In our short and rushed visit to New Orleans, I’m grateful for the IA (intelligent/auto mode) on my camera. There was little to no time to think about photographer.
statue of Joan of Arc
Hurry up, point, and shoot was all the time I had. Son and I tried to see as much as we could in our short stay.
Logan inside the St. Louis Cathedral
Logan and I felt like we had traveled to another country. The architecture, the food, the accent, the landscape, the people, and of course the insects are so vastly different from most other parts of the United States.
French Quarter, Bourbon Street
But at ever turn we were reminded of the history of this interesting part of America. At ever turn was another statue or plaque honoring the memory of someone special.
plague mounted on the wall inside St. Louis Cathedral
We are reminded of America’s multi-cultural roots.
Reminded of a Civil War.
Reminded……
Ah, and the food, we cannot forget the food……..
Shrimp & Alligator Sausage PastaCatfish Po Boy
Yes, New Orleans is colorful on so many levels.
Mississippi River
Lutheran Church, built-in 1800’s
And although I look forward to another visit, a lengthier visit with a slower pace,
I’ll keep my residence in America’s west…..Colorado for now 🙂
Lafayette Square, music and foodSt.Louis Cathedral
New Orleans is nicknamed The Big Easyand after spending a couple of evenings at the French Quarter I think I get it….it’s all about taking it easy, having a good time. Hey man, life’s short. Enjoy it while you can.
The spray painted guy is a “street performer”. He’ll pose for photos for a donation. He and the cop are conversing like buddies…..talking about a football game.
Well enjoy we did! New Orleans is the largest city in Louisiana and the 46th largest city in the United States. It’s a multi-cultural city with strong French and Spanish influences. On average, the land sits at an elevation between two feet below sea level to 20 feet above sea level. Most of New Orleans sits AT sea level. The humid, subtropical climate can feel quite warm hot.
Bourbon Street….another ‘street performer’ on the left. This time spray painted silver. Plenty of opportunities for a horse and carriage ride.I shall spare you the image of this MAN from the front!!!
The French Quarter is well-known for its notorious nightlife, festivals, Mardi Gras, and the birth place of jazz. Car traffic down Bourbon Street is cut-off via barrier sometime around 6:00 p.m. I’m convinced it’s to keep the wasted partying folks from getting hit by a car, or better yet, save the cars from potential damage from wild revelers. As the night unfolds, so does the craziness. Eclectic might be a good choice of words to describe the Quarter….everything from red light district activities to upscale Jazz halls.
This is our second evening strolling the Quarter. We start with a delicious spiked Slurpee (i.e. frozen daiquiri) in hand….come on, it’s hot out. We then return to the same restaurant where we ate last night …. Bourbon Heat. The food was so good and we really enjoyed sitting in the courtyard. Logan eats more alligator!
There are tons and tons of restaurant choices. Many of the places have live entertainment and at some the music can be excessively loud. The talent is obvious as music wafts the air. It’s easy to get caught up in this place.
Please note; with the completion of one frozen daiquiri and the start of a second, the music and overall experience was greatly enhanced and thus highly recommended. In other words, the French Quarter is a lot more fun when one is buzzed, like everyone else.
We visited the Quarter on a Tuesday and Wednesday night and were back at the hotel by 9:00 p.m. (party poopers) We saw plenty of craziness during these two week nights. A sampling of some of Logan’s comments; “You got to be kicking”. “What the heck is that?” “Really?” “WTF” “OMG”. “Hum, lingerie night?” “Peep show?” “Did you see that”.
Logan experiencing the French QuarterStreet Performer. Bucket for tips!
We people watched, watched street performers, and stopped to listen to music. In the photo to the left, is a ‘street performer’, I use the term lightly. I guess his talent is climbing a free-standing ladder….a ladder to nowhere. The ladder is NOT up against anything. He just climbs and balances on the ladder.
Okay, moving on. Later in the evening, down the street, we watched two guys street dance and they were pretty entertaining. Michael Jackson would be proud of the unique moon walk.
Never once did we feel unsafe. New Orleans finest were plentiful, patrolling by car, on motorcycle, and on foot. These officers were regularly engaged in conversation with locals…..very friendly and civil.
There were times it was all Logan and I could do not to stare or open our mouth in shock. We can’t fathom what it’s like on a weekend or let alone Mardi Gras. Party Central is putting it mildly. Everyone should experience New Orleans’ French Quarter, at least once. I’m glad we did, even though my behavior, in comparison to others, could more easily be associated with a nun…..not so bad, considering this is Catholic country after all…..
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.
A corner room on the sixth floor overlooking Lafayette Square
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
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 ceiling
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.
Mississippi River
It’s time to head to Bourbon street and find some yummy Cajun food…..
Live Laugh RV 