Down by the Mississippi.

Follow us to the riverfront ...

A misty, foggy walk along the riverfront of the Mississippi ... with some dark clouds possibly threatening rain.

It was a warm and humid day!

   Above Photo credit to Laury.

We wondered if these were party revellers leftover from Mardi Gras ...

We had a great view of Jackson Square and it's happenings ...

After our river front stroll, we headed to the French Market ...

             

Here we met Laury's dear artist friend Oscar. 

That would be "Oscar of New Orleans"... his card states he "captures the magic of New Orleans".

He designs and makes unique pieces of jewelry. You can read Oscar's story on his website ...

www.oscarofneworleans.com

And that is exactly what I chose as my souvenir ... a pair of fun, funky, colourful earrings!

              

                      

Back through Jackson Square and off to a special place for lunch ...

           

     

Music and All That Jazz!

Music and New Orleans have a long history together. 

It was interesting to check out the creative window displays of musicians and their instruments.

We could hear the background sounds of music as we strolled the streets of the French Quarter and area and see the amazing bronze statues of the Marching Band players.

"I think music in itself is healing. 

It's an explosive expression of humanity. 

It's something we are all touched by. 

No matter what culture we're from, everyone loves music." ... Billy Joel

If you are lucky enough to arrive at the right time, you can enjoy some live music at The Market Cafe ... 

The instruments are set up waiting for the musicians ...

Or in Jackson Square ... I think this musician was taking a break from his set.

Can you hear the "beat" and "boom" of the music?

New Orleans is home to many music festivals throughout the year ... one that peeked my interest is the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival (this year's dates April 24th to May 3rd) that has an amazing lineup. 

Check it out at www.nojazzfest.com

As Plato stated ...

"Music gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything."

                                     Oh to dream!

In The French Quarter, New Orleans!

The second day of our New Orleans adventure began in the lobby of our hotel the "Wyndham Garden" located on Baronne St. in the historic central Business District, only a block from Canal Street. 

Location is excellent to visit the French Quarter, famous Bourbon St., the French Market, Riverfront, Jackson Square and so much more. 

The hotel was originally a department store built in 1931, remodelled in 2009 retaining its original marble floors, columns and the stained glass skylights.

Our tour guide, dear friend Laury arrived on her trusted wheels, and the Hotel management were kind to let her lock/ leave it in the storage closet ... 

From here we walked to Canal Street & wandered down the famous Bourbon St. Until we had seen enough, then on to Royal St. all the while viewing the architecture, window dressings, a bit of window shopping and enjoying the atmosphere of the French Quarter.

We even ended up in Toulouse, I thought we'd made a wrong turn...

                    

   

A great area for some unique "retail therapy" .... everything from stylish fashions, hats, decorative masks and antiques stores ...

Un chapeau, a hat ...which one would you choose? I have my favorite!

          

                   

                   

If you haven't guessed we had two very full days of sightseeing and enjoying all that New Orleans has to offer; because of this I am dividing the postcards rather than covering everything in one post.

A wander thru Jackson Square ... 

                 

Bathing beauties ...

Next stops the riverfront of the "Mighty Mississippi", the French Market and still more fun!