History at it’s Finest

After traveling 1220 miles in a day and a half, about 21 hours on the road, Logan and I are ready to stop driving.  We pull up to the front of the hotel, pop the trunk to retrieve our luggage, and are suddenly and unexpectedly startled by a stow away jumping quickly to his freedom.  A Texas cricket moves to New Orleans!

We get settled into our hotel room, leaving Jiminy Cricket to find his own quarters.  We are very pleased with the accommodations and the location of our hotel.  I booked us via the internet at the Blake Hotel New Orleans, located at 500 St. Charles Ave, New Orleans.

Prior to our departure, I spend well over an hour on the internet doing research for a place to stay in New Orleans.  I pick The Blake Hotel.  First, it was close to the seminar held at the Inter Continental Hotel; the whole reason behind this trip.  Second, the price was right at $85 a night.  Third, it’s a member of the Choice Hotel family, allowing me to acquire choice privilege points.  Parking cost another $25 a day, but hey this is a major city after all.

At the front desk we obtain a free map of the local area.  Still using those paper maps even though son and I both have smart phones. First stop must be the St. Louis Cathedral.  Regardless of ones religion, this is a must see on any visit to New Orleans.

The St. Louis Cathedral is the oldest active Catholic Cathedral in the United States. The history of this church dates back to the 1700’s.

Cathedral-Basilica of St. Louis King of France was founded in 1718 and established as a Parish in 1720.  It was designated a Basilica in 1964.  Logan and I are in awe from the stained glass, to the statues, and the hand painted walls and ceilings.  We’re moved by the history, spirit, and faith invoked by this incredible structure.  It boggles the mind to know this current structure has stood here since 1794.  Boy, I don’t feel so old after all.

We explore the exterior grounds.  The garden is lush, green, and meticulously maintained.

Logan is a bit of a history buff (like father, like son) and is totally enthralled with the history surrounding us.  We cross Decatur Street and find ourselves along the shores of the Mississippi River.  It appears the river is low despite Hurricane Issac.  There is no boat or barge activity.  So we assume the river is still closed to shipping due to the drought up north.

It’s time to head to Bourbon street and find some yummy Cajun food…..