New Orleans

So my plans that fell through, and driving super long and late one night allowed me to have time to make a stop in New Orleans. I only got to spend three hours there, and it was the middle of the afternoon so it was a very different experience than the last time I was there when I only got to spend one night (I was speaking at a conference and flew in the afternoon before). I loved seeing the architecture.  I think it’s called Antebellum, but I am not sure.  That was the term I was looking for in Savannah too.  I love all the ornate ironwork and the balconies.  I was especially excited when I first drove into the French Quarter and saw the shotgun houses.  But, every building, residential or commercial, seemed to be all dressed up and pretty.

Sorry for the car pics. I do try not to do that, but I saw these houses, got al excited and snapped while I was driving into the French Quarter. 

The Voodoo Shop was pretty kitschy, but it was fun to wander.  No pics allowed inside.  I guess there are too many tourists who are overwhelmed by the mass of “stuff” inside and want to share.  Of course I was one of them! 

I found a parking spot pretty easily.  I guess that’s because it was the middle of the day.  Since this was a completely spontaneous visit, I had not done any planning at all.  I had no idea of where to go.  So, being me I stopped a nice young guy on the street who looked like he knew what was what.  He laughed and said he was trying to figure out the same thing!  What to do in the middle of the day.  He did point me to some historic bars, but that was about it.  Onward... I went towards the bar area he recommended and just started talking to people.  I have to say, everyone was friendly; I loved all the people I was meeting. I stopped often to ask questions of people who look like they were open to answering… And I had some lovely, lovely conversations with perfect strangers. I even got a proposal from one guy. He told me I was just what he was looking for… I told him he didn’t even know me.  He didn’t seem to care. It was pretty funny.

The bars were all open, with a hawker here and there to entice you in.  Not many were taking advantage of that.  But there were a few people in each bar so I guess it was worth them staying open.  Like Savannah, it was so different to see people walking around with drinks.  Here, the drink of choice was the hurricane.  In a “souvenir” glass.  Tag, you’re a tourist!  haha! 

​I did go into a ton of art galleries.  That was lovely.  The art was bold and colorful, reflecting the style of New Orleans.  Lots of references to the music and to the architecture. Mostly in some sort of modern style.  Few landscapes or overly “pretty” takes on the New Orleans scene.  I appreciated that.  I loved the boldness of one artist in particular.  His name was Hector and he captured the mystique of NOLA in my eyes.  I loved his bold use of the palette knife rather than a timid brush.  I loved how he “bent” his scenes to add to the excitement.  Most of his paintings were at night, since that’s when New Orleans is at its best.  Well, after seeing his art in a few galleries, I saw one painting that really captured it all for me... so it is now proudly hanging in the Beast, waiting for a frame, but happy none the less.

Walking around, I felt like I was at the show before showtime. The set was already; all the props were in place and the stars were milling about looking a wee bit bored.  The extras were standing on the sidelines incredibly excited to be there, but there was no action. It seems that the tourist families were having a great time and everybody else was just waiting for the night time.  But that said, I got to enjoy just a little taste of New Orleans and I know that I want to go back.

Sorry, more crepe myrtles, but see, it is a tree here in the south.  I just love them.  But I promise, no more.

Even some of the plainer buildings still have a bit of ornamentation.

The famous Cafe Du Monde.  Eat your heart out Starbucks... they did it first.

The Main Street reminded me of parts of Philadelphia.  This particular part reminded me of the old Lit Bros. Building.  It was considered a landmark for it’s cast iron facade.  I am not sure if this is the same material.  Almost the whole street was this style. 

Except this building... Art Deco meets Antibellum?

I love all the curves and the curlicues.