New Orleans

The drive into New Orleans, or Naw'leans as the locals call it, is long, really long. You drive through the swamp forest, often on a raised highway a few feet above water. There is nothing, no exits, no rest stops or gas stations. We make it into town about 7ish. We check into the hotel and park on the street. There is no cost to park on the weekend so we saved a significant amount there. We grab a bite to eat at Earnest Cafe, a local pub. The Bayou Burger wasn't anything special. We go to bed early, tired from the long drive and wanting to get an early start.

This morning we get up early and head to Cafe du Monde, famous for the chicory coffee and beignet. Pronounced Bin-Yay, these donuts covered in powdered sugar are delicious. Cafe du Monde was packed so we got the stuff to go, walked across the street and ate at the beautiful Jackson Park, honoring Andrew Jackson who saved New Orleans from the British. From there we head to a walking tour. Greg our tour guide was soft spoken and brought his dachshund, Cayenne. The tour was OK, very historical, but a little long. We toured the St. Louis No. 1 Cemetery, with graves dating back several hundred years. Several famous people and families are buried here. Of course I can't remember any of them. After that we walk over the the Congo Park where African Slaves would gather on their days off. From there we visited a Voodoo Priestess. She was pretty crazy and a little senile. She brought us into her altar room packed with all types of junk. We snuck out early with half of our fellow tourists.

We grab lunch at Cafe Beignet for some great Cajun food. There is a live band playing swing jazz. From there we walk through the French Quarter. Royal Street is blocked off to cars and literally every block there is a band in the middle of the street. Each sounded amazing. No matter where you go in New Orleans, you hear live music, and it all sounds phenomenal. We bought a CD from one of the bands called The Souy Mash Band. We visit the Faulkner Bookstore, which used to be the house William Faulkner lived in. If you don't know who that is, he is a famous author.