Travelogue-New Orleans (Day 1-New Orleans)

I drive the two hours back to the airport to drop off the rental and take public transport into downtown. On weekdays, this would involve a single bus. On the weekend, a transfer is needed as the airport and New Orleans, NO, are in differenct parishes. Since it was getting late in the day, I opted to walk around to get a lay of the land.

I am staying on Canal St and a streetcar runs the length of the street.  Canal terminates at Harrah's casino and near the river and convention center.

I've walked a few blocks down and have found that certain streets start on one side of Canal then the streetname changes on the other side.  That side being the border of the French Quarter while this side is in the Central Business District.  By this time, I have passed Bourbon  St and Magazine St as I approach the riverfront

At the terminus, the line intersects the Riverfront streetcar line as well as an aquarium and a ferry port.  This trolley line runs up to the French Market and down a couple of stops towards and just past the convention center

The Algiers ferry runs back and forth from here to Algier's Point across the river. For the time being, the conveyance is totally free in both directions. However, during my research, there was mention of looking for funding and a fee or toll may be applied. I dont take a ride this day but I will be back

Following the walk leads you toward the French Quarter. Along the way, there is Jax Brewery, Jackson Square, Cafe du Monde, Central Grocery, and the French Market. One of the two paddlewheelers, Natchez, is docked along the walk. Either ship provide 2 hour tours up and down the Mississippi.

I start to turn back as the sun began to set. As the sky blazed in the setting sun, I took this picture. Later, while watching the local news, someone else had the same idea, posted it, and the anchor made mention of it. The pictures were quite similar. Anyway, the sun seems to set pretty early in these parts and they set fast. Before I knew it, artificial lights brightened the streets and buildings.

The onccoming darkness signaled a break for dinner was near. Close by is a restaurant that many people talk about, Mother's. Its known for it's homecooking of local favorites.

As you enter, someone hands you menu and tells you to line up and place your order. As it was slow and there was no line, I was a bit confused. So I went up to the steam tables ready to place my order. At this time, it was made known to me to line up at the register to place my order and pay. Once seated, they come to get your reciept, fulfill it, and bring it back to your table.

I like to try a little bit of everything so the combination fits the bill.  It includes potato salad in the middle, red beans and rice at 3 o'clock, jumbalaya at 6 o'clock, and crawfish etoufee at 9 o'clock.  The one chosen side item at 12 o'clock is cabbage.  The cabbage tasted like a mild warm saurkraut.  I found most of the items on the plate to be somewhat bland.  I was not sure what to expect as I never had "authentic" New Orleans fare but I did not expect this.  I strongly resisted the urge to dump some hot sauce all over.  I have found over the years that jumbalaya, while I can accept it, is not one of my favorties of the cuisine.  This did not change my mind.  Of the items provided, the etoufee would have to rank as the most liked

All that is left after dinner was to walk back to the hotel.  Along the way, I could not help but stop by Bourbon St.; this being the epicenter of Mardi Gras partying.  The entrance at Canal St greets you with Krystal diner and Hustler sex shop.  But, thats not the first thing one notices as you turn into the street.  Many a party past, present, and future lingers on the road, walls, and in the air. 

Drinking holes and establishments line either side as you walk.  Restaurants co-mingle with the bars and strip clubs are scattered thoughout as well.  Its fairly empty due it being early and a Tuesday night.  Later, a police presence is clearly visible and the the street is blocked off to cars so pedestrians have the run of the place.  In New Orleans, patrons are allowed to walk out in the open with alcohol as long as they are in plastic containers.