Archive of the '2010 New Orleans Experiences' Category

Oak Alley has a great place to eat if you get hungry. It also has dispensers of “Mint Juleps!” The bus driver told us the juleps sold near the house were not as strong as those sold at the gift shop. So, it was not surprising to see folks lined up in the gift shop. Gift shop, I now have a new meaning of those places.

When we got back on the bus it seemed everyone had their julep and they were mellow and happy. The ride back to town was joyous!

If you signed up for plantation companion tour, you or your companion is in for a real experience. I normally miss the tours Pam takes. Usually, I come to the PES conference and work. That isn’t a hardship, I love the work and the people I work with. But, I do miss a lot of these extras. So, this trip we decided to do the plantation tour on our own. Pam has been on this one many years ago and loved it.

We went to Oak Alley, a plantation dating back to 1839. It was a sugar cane plantation. The mansion is antebellum at its best. The whole time I was walking around the place, I heard “Tara’s Theme” playing in my head - yeah, I know the guy is weird, but remember I am easily entertained. It has been featured in numerous films. We went through the whole place, top to bottom. What a great way to spend a day. I am glad we decided to spend some extra days along with the Expo.

Street signs are in French in the French Quarter! That makes sense. We are finding our way pretty well with our trusty map. Yes, I forgot my Garmin and I’m back to the old school paper maps. Pronouncing the name is a trick. Their not in Spanish and my tongue can’t wrap itself around those words - heck there are too many vowels (I’m glad I don’t have to buy the vowels here).

One thing funny I have noticed is how many people ask where Rue such and such street is. Rue means street, so they are asking street X street. travel is educational and this proves it.

The French quarter is such a special place. It dates back to the days of horses and wagons. The streets are narrow. They twist and they turn. At times it is hard walking much less driving there. So, this morning we were not prepared for what was coming. We had made arrangements to be picked up at our hotel and do a tour of a couple of plantations near the city.

A 40 passenger bus pulled up in front of the hotel and away we went. Now a 40 passenger bus in not huge, but it is a good size. Everything was fine as we stopped at other hotels picking up folks taking the tour - then we hit the French Quarter. Our driver was good, very good. At no time, was it dangerous, but it sure was exciting threading the needle with that bus. We came within inches of street signs, balcony supports, other cars, etc. It reminded me of one of those track rides in Disney World - except this was live. It was an “E” ride!

Got a couple of questions from yesterday. What is a beignet? It is a taste treat. It’s a donut, but more. It is spongy, but not tough. The powered sugar really adds to the treat. Tommy Mayne is always talking about the great food in NOLA. He is right. We find new things at every turn. Local Committee you have done great!!

NOLA is magic. Okay, NOLA is short hand for New Orleans, Louisiana, but it is still magic. Walking down the street can be an adventure around here. We heard a street band a couple of blocks away tonight. The street was blocked and traffic was a mess. In the middle of all this there was a party going on. People were dancing in the street, waving handkerchiefs, and the band was strutting from side to side.

Everyone was having a great time and then it was over. The crowd went inside a building. The band broke up. The police left and traffic started to move again. If you are quick there is a reward.

A right turn from Decatur street (if you are walking NE) finds you standing at the might Mississippi! It is big… way big… huge… you select the adjective. It will fit. We sat down and watched the barges go past. Then we heard a horn - more like a steam whistle. Off to the south we saw the paddle wheel steamboat. What a sight!

I sure am glad the hotel wasn’t ready for us when we arrived. We would have unpacked, laid around, and found reasons to stay in the air conditioned comfort of the room. Did I mention it is warm here today?

Music is everywhere! And, it is great music. And, in so many cases it is live music. There are street musicians, bands in the restaurants, and recorded from speakers. It spills out of stores. The streets are awash with it. Funny thing it all blends together, just like the smells. The smell of food cooking is over powering, but not in a bad way. The senses are assaulted from every angle, but you find yourself craving more!!

When we sat down at the Cafe du Monde we found a street musician just on the other side of the railing and he was good. First it was “What A Wonderful World,” followed by the Saints Go Marching In,” then we heard “How Great Thou Art.” he kept a steady flow of music and talk going for everyone at the cafe. It was so enjoyable, we hated to go, but others were waiting their turn.

The French Quarter is a fantastic place for a walk-about. It is hard to describe the variety of things for sale. We just walked a few blocks after coffee and found the Farmer’s Market. And, guess what - green (red too) chili! They had that and a lot more. Ever heard of “Slap Ya Mama” spice? We found it. Now we will look for green chili dishes in the restaurants. It has to be here.

We made it to New Orleans. Had a great flight - slept most of the way. Upon arriving at our hotel, we were told we were too early. More or less, go away - come back in a couple of hours… In some locations this would have been a bummer, big time. Not in the Big Easy. We went to the French Quarter.

Cafe du Monde had room for us! We found a table next to the rail and got comfortable. The waiter brought us two orders of beignets (the most fabulous New Orleans donuts) and chicory coffee. What a treat. We have been dreaming of this day one of trip planning. We are definitely going back!!