Our most recent Care-a-Vanner build brings us to Slidell, Louisiana. Located on the "North Shore" of Lake Pontchartrain, it is a 45 minute drive into New Orleans. While our Habitat "work-ateering" (a little work with all the fun of volunteering) keeps us busy Tuesday through Saturday, we were able to explore the "Big Easy" on a few days off. Equipped with the AAA Travel Book and our "guides" Joanne and Gary, we explored the architecture, food, music, culture and All That Jazz that makes New Orleans unique.
Warning: getting in and out of New Orleans parking lots can be a bit of a challenge. One evening while listening to the jazz that filled the streets, Doug got a text that our parking was about to expire. But no worries, it was easy to pay for another hour electronically which is what he did ... only to get back to the car an hour later and find our tires had been locked for overdue parking. Thankfully, he was able to show the attendant the text extending our time ... thus saving us a $200 fine and unlocking fee!
Despite the challenges of traffic and parking, the strolls along the streets of the French Quarter
and the Garden District reveal the reward of strikingly unique architecture.
One afternoon we took a ride on the St Charles Avenue Streetcar (a bargain at $3 for a day pass) alongside the majestic live oaks and antebellum mansions of the Garden District.
Our walk among the pristine homes and gardens of the unique neighborhood revealed historical and architectural treasures of all kinds.
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| The house where Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederacy, passed away in on Dec 6, 1889. |
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| Lafayette Cemetery ... looks like this site has an "opening"! |
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| Ornate iron fencing |
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| ... that protect elaborate gardens. |
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| Multi-million dollar mansions just tempting us to become homeowners again ... NOT! |
There are also culinary experiences that need to be on every tourist's list when visiting New Orleans.
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| Cafe du Monde's beignets and chicory coffee to jump start your day ... or evening ... or night as it is open 24 hours a day! |
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| The Muffuletta, the traditional sandwich of New Orleans, layered with Italian style meats, cheeses and the "oh, so good" olive salad! |
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| Shrimp, crawfish, catfish, crab, or oysters by themselves ... or all together in one of New Orlean's famous seafood gumbos! |
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| The Hurricane from Pat O'Briens ... a fruity concoction with a wee-bit of alcohol that goes down just a little too well on a hot and humid New Orleans afternoon! |
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| And for Doug and all the non fru-fru drinkers out there ... numerous craft breweries and at least one New Orleans' souvenir coaster! |
Music ... and specifically ... Jazz is the heart and soul of New Orleans.
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| From the street corner musicians, |
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| to the Bourbon Street bars, |
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| to the open courtyard cafes, |
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| to the historical Preservation Hall Jazz Band |
New Orleans' establishments and musicians are entertaining while preserving the unique sound of Jazz for all ages to enjoy.
But probably the most surreal experience for these tourists was the distinctly unique culture of New Orleans.
Located along the lower Mississippi River, this town has embraced the vibrant cultural influences of many people, past and present. As tourists, we quickly learned ...
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| that people of all walks of life ... young, old, rich, poor ... embrace the Bourbon Street scene in spite of the unsavory smells of liquor and garbage that linger in the street. |
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| that Jazz, Rock n Roll, and Rap musicians, alongside young kids drumming on plastic buckets, fill the streets with pulsating beats, |
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| that friends can smile through a Hurricane, |
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| And enjoy All That Jazz ... together! |
Until next time ... embrace All That Jazz that surrounds you ... and enjoy the adventures in your life!
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| Mardi Gras Beads for Minnesota Viking Fans! Thanks for following along! |
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