Streetcar tracks along the Mississippi
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We arrived in New Orleans in the fog and rain after having driven thru much of the same since leaving the campground in Florida that morning. I had chosen the most coastal ( longest) route thinking that we would be presented with sweeping views of the Gulf and white sand beaches to stop at. Heck, my Coastal Living magazine led me to believe this would be true!
Well - no and no. Between the fog, the stop and go traffic, the mini malls, and the sprawl of development we were both wishing we never left the campground.
Highlights however were driving thru the town of Appalachicola - beautiful and quaint and the home of the inventor of the ice machine and the waters around Carabelle, home of the smallest police station (it is actually a phone booth!)
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Our urban campground, NOLA
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We finally settle in at Jude Travel Park around 6pm and grab some local take out; jambalaya, sautéed cat fish, and fried shrimp. Quite yummy!
We wake to pouring rain which finally lets up @ 10 and head into the French Quarter - approx. 5 mi away - by cab.
Jackson Square, NOLA
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Truly a vibe of its own - the area has a European flair. It is part theme park - with alcohol - and part historical / architectural lesson. It was both my worst nightmare (Bourbon Street) and my most enjoyable walking ( most every other street).
The main streets Bourbon, Royal, and French Market were filled with people by the time we arrived. Yet most of the cross streets were always quite calm. Needless to say in a city where liquor is sold in CVS and every place offers "cocktails to go" there was a whole lot of drinking going on!!
We saw 4 guys (all peddling a 4 person bike) crash into a car while they were all checking out a flock of women in tutus, a lot of adults with painted faces - many of which, I am sure, were totally unaware that their face was painted and lots of interesting fashion choices!
We did have a lot of fun wandering (and people watching) and found interesting and quiet places to visit. The Pharmacy Museum was our fav! Constructed in 1823 by the first licensed pharmacist in America it is filled with an amazing collection of tools of the trade. This odd museum was WAY better than the Penis Museum in Iceland!!
Another great stop was Madame John's Legacy, a colonial Creole home dating from 1720. On exhibit there now is a collection of Newcomb Pottery which was exquisite.
Of course, Voodo shops and praline confectioners were also on the list of places we went.
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Lunch was at the Royal House Oyster Bar. 1/2 dz. of the fattest, creamiest, and most tender oysters I have ever eaten! Jeffrey, our shucker/server at the bar, reccomended the redfish beignets and the crab claws and we were not unhappy with either!!!
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French Quarter home
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There was music everywhere - bands inside most venues and bands on most streets. One zydeco band was really good! Wish we could have stayed up late enough to enjoy some at one of the music clubs.... Maybe next time.
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Tim sporting a "to go" cocktail!
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We took the St. Charles trolley to the Garden District and did a self guided architectural tour around Lafayette Cemetary. The area was gorgeous - mostly grand homes with impeccable landscaping. Although there were a few adorable small cottages.
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One of the many parades - this one is the first of many to celebrate St. Patrick's Day!
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It was time to head back to the campground. Once you start recognizing the same tourists - and the same street people - it is time to move on!
Getting back to the POD was a bit of a nightmare... remember it's an adventure.
Off to Houston airport in the morning. On to Merida, Mexico!
On a bathroom wall - NOLA
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Favorite overheard line: 2 women walking together - " I made the right choice. I chose the right Wiccan"
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