Thursday, May 5, 2011

Goin’ back to big Mamou

French Quarter2I hope to write more about other topics soon, but a quick note about an upcoming trip.

After almost six years, it’s time for another trip to New Orleans. The last time was a month before Katrina, and this time, it’s a trip with Cousin Shane and Matt...AND we’ll be meeting up with the fabulous Miss Ginger Grant!

It’s been a tough year in many ways, and I can’t begin to tell you how much I’m looking forward to a vacation in the city that time forgot...beautiful, exciting, crazy NOLA. There are plenty of great cities that I haven’t visited yet, but of the ones I’ve been to, New Orleans is my absolute favorite. There is no place like it.

The weather will be warm and humid, and I plan on sweating...in a ladylike manner, of course. It will be hovering around 90° during the day, dropping down to a chilly (!!) 70° at night. I plan on having a Hurricane at Pat O’Brien’s and a Hand Grenade at the Funky Pirate. A swamp tour and a cooking class. Perhaps I’ll try a Sazerac—considered to be the oldest American cocktail—at the Old Absinthe House. Walking around the Quarter and taking in the sights and sounds. Oysters on the half-shell. A trolley ride to the Garden District and a stroll around looking at the beautiful homes there. An evening at Preservation Hall. Nights on Bourbon Street listening to zydeco and R&B and European jazz. If I get lucky, maybe someone will let me play the washboard vest like I did last time, but I might have to have a few drinks in me to do that! Beignets and cafe au lait at Cafe du Monde. A trip to St. Louis No. 1 to see the tombs, including Marie Leveau’s.

I need a break from the real world, and New Orleans is just the place to do it. Great music, great food, a great city. It is a quite modern city, but it embraces its history, and it transports me...especially when away from the raucous revelry of Bourbon Street. A quiet side street, a glimpse into the courtyard of a brick townhouse that is probably at least 100 years old, often more like 150 years old. I don’t believe in ghosts, but New Orleans makes me want to.

This will be Shane and Matt’s first time there, and although I’m no expert on the city, I’m looking forward to sharing this wonderful place with them. I know how my cousin loves him some music, and I think he will be as captivated by the place as I was the moment I set foot in it.

More soon, but in the meantime, laissez les bon temps rouler!

11 comments:

  1. I am a huge believer in the concept that when things are emotionally tough at home, it's time for new scenery to get it all in perspective. Have fun!

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  2. Sounds like the perfect get-away! I would love to visit New Orleans someday and take in the whole bayou living. (Hugs)Indigo

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  3. Have fun! Tell Ginger I said Hi!

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  4. my bags are packed and i'm ready to go!!! so looking forward to this trip.

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  5. I am so incredibly jealous. NOLA is by far my favorite city (after NYC, natch).

    AND you get to hang out with my SISTER, Queen Ginger?!? You lucky Biatch...

    We'll be expecting a full report - and pictures!!

    XOXOXOXOXO

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  6. Can't wait to see you there!! Can you believe that lately it's been getting down into the 60's at night, and our weather has been unseasonably dry!! If this holds, the weather will be gorgeous for your visit!! Alas, I suspect the heat and humidity will blow back in any day now! I have a list of places to take you- Cafe Amelie, Pirates Alley Absinthe House, Stanley, and the Funky 455 (?) are just a few!! See ya Wednesday night!

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  7. Wow! Sounds like a great trip. And I'm sure you're more than ready for a vacation!

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  8. yup... let the good time roll... Let them brush your rock and roll hair..!

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  9. I'm jealous - I love New Orleans. Wishing you a fantastic time, you need it.

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  10. Sounds like this is just what you needed Beth. It's an amazing city, with amazing people.

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