Three years ago for Spring Break, I road-tripped with a group of fellow KU students down to New Orleans. We went to rebuild houses destroyed by Hurricane Katrina, but for the intention of this blog, my focus turns to our adventures through the center of New Orleans' night life: Bourbon Street.

How does any of this relate to "Mass Hysteria?"

Well, because we have our own “Bourbon Street” in downtown Lawrence, and one that in many ways, is better.

Yes, I'm comparing the famous New Orleans strip of bars, boobs and beads to our beloved Massachusetts Street.

Before passing judgment on perhaps a ludicrous assessment, tread down both Bourbon and Mass Streets as I have, but more importantly, hear me out.

New Orleans’ party pathway teems with seemingly endless fun and excitement, which for the most part, I cannot deny. There’s jam-packed bars at every corner, restaurants with more than enough Cajun flavor, and at least in February, hundreds of college kids boozing the hours away. Neon lights and crowded porch and balcony areas line the street. A stroll down Bourbon Street leads you to at least one crazy old woman asking if she can read your palm (I agreed to her plea simply because Ms. Cleo costs more money).

But Mass Street can’t compare to the Big Easy’s pride and joy, can it?

I think so.

Every KU student knows that if you plan on happily stumbling around for most of a Saturday night, take your determined-to-get-shwasted butt to the bars on Mass St.: Brothers, Louise’s, the Replay Lounge, Jackpot and Quinton’s to name just several. Ironically, there’s even the always-popular-on-Tuesdays ($1.50 everything of course) Jazz Haus.

Afterall, the Big Easy is where jazz got its name.

All the bars, along with places like Buffalo Wild Wings and the Thai House, brandish colorful neon signs. Restaurants and coffee shops, such as Chipotle and Signs of Life, have outdoor porches filled with spectators enjoying their burritos and cappucinos; some shops lay below apartments with balconies where residents enjoy their drinks while observing, at least on weekends, the absurdity below. There may not be the same creepy palm readers, but there now stands the Psychic Crystal Tarot Reading shop. It's also kind of shady, but at least these psychics have more than just a portable table and cart with their clothes for the week.

The comparisons should now be obvious. So, how is Mass St. better?

Well, if you're looking for mass chaos, dangerous drunkenness and constant nudity, then admittedly, it’s not. (Though, if you’ve ever been around Brothers or Abe and Jakes on Stop Day Weekend, you have a good shot at all three--yes, even the nudity) Anyways. If you're looking for similar bar-hopping fun, flavored restaurants serving more than just seafood gumbo and a night when you're not repeatedly checking your back pocket to make sure your wallet's still there, then Mass St. is as good of place as any.

Besides, February on Bourbon Street may top the cake for craziest time of the year, but don’t tell me you forgot what Mass Street was like this past March.