Saturday, November 17, 2012

THE OLD FRENCH QUARTER, NEW ORLEANS

NEW ORLEANS

Our room was not as spacious as any other Wyndham unit we've stayed in, but for sleeping, it was spacious enough for snoring and rolling over. The complex was very nice.

 It's courtyard was enticing. If I could have eaten breakfast there, it would have been the perfect garden setting.
 
 
The large deck on the roof of this 12 story vintage hotel would have been great for catching some sun and viewing the city.



We left out of there about 8:00 in order to cruise around a little before the tourists attacked the town. We parked on Canal Street and Royal, found some breakfast at Daisy Duke's Cafe. (I always wondered whatever happened to that cute little Daisy Duke gal. Well, I think she was there. If you are considering going to see her, you better brace yourself! She let herself go! I mean, really bad!! I really think her tattoos clashed, I mean seriously clashed, with her face! Don't go!!!

After breakfast we walked over to Bourbon Street and walked down it a few blocks. Many of the sidewalk businesses were starting to wake up. They all has some guy washing down the sidewalks with hot, sudsy mop water and hosing it off into the streets. Even with that, the Pine Sol could barely mask the strong scent of beer and urine. I could only imagine what might go on around here at night!

The streets had its share of poor folks sprawled out on sidewalks and benches still trying to sober up. There were a few weirdo's, as well. No, Portland does NOT have them ALL! One guy was looking around himself, then looking up into the sky while staggering around from sidewalk to street, talking to someone. We didn't see anyone else with him so we're not sure what that was about.

As we stopped by the Sienna to plug the parking meter, a young man came up wanting to know what we were doing and to offer us free quarters! His right front pocket was bulging with, what seemed, like quarters. Being raised as a skeptic and being scammed a couple of times in my life, I said, "We've got it! Thanks anyway!" "But they're free", he said. I said, "I know, but we have enough! Thank you!" We walked away quickly, but turned around occasionally to keep an eye on the Sienna. Ha Ha! I still haven't figured out that scam. If it wasn't a scam, I wondered where the pick pocket guy was! (I told you I was a skeptic)!

The Voo Doo shops and girlie shops helped us decide to go ahead and drive down to the waterfront and check that out. We found an expensive parking lot and pulled in. We strolled along the Mississippi River waterfront, taking it all in. This was a beautiful area! Christmas decorations were already up (and the turkey isn't even dead yet!).

A large Sternwheeler was docked, getting ready to load passengers for a river cruise in a few hours. A huge cargo ship was entering the area; laded down with dozens of cargo containers! A big cruise ship was parked out in the Mississippi. Not sure about its status. They probably don't need my help anyway. :)

We walked over to the CAFE DU MONDE, the original French Market Stand. We stepped into the long line for table setting. It did move along much faster than I had thought it would. I held our place in line while Debby walked around taking pictures. She was over by the sidewalk paintings market where the horses and carriages parked, taking pictures. She came back twice talking about trying to get a photo of some guy in a purple suit and spy hat.

We found a table and sat down for coffee and beignets, a type of fried fritter piled high with powdered sugar and served 3 on a plate. These are apparently, famous for New Orleans and when you go, YOU HAVE TO EAT ONE! The coffee was very good, too!

We milled around and saw a memorial of Andrew Jackson.  A few street entertainers were across the street putting on a show and passing a contribution bucket around for a few bucks before doing their audience participated high jump act. Deb and I grew fired of their incessant talking and lack of performing, that we walked on back to our car.

The big Sternwheeler was coming alive as we were ready to leave. On the very top was a Steam Organ and a big dude playing it. It sounded very good! It also drowned out the Street musicians and they just sat there looking defeated. Ha!

That was the extent of our New Orleans tour. We really liked the parts we liked. I, for one, was ready to leave. I think Debby would have liked to stay longer, but we are now on a mission! Thanksgiving Day is just around the corner and we need to get to Branson, MO and kill the Turkey!
















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