New Orleans 101

We arrived at our hotel at about 11:30am and our room happened to be ready. After a two hour power nap we ventured out at 2pm to check out New Orleans. It turns out our hotel is in a great location, just a quick 5 minute walk to Bourbon St where all the action is, but still far enough away that it's quiet at night.

The first part of the day we just wandered and took it all in. We had a late lunch at La Bayou on Bourbon. Meg tried Gumbo and I had a wedge salad with crawfish sprinkles. Both were good, but nothing amazing and it was expensive at $35 for the two of us.

We had a lot of fun looking at the architecture and taking photos of random things....

This is the Gallery of a hotel off of Bourbon St. Yes, those are two mannequins you see, all dressed up for Christmas. We were marveling and taking our pictures when a guy walking by informed us that they put the twins up every year this time, and sometimes for other occasions as well. Either way, they caught our attention. We also enjoyed checking out the Gay Heritage Display in the window of a shop, it consisted of all sorts of Ken dolls in various attire, it was very glamorous in it's own way.

We were also very enchanted by the people watching. The people are great. Those stories will have to be reserved for in person descriptions and imitations.

We've noticed that everything is just a bit naughtier here, everything is up at least one notch. Girls are more flirtatious, guys are more bold and brazen. I think Meg and have been pegged as a couple which in this city is probably safer than two single chicks. It's pretty much what we expected of New Orleans based on stereo types and what we've seen on TV. The people watching alone makes it worth the trip.

For dinner we weren't so hungry so we stopped in a local art shop and asked for a recommendation. We were sent to the Gumbo Shop, again it was very expensive (which is the standard, we've found entrees ranging from $20-$30 to be the average, anything cheaper is difficult to find). I ordered the Vegetarian Special which was just rice and beans but it was good. I also had a local beer, Abita Amber which was nice and light and tasty. Meg decided to have a true vacation dinner, a Godiva Hot Chocolate drink and Bread Pudding - she was happy. :)

After dinner we just wandered up and down Bourbon St taking in the action and being pummled with beads. At one point we both glanced down a side street to see this,

It's the back of St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square, the statue of Jesus and the light creates a shadow that is a bit creepy or cool depending on how drunk you are. We were sober so we thought it was cool.

Even though it's Saturday we retired early to rest up and plan tomorrow's activities. We're really hoping for clear weather that's slightly warmer (it was down right cold today) and sunny so we can go on a history tour and right the street car around. We'll take pictures as we go and try to keep everyone updated.

Comment so we know you care. Let us know if you have special requests for souveniers or pictures.