We reached New Orleans around 8PM and checked into the Holiday Inn near Canal Street, where we met Caren's friends Dee and Amanda. There was no rest for the wicked as we quickly changed and headed into town. Dinner was red beans and rice with some nice fruit beer from Abita (one of America's best micro-brews and local to Louisiana), and then we hit Burbon street for some drinks and music:
Left to Right: Amanda, Caren, Dee and Me
Flaming Pianos at 'Howl at the Moon'
The following day Amanda and Dee had to leave for Kentucky and Ireland, so it was just Caren and me for the next few days, which we mostly spent relaxing and taking in the sights, from cemeteries to historic architecture:
After a big night out, we needed to recharge, so Dee took us on a short tram ride to a great little restaurant in mid-town called Katie's Sunsday Brunch. The food was excellent; especially the savory Beignets, and the bottomless mimosas weren't bad either!
Dee, Caren and Amanda on a Street Car
Katie's: an Excellent Spot for Brunch
French Quarter Streets (1/2)
We spent the rest of Sunday exploring the French quarter and walking along the banks of the Mississippi River:
A Mississippi Steam Boat
Jackson Square: the Heart of the French Quarter
Delicious Food at the French Market
French Quarter Streets (2/2)
We also visited the New Orleans museum near Jackson Square, which has an excellent exhibit on Hurricane Katrina. The exhibit does a good job of explaining the science of hurricanes and how and why so many people died when Katrina hit. Unfortunately, even now, many of the problems discussed in the exhibit remain unfixed. Perhaps the most poignant display was a real garage door covered with the paint marking of the rescue workers:
Sad Artifacts from Hurricane Katrina
On our next night out in New Orleans was all Cajun. First we had some pretty good Cajun food and more Abita Beers at Mulate's in the Business District, and then we went to watch some Cajun bands on Burbon Street. The music was great, and as you can see the audience got really involved:
A Full House for Cajun Food at Mulate's
A Good Cajun Band on Bourbon Street
Amanda and Dee Take Over the Washboard
The following day Amanda and Dee had to leave for Kentucky and Ireland, so it was just Caren and me for the next few days, which we mostly spent relaxing and taking in the sights, from cemeteries to historic architecture:
The Cemeteries are a Common Stop on New Orleans Tours
Due to Flooding, Everyone in New Orleans is Entombed not Buried
Historic Tombs, including Homer Plessy
Some Graves are used for Voodoo Rituals
Of course, we also spent a lot of time eating and drinking, including a fancy dinner and nice bottle of Sauvignon Blanc at Emeril's in the Business District. The following day, we had an even better lunch at the historic Mother's restaurant, on the edge of the Business District, and of course, not trip to New Orleans would be complete without a hurricane at Pat O'Brian's, which is a lovely place to escape for a while from the hustle and bustle of the French Quarter:
Canal Street at Sunset on the way to Emeril's
Caren Has Steak with Shepherd's Pie at Emeril's
Pat O'Brian's Courtyard
One Last Hurricane for the Road
New Orleans was, as always, awesome. I can't wait to go back.
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