Our Trip to N'Awlins

We went to New Orleans on Saturday...it's only about 1.5 hours from Biloxi, so we made it a day trip. They were having three festivals that day--a Seafood Festival, a Cajun/Zydeco/Jazz Festival, and a Tomato Festival--all spread throughout the French Quarter of New Orleans. It was a great way to see the city because they had tents for local chefs, artists and musicians throughout the streets of the French Quarter, so we were able to see everything while experiencing a taste of the city...

We went to Jackson Square and walked along the Mississippi River...We also drove down Bourbon Street...I'm so glad we didn't walk. Before our visit, I didn't know much about New Orleans other than Jazz, Mardi Gras and Hurricane Katrina...I found out that the infamous Bourbon Street is just a very narrow street full of bars, strip clubs and other establishments that aren't exactly what you would call "family friendly."

Here's a picture of a more "appropriate" street that still gives the flavor of New Orleans.

The architecture of the city was highlighted by beautiful iron balconies...

But of course, what we were really there for was the FOOD! We stopped at Cafe Du Monde, a famous cafe known for its beignets and cafe au lait...apparently it was a hot spot for musicians, writers and artists...or as Hans says, the "artsy-fartsy folk." I guess we didn't really fit in...but the beignets were fantastic!We ate a lot of fresh, delicious food...mostly seafood. I know, I hate seafood--but these dishes were pretty good! Here's a picture of the jambalaya...yummy!Reily enjoyed his meal as well...feet up, bottle up...cheers!We love our happy boy!

While the French Quarter appeared to be back to it's original "touristy" condition, once you got outside the center of the city, there is still a lot of damage from Hurricane Katrina. There's been a lot of rebuilding, but the city as a whole is in very sad shape. Lots of abandoned, destroyed buildings interspersed with brand new buildings...it's hard to believe there is still so much destruction in such a major city...and how few people seem to care because it's not plastered all over the media any more.

All in all, though...we had a great trip. Though we'd probably choose to go to the beach before we'd go back to the city!