I have been to many cities in the States over the years and I can safely say I have never known any place to have such an overriding passion for their team, with countless houses and shops hanging the Saints logo or the 'Who Dat?' team catchphrase.

Thinking it would be rude not to, I thought I would head to a bar and watch the game for myself – after one last wander down Bourbon Street.......