NoLa Part Une



Jackson Square, from across the street.

We've arrived!
New Orleans!

It's nothing like I remembered, and not quite what Gary expected, well at least not at first.
Our hotel is in the "French Quarter" but it's close enough to the business district to be surrounded by tall buildings, tiny streets, and little charm...

We knew we were going to have to go find the "New Orleans" of our mental images.
So we set out, venturing, determined.
And luckily, we didn't have to go far.
As soon as we started seeing wrought-iron, scroll work on the balconies, and Mardi Gras beads EVERYWHERE, we knew we were heading in the right direction. And sure enough, within steps, we were there. The mental image came alive and all of the pieces fit!
Jazz music on every corner.
Souvenir shops busting out into the sidewalks.
The smell of steamed oysters and beignets wafting into the humid air.
And a string of streetcorner prophets and tarot card readers parked in front of the museums off Jackson Square.
The open-air markets, quaintly hidden courtyards, and allure of the old cemeteries...
THIS is the New Orleans we came for!

Looking back towards Decatur Street.



Mmmmm... wrought iron...  :)

Tonight, we were window shopping... and there were lots of windows. lol.

We had dinner on a balcony: alligator po-boy for Gary, and shrimp po-boy for me.

Both we're delicious, and it was so nice to eat dinner outside.

Looking up towards a balcony.  I love the contrast with the clouds!

We're looking forward to tomorrow!

There's going to be a lot to squeeze into one day... but we'll manage. :)

Gladly!