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| M.A., Chantal & Michel |
New Orleans Wednesday Jan 4, 2012
Our only full day in N.O.LA began with a short walk to raised river levee along the Mississippi and from there, on to Jackson Square. We were reminded everywhere that next Monday night the New Orleans’ Superdome is the site of the BCS National Championship game between LSU and Alabama. National and local TV networks already have corners staked out doing onsite interviews and promotions for the big game.
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| Jackson Square jazz band |
At Jackson Square we were entertained by a local jazz band in front of the Catholic Cathedral, the Basilica of St. Louis IX, King of France. There was a little irony there with a jazz band playing in front of the church and a small sign nearby depicting the area as a “Quiet Zone”. Not to be missed were the numerous fortune tellers and “Tarot” card readers set up and open for business. We passed on all that that and continued our self-guided walking tour around the French Quarter.
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| St Louis, King of France Cathedral |
I wanted to go to the WW2 Museum, so MA and I did that while Michel and Chantal continued their photographic exploration of the shops and the local architecture. Chantal is an avid photographer well known for posting many, many beautiful pictures on Face Book!
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| WW2 Museum |
The WWII museum is housed in a new three story building and the exhibits are a wonderfully detailed history of World War II with newspapers, newsreels and personal historical testimonials. Several veterans and elderly spouses were there volunteering their services for the visitors.
After the museum M.A. and I walked toward the Riverfront, a mixture of shops and eateries and then we hopped on a trolley car heading back to meet our friends for lunch followed by beignets at the famous Café Monde. From there we wandered down Esplanade Avenue to see some of the more prestigious homes there and back to the hotel to rest up for the evening.
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| Inside the Cathedral |
Ready for dinner later, we all headed back toward Bourbon Street where we settled on the Embers Restaurant. We got a table on the balcony, talked “over” some very loud music and watched all the “interesting” activities on the street!
Afterward, we walked back to the hotel and called it a night. This is the first time MA and I have traveled with another couple and I must say Michel and Chantal are charming traveling companions, open to adventure and generous in sharing expenses, a perfect combination of travelers from each side of the Atlantic Ocean!
Yesterday (Friday) was our big road trip from New Orleans to Jacksonville Florida, 800 miles. It went well with Michel doing half the driving. Dinner last night at Red Lobster where our young waitress practiced her high school French with our friends. Today (Saturday) we head for Ft. Lauderdale and tomorrow (Sunday) we board the Ruby Princess where for seven days no more unpacking and lugging suitcases, just enjoy the views and not missing out on the meals!
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| Cafe Du Monde |
Wayne, you and MA have some beignets and that coffee that accompanies them for me. While we were doing it on the banks of the Mississippi, the coffee supplier truck drove up and it said the Continental Coffe Co., Houston, TX. Really appreciated that cathedral interior.
ReplyDeleteWayne,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the update. Enjoyed reading about the things you and MA are experiencing and the photographs. Looking forward to your next update.
HAVE A SAFE AND GOD BLESSED TRIP - dave b.