That's All She Wrote

Well its time to leave. All things good must come to an end at some point, right? There was a lot to take in from this city. An experience I will never forget. 

My absolute favorite part of New Orleans in the French Quarter is Jackson Square. The eclectic styles of music and trades. The bright costumes that decorate the brick pathway. No worry in the world other than to enjoy the company of those around you and listen or watch the entertainment as you pass by. I will miss it. But I will never forget it.

I enjoyed this trip more than I thought I would ever be able to. The mystery, magic, music, food, and overall ambiance of the city was breath taking. Unimaginable. There is something about New Orleans that no one can compare to. It’s hard to explain the feeling I get when I think about being there. But it’s a good one. One that everyone needs to experience at some point in their lifetime.

The best part about the entire trip was that I was able to hang out with my good friends AND be able to gain class credit. All by enjoying  culture, music and life from an entirely different perspective. The people of New Orleans are those that live by the rules of the “Big Easy.” Take it easy, sit back, relax, and enjoy what pleasures you must. Death can take a turn at any moment.

I learned a lot about myself on this trip. Direction-ally challenged most times, the ease of the street car allowed me to maneuver myself across the city. I learned not to jump to conclusions. Not to be afraid of the unknown. Change is good. For the heart and the soul. Get on the train and don’t look back.  Your world may change forever.

Did that just happen?? Why yes...yes it did.

After a long drive and wonderful visit to the Hansen's Disease Museum in Carlile, LA, we decided to eat lunch. Who wouldn't appreciate a plank on bench in the middle of an outlet mall.

This little gem was taken at Cabildo. The Cabildo is one of the most historically significant buildings in America. Built between 1795 and 1799 to replace a structure that burned in the 1794 fire, the Cabildo served as the seat of government in New Orleans during the Spanish colonial period. Located on Jackson Square in the historic French Quarter, next to the St. Louis Cathedral, the Cabildo continues to showcase the rich and colorful history of New Orleans and Louisiana. We were able to participate in the Battle of New Orleans with this set up. Got a little Captain in you?

More fun at Cabildo. War drums and laughter. Goes hand in hand if you ask me.

Presbyter and Cabildo

Hurricane Katrina is something everyone is aware of. There is no way around not knowing the devastation that this natural cause had endowed upon the city. It's more real when you see it in person. Hearing the encounters after the storm. The mess, devastation, and the rotten stench that bestowed upon the 9th ward. People were dead. Animals were dead. And others were hanging on. Trying to survive. With no water. No food. No access to a clean water source. Everything eliminated. Nothing was left. Their lives were in shambles. This hurricane brought the people of the city together. It brought the people of the country together. It's amazing how many good people are actually out there willing to donate their time and money to get this town back up and running. Chills envelope my body as I recap on the stories that were told. The horrific events during and following the disaster. 

Many people to rescuing others into their own hands. Regardless of the prior history between the friendships and enemies, people pulled together. This integration of an eclectic group of individuals created a heroic response in the efforts to battle Katrina pre and post.

Others involved themselves as well. FEMA, the Coast Guard, Military Personnel and medical professionals. Each had their own role to play in simmering the maddening that was developing in this part of the world. Without the first responders, whether professional or not, many would not be a live today.

A story of man who wrote his wifes hotel, room number, hotel number, his full name, blood type and social security number on a pair of the jeans he was wearing. He thought he wouldn’t make it and wanted to make sure someone was able to identify him and notify his wife. As heart wrenching as that is to even imagine going through the pain of having to plan for your death, he was one of the fortunate ones that survived.

The Cabildo. From the pioneers, to the military and political participants that shaped New Orleans. All these wonderful stories come together at the Cabildo creating a historical story of life as it was then. There was an overabundance of information and things to read and learn about. I do have to say that my favorite part of the museum was the portrait of Andrew Jackson’s mistress. It leaves me questioning, where is the portrait of his wife? 

Lady Remoulade

Remoulade or rémoulade, invented in France, is a popular condiment in many countries. Very much like the tartar sauce of some English-speaking cultures, remoulade is often aioli- or mayonnaise-based. Although similar to tartar sauce, it is often more yellowish (or reddish in Louisiana), often flavored with curry, and sometimes contains chopped pickles or piccalilli. It can also contain horseradish, paprika, anchovies, capers and a host of other items. While its original purpose was possibly for serving with meats, it is now more often used as an accompaniment to seafood dishes, especially pan-fried breaded fish fillets and seafood cakes (such as crab or salmon cakes). This restaurant smothers their shrimp in this type of sauce. Giving it a little kick to jumpstart your meal.

An oyster tree? Let me take a selfie.

Presentation at it's finest. You can't go to New Orleans without satisfying your taste buds with fresh oysters. If your palate is not used to the texture of an oyster, you may end up like this after your first bite. Yep. That's  Loretta. What a brave sole to bear the oyster.

Bourbon Street

New Orleans would not be complete without stepping foot onto Bourbon St. A street so full of life. The hustle and bustle of the tourists. The expensive array of mixed drinks. Hurricanes always on special. But be careful, they will knock you off your feet. And what better way to enjoy the historic Bourbon walkway then with these lovely people.

$29.50 for two whiskey and sevens? Why not. It's Bourbon St. I guess you pay the price for the location.

Warehouse District

Oh the warehouse district. A lovely little spot full of pubs and coffee shops on every street corner. Easy access to the streetcar that will take you to the many highlights of New Orleans, the french quarter and frenchmen st. The ware house district is a place rich with history. Rich with life that began a long time ago. To see the old buildings still in working condition. To envision what life may have been like when these buildings were erected. Now, they are full of eatery's, art galleries galore, and tiny little shops. Its amazing how one large warehouse can turn into an eclectic little shop that satisfies its customers as they stroll buy.

Then there is this guy. You can't go to the south with out enjoying a little chicken and waffles. The Warehouse Grille in the warehouse district is where it's at. Spicy Bloody Mary's and endless mimosa's paired with chicken, waffles and syrup. How much more southern can a person get?

My little masterpiece. Spicy bacon bloody mary and a montery jack burger on sweet toasted cibatta bread. Delish!

Garden district

The beautiful Garden District. Famous for its plantation style houses. Its rich atmosphere. The beautiful landscape. Nothing compares to the culture and history, money and ambiance. I took photos to capture the very essence of the Garden District. To give a feel of what it really is like in this neighborhood. You can feel the history. See the beauty. And appreciate the value that has been put into these homes. Its extravagant. A person cannot know the true value of the neighborhood without stepping foot on the brick path that paves their streets. 

This house was erected in 1872. The Bradish Johnson house was designed post-civil war to a prominent Louisiana sugar planter.

This beautiful home was originally built for Edward A. Davis in 1859. In 1965, it was donated to the Women's Guild of the New Orleans Opera Association.

These horse posts were located outside of many homes in the area. Perfect addition to the historic findings of the district.

This is the Gilmour-Parker House. Erected in 1853 for Thomas Corse Gilmour, an English cotton merchant

This beautiful mansion is for sale for 5.6 million dollars. Home of Colonel Robert Short of Kentucky. He was a commission merchant. Notice below the corn fence posts. This home was a living, breathing plantation.

This home is the home of Mayor Isaac W. Patton. Described in 1859 as a "handsome cottage residence."