Tuesday, May 20, 2008

New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS

Land of Creole Cuisine, Zydeco Music and the Mighty Mississippi River.

I am in pain, serious pain. Not pain from walking in to a parking meter in front of Mother's restaurant (which Shelley did) or pain from tripping and falling up the stairs in front of St. Louis Cathedral (which Shelley also did). No, the pain is real and caused by New Orleans cuisine. Not bad food – just lots and lots of good food. Food and more food. From the Cafe Au Lait and Beignets at Cafe Du Monde to the Jambalaya, Red Beans and Rice and Shrimp Etouffee and Bread Pudding at the Gumbo Shop.


Jackson Square, the old military parade ground, was established in 1721. The statue of Andrew Jackson was erected in 1856 and the square was renamed at that time. The statue is the world's first equestrian statue with more than one hoof unsupported. Artists, street performers, palm/tarot card readers and general scam artists surround the square and are happy to take money from tourists. St. Louis Cathedral, built in 1794, is the oldest active cathedral in the country.

New Orleans does have other things to offer other than the food. We toured the French Quarter, the Garden District, and the now infamous 9th Ward and other Katrina affected areas.

Due to limits on number of pictures that can be put in one blog post – this post will be continued in next entry.

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