I just got back from New Orleans and had to write about what an amazing time I had. Pat and I went with some dear friends of ours and we did the whole touristy thing to the max! I ate beignets, drank a Hurricane, ate at Antione’s, walked through a cemetery, stayed in the French Quarter, danced to live jazz music, saw the Krewe de Vieux parade from a balcony, and admired the architecture and age of everything around me. So, what were my takeaways?
I loved music! I love all types of music and in NOLA I heard all kinds. It was so much fun to walk down there narrow streets and hear music everywhere! In the bars, on the corners – even in the streets people were playing music nonstop. I just wanted to dance the entire time and the cool thing is that in New Orleans that is NOT frowned upon! I could dance and walk and dance and no one was looking at me like – oh how sad.
I love old places! Now living in the west, we don’t have the OLD buildings – sure in some places, you’ll see things built in the 1800s, but for the most part – the 50s and 60s rule western architecture. To be in buildings that have stood for 400 years, and walk narrow streets imagining the centuries of secrets they hold was fascinating. I loved the buildings being right on the street and then inside the beautiful courtyards were like opening a surprise every time you went inside! Stunning – the plants, the brickwork, the lovely awnings and just something wonderful around every corner. I LOVED the millwork! I know it won’t fit, but I’m ready to put in ironwork around my decks.
I loved the art! OMG – how many artists can live in one city??? Between the music and the food, and paintings, drawings, sculptures, it was so much fun! Walking down the streets, listening to music pour out of every doorway and window and walking into art galleries, it was such a treat! Such an amazing gift this trip was to my soul. I fell in love with so many artists and their work, and then almost bought a painting on the street! I need a big house with high ceilings and LOTS of walls!!! It goes against my open concept I have going and am 99% sure I love, but that art needs to be in my house!
I loved the food! Okay- I’m a picky eater – no really, I am a VERY picky eater. But, I promised Jen, I’d try new things. And I did. For instance – alligator? Tastes like chicken. Beignets taste like funnel cake, Hurricanes taste like college trash can punch, muffulettas taste like a heart attack (seriously, the grease drips down), po boys taste like a sandwich, and Makers Mark tasted the same. So many wonderful restaurants and not enough time or calories to take them all in!
I loved the people! I have honestly, never been any place with nicer people. The South really does have the nicest people – and I enjoyed meeting people from Manhattan, San Francisco, Michigan, Maryland, and on and on. I also got to meet a local psychic – which was fun and something that I wanted to do just because. Hold on people – I’m going to rock 2016!
The only downer, was the weather. It was COLD! That huge cold front that dumped on the Northeast, dragged the tail of the cold down south and so every photo shows us all bundled up. I think the next time I go – it will be in April, so I can see all the beautiful gardens!
Debbi