Friday, March 20, 2015

On a Carousel!


Double decker carousel in France.

Time to find our way back to our hotel ... "Will we need to run for cover?"

         

We had walked many steps today and it would have been easy to opt for another mode of transport ... perhaps some pretty wheels or a private chariot...


"Going our way?"



                                                 

Our friend/tour guide wanted to show us one last place before we said our goodbyes ...
A quick walk through the luxury "Hotel Monteleone" to view the famous "Carousel Bar & Lounge" ... an amazing revolving bar. It is a 25-seat, colourful circus Merry-Go-Round.

                       

Our intentions were to just have a look around but the atmosphere appealed and we decided to satisfy our thirst in the whimsical surroundings ... all the seats on the Merry-Go-Round were occupied.
We found some comfortable seating in the lounge area with views of the "Carousel" enjoyed a drink, some quiet conversation and watched as the rain finally made it's appearance through the large fan windows overlooking the famous Royal St.


What an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon!

 "Riding along on a carousel, round and round, up, down, up, down" ... feeling like a kid in a hectic adult world!

Here's one of my favorite "Carousels" ... It is located in the square "Place Gambetta, Cahors, France".


The rain had subsided by the time we walked back to the hotel.

Ms. Laury retrieved her bicycle that had been safely locked up in the Hotel's storage room and she rode off with our promise to come by her home later in the evening!



 The day continued into the evening ...  see you soon! 

A bientôt !




    

Thursday, March 19, 2015

Lunch with Napoleon at his House!

After our busy morning in the French Quarter and area ... we had worked up an appetite.

Our friend, Laury had planned for us to have lunch at a historic Bar/Café; the Napoleon House is a 200+ year old landmark in the French Quarter. 
My research indicates the 1st occupant, Nicholas Girod, Mayor (1812-1815)  offered refuge to Napoleon during his exile in 1821. He never did come.

The rustic decor and aged patina of the walls makes you feel the history transporting you to times gone by. 

Everywhere you looked you could feel Napoleon's presence! Can you feel him watching you?

         
                               


Specialty of the house is their Italian Muffuletta ...
A hearty sandwich filled with ham, genoa salami, pastrami, Swiss cheese, provolone cheese and italian olive salad originally made on "Sicilian" bread ...not sure if that is used today but it was delicious.

I found a recipe online for this "Muffuletta" that used a sesame seed coated bread, after filling/ stuffing the bread with ingredients ... wrap in aluminum foil, bake at 350 degrees F for 20 minutes until sandwich is warmed through. 

                          
             
                           
Napoleon House is an unassuming building located at 500 Chartres Street, New Orleans, LA.

When we arrived the garden courtyard was fully occupied, and we opted for a table in the bar area at an open window/ door with a view on the world.

Great choice! I felt like we were sitting at an outdoor "Café"... wonderful!

I can see why our friend likes this special place.


I wandered around after the lunch hour rush and was able to get a "postcard photo" of the courtyard dining area.


 From here we wandered back to the riverfront area to the Cafe du Monde ... for coffee and dessert ...
a beignet of course!



And there is still more to our day ...






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 ...