Nola, On arrive. New Orleans

Tim's confident look and attitude all along the way. Laissons les Bons Temps rouler. 
 

             Leaving Houston after a nice afternoon on the beach. Drove by LSU stadium in Baton Rouge. 

Meeting with Curt and Charlene. They are joining our group for the rest of the trip to FL

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Definitely French culture here. Even De Gaule has made it to Louisiana. 

Mardi Gras World is first on our list. They create, make and decorate floats for all the parades. "Only" 80 just to celebrate Mardi Gras. 

Artists design, draw, cut, shape and paint the different parts. Floats are recycled from one year to the next and take a different aspect. 

After that visit the group is impatient to shuttle to the French Quarter. Bourbon street is as crazy as we remember: lots of noise, music (not as jazzy as we wish) and people. 

A stroll along the Mississippi on the River Walk, up and down the stairs to Jackson Square to end the day with Cajun food.

Gumbo, po'boys and beignets for dessert. Yummy!

Next day revisit downtown but this time we are taking the ferry from Algiers. A bit of difficulties with the pay machine. It takes all of our husbands to figure it out. 

You can see St Louis's cathedral in the background. Short but plaisant ride on the Mississippi. 

Once we disembark we stroll on Canal street: direction Garden District for lunch via the Streetcars. Tight, bumpy, noisy ride full of tourists having a great time. Apparently Tom is manning the back doors. Maybe a new retiree job for him!!!

Off at St Charles street, short walk to Magazine Street for another search of local food. We found just the right place on the lower Garden District.

Love this building. Reminds me of the Durrells in Corfu. These below are walking distance to Judson and Carrie's former home. 

Then we reach the Upper Garden District with its gorgeous mansions.  This house below is a great example. Sold 1year 1/2 ago for over $13,000,000.00.!!! 

Can't leave Nola without a sample of an Hurricane and drinking it in the street. Perfect time to go on to our next adventures.