New Orleans. February 05

Early start to the day with a hardy breakfast of grits, sausage, and cinnamon raisin toast

Decided to head to the French Quarter during day light hours. Before leaving we had to take Suki for a walk. No big deal you are thinking. Wrong!

The hotel was not pet friendly which we knew. We planned to leave the fur babies in the motorhome in the hotel parking  lot.  On arrival the fine print said no pets on the 'property'. Define property you ask- we took it to mean not only the building but the land surrounding it. The penalty for breaking this rule meant being immediately thrown out and losing our security deposit. Being careful not to have this happen we had to sneak Suki out. Driving the car right next to the motor home we then took Suki out in her carry kennel to the car. Drove her into the neighborhood and out for a lovely walk. Then return her doing the same clandestine operation. We didn't get caught. Whew!

So off we go...on the bus. A bit of an adventure but not too much. Getting off the bus we were uncertain which way to go. A very kind woman showed us the way as she was heading there to work. I believe as my mom did that there are more nice than nasty people in the world.

I was expecting a more subdued atmosphere. Certainly not as crowded as parade routes had been. But the energy of the place crackled in the air. We walked Bourbon Street, all of it. Live music playing everywhere in the bars and on the street. My personal favourite...

Singing country and doing a mighty fine job of it.

Stopped for a drink at an open air park with a live jazz band.

These are statue not the band.

This is the live band.

 

There was what turned out to be a small house fire. No word of lie there must have been 8 fire trucks and vehicles on scene. All came roaring past us. 

After all this excitement we went for lunch at NOLA'S Po'boys. Had a catfish po'boy super scrumptious. Took me some time before I realized NOLA was not a women's name but

New Orleans LouisianA.

The building were something special. It felt that I had gone back in time. Not a single modern building in sight.

Iron work on the balconies was stunning. 

The intention was to stay for another parade. However the will was strong but the flesh was weak! In my defense I do need to say that we had been walking in the French Quarter for almost 5 hours.

Back at the ranch we took Suki for another walk. Ordered pizza and called it a day.

                Love Mardi Gras 

                        💚💛💜