Taste of New Orleans, part 1

I just returned from a short trip to New Orleans, aka The Big Easy, aka NOLA, my first time there. My son, Andreas, had a work conference, his new husband, Loren, couldn’t get off work, so I invited myself along. In spite of having just one solid day, plus a few extra hours the evening prior and the following morning, to look around, I got a pretty good taste. What a city!

The timing of the trip was perfect… just prior to the start of Mardi Gras. I was able to experience some of the craziness and colors, without the crowds that would have made walking the area near impossible.

Reflections as a single woman of a certain age touring alone in an unknown area: Our  hotel was in the financial district, within easy walking distance of the French Quarter. Daytime back and forth was fine, but it was a bit sketchy after dark because the financial district clears out and some of the streets are pretty dark. Certain streets within the French Quarter also made me a bit wary, so I’d quicken my pace and seek out other folks. I’m always very aware of my surroundings, and try to stay near other couples or groups when walking through dark areas. If I find myself watching over my shoulder to another person behind me, I’ll generally cross the street or reverse direction. I oftentimes circle back or take a new route to feel safe. I prefer not taking cabs or Uber when alone, relying instead on my feet. I rode the trolley, the line went past our hotel, to the Garden District and loved it, but it does take a bit more time than by car. Here at home, I drive everywhere and am spoiled by that freedom. I’d love to return to the New Orleans area and have more time to explore. People are so friendly, so polite, delightfully warm and inviting. the food is to die for…. literally, haha! It’s rich, and delicious, and heavy, and must contain a month’s worth of calories in each serving. Oysters on the half shell are delicious and so cheap! The Sazerac cocktail I had, a signature of New Orleans, was the best cocktail I’ve ever had.

SueBee with Sazerac cocktail

As you might guess, I took a lot of pictures. I’m going to share them in no particular order over the upcoming days/weeks, unless I group as a theme (i.e. cemetery, pretty doors, details, etc). I hope my pictures will give you a Taste of New Orleans! ~SueBee

French Quarter

Street artist in the French Quarter, UNreal!

Commander’s Palace where I had lunch in Garden District

Front gate detail, Garden District

Street musician, French Quarter

Leading his horse and buggy, French Quarter

Street musicians, French Quarter

St. Louis Cathedral, Jackson Square

Street artist at Cafe du Monde, French Quarter