Just before we left Pensacola, Mr. G and I had the fortune of hopping over to New Orleans a couple of times. Both were day-trips – the first was sort of an impromptu-rain-soaked-adventure, and the second was a more planned and sunny jaunt with our parents. I’ve combined the photos from both visits into this one post.
Mr. G had never been and it has been years since I ventured to the Big Easy. We were both impressed by the city’s skyline. New Orleans is so well-known for its historic French Quarter townhouses and sprawling southern plantations that when we saw this view on our way in, we were reminded that New Orleans is quite the multifarious metropolis.
The design in the city – specifically the typography and architecture – are also quite varied…
Heading towards the French Quarter. Love the colors here… and there…
On Decatur Street. We noticed that there are beads everywhere. On balconies, in trees, around power lines – everywhere! And Mardi Gras was months ago!
New Orleans has it all: sights, music, and FOOD!
Golden statue of Joan of Arc near the French Market and a Bourbon Street sign. Apparently Daiquiris are mighty big here, too!
The Steamboat Natchez. It was pumping out charming, old-timey tunes out of the pipes. Made me think of Mark Twain.
We caught a lively performance on Royal Street.
Speaking of, we totally saw Grandpa Elliott sitting not to far from here! Not familiar? Check out this *awesome* rendition of Ben E. King’s “Stand By Me.”
Life imitating art?
A Second line – Bollywood style!
Boarding the St. Charles streetcar. At a very affordable $2.50 roundtrip, we got to tour the Central Business District, the beautiful Garden District and Uptown, Tulane and Loyola Universities, and the quaint community of Carrollton. This was a great way to rest after walking all around the French Quarter and a wonderful way to view a different side of New Orleans.
And now onto the FOOD!
Between the two trips Mr. G and I made, we experienced the quintessential New Orleans fare: Gumbo Ya Ya and Crawfish Etouffee at the Gumbo Pot, Jambalaya at the Napoleon House, an Oyster Po’Boy and Boudin Cakes at the Red Fish Grill, and most enjoyably: Beignets at Café du Monde!
Oh. my. heaven. These are my weakness, they would be my last meal if I had a choice! Food is definitely my favorite way to experience a new city or culture. I have a long list of restaurants yet to try when we visit New Orleans again.
As we were leaving the French Quarter, I shot this great silhouette of St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square. Enchanting, isn’t it? We can’t wait to visit there again!
To-do list for next time:
- Fleur-de-lis photowalk (they’re everywhere, I did manage to get a picture of a unique one – did you see it?)
- Bananas Foster from Brennen’s
- Tour the City of the Dead
- Volunteer with Habitat for Humanity