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New Orleans
Room at Fairmont Hotel
I had terrrible jet lag, I could fall asleep about 10 pm at night but woke up about 3 - 4 am every morning and could not fall back to sleep again (so unlike me!). So I watched TV to pass time, waiting for the sun to rise and by mid-afternoon, in the midst of the lectures, I would feel so tired.
Room at Crowne Plaza Astor
On the first morning, I ventured out on the streets but it was a decision I almost immediately regretted. It was early morning about 8 am and the city apparently was still sleeping as I walked along Decatur Street (which was the main street). As I turned the corner into Royal Street which was reputed to have many interesting shops and street performances during the weekends, I realized that I was the only person walking down the narrow deserted street. In haste, I turned back and in the distance, saw a lone man walking down the road. With my heart thumping and a definite surge in adrenaline, I quickly ducked into the nearest convenience store that was open and stayed there for a while to calm my nerves. Whew, how foolhardy of me to venture out in a strange city when the rest of tourists are probably still fast asleep from all the partying and boozing.
When I walked down the same road at midday, it was a whole different experience. All the shops were open and there were lots of tourists (mostly Americans). I realized that Americans love this city, as it is a hotpot of mixed cultures and has a totally relaxed atmosphere. Apparently, New Orleans is second to Las Vegas as a destination for weddings and honeymoon. New Orleans is also known as ' Big Easy'. Local shopkeepers were very friendly and greet customers effusively, peppered with sweetie and honeys. There were lots of interesting sights and smells at the French Market, with stalls selling hot sauces with weird sounding names, Mardi Gras paraphernalia, T-shirts and local fruits and vegetables. Pity I did not take any photos of the market.
Had beignets and cafe au lait (USD 5) at Cafe du Monde. This cafe is an instituition in New Orleans. It is open 24 hours and is a great place to people watch. Beignets are square pieces of dougnuts dusted with powdered sugar (Co would have loved this) and cafe au lait is actually 50% coffeee with 50% warm milk.
The French Quarter is the oldest sector of New Orleans and is both charming and historical, with an European flavour. The buildings here have ornate cast iron balconies and many of the houses have a bricked patio with a fountain. When I was there on a Saturday afternoon, the sidewalks were filled with tourists watching the many street performers and there was much festivity in the air.
Other places I visited include Jackson Square (with horse drawn carriages) and Moonwalk for a view of the Missisippi River. Co would have loved to ride on one of those horse drawn carriages.
St Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square
Horse drawn carriages waiting for Co
I was beginning to really like New Orleans; it is a charming and laid back city with lots to see and do. Wish Co was here, then we could sample some of the Louisiana food in the many restaurants and cafes, and be greedy trying some of the local sweet stuff like pralines and candies. Alone, I was not too inclined to try the local cuisine as the joy of eating lies in sharing the calories and commenting on the food!
St Charles streetcar
Cruise along Missisippi River
One of the highlights of the trip was a visit to Bourbon Street, the party street which play host to the annual Mardi Gras and of course, where inhibitions are let loose as dusk falls. I would not have ventured to Bourbon Street on my own, but my American associate had kindly arranged for some of his colleagues to take me for dinner and drinks that Friday night. The whole road was closed to cars and it was bumper to bumper human traffic, with people mingling on the sidewalks and balconies. You can get everything here; booze, strippers, music and food. We went into one of the bars and listened to a band playing some nice relaxing jazz. The whole vibe of Bourbon Street was really an eye opener and probably CK would have felt at home here, with all the booze and music. Thankfully, we left a little before midnight, as the crowds were swelling and getting more rowdy. I had a fantastic night and can now say that I have been to Bourbon Street in New Orleans!
New Orleans, a wonderful mix of culture, music, history and people. I was saddened by the images of destruction on TV when Hurricane Katrina swept through and hope that the city will rebuild and restore to its former glory in the near future. Highly recommended place to visit if you are travelling to this part of the United States.
Stopped by for one night in LA on the return trip to visit a friend whom I have not seen for some time. We initially planned to visit Disneyland in Anaheim but we had to cancel the trip due to the heavy rain. Fell in love with her two chihuahuas, who kept following me around the house. They even wanted to get into my suitcase! That was how I developed a love for chihuahuas. Before this, I always had the impression that this tiny dog is not much of a dog, like a golden or a husky. Now I know they are one of the most affectionate, loyal and fun loving dogs which you can carry around wherever you go.
Labels: New Orleans, travel
