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!

Around and Across Lake Pontchartrain!

We reversed our "Streetcar" trip to the beginning of our day in City Park where our car waited for us.

 Next stop ... the Bayou, with Msr. Honey at the wheel and Miss Laury as his trusted navigator we ventured off through the misty, foggy weather to Manchac.

Our travels followed the shores of Lake Pontchartrain.

We arrived at our intended destination with an appetite as our "Morning Call" beignets and "Blind Pelican" nachos and dip had worn off. 

Here we enjoyed a Southern treat that we had never before tried ...

Middendorf's Restaurant is "Home of the World Famous Original Thin Fried Catfish". 

It first opened its doors in 1934 and continues to be a mainstay/ institution in the area.

It was well worth the drive ... 

Most delicious fried, thin slices of catfish with a very light bread coating (not greasy at all) served with fries, hush puppies and coleslaw.

There was an eerieness over the water as the misty taupe-coloured fog masked our views.

And our day was still not over ...

Further afield in the community of Covington we arrived at "Mahagony Oaks" the grand residence of Laury's dear friends, John and Michael.

A magnificent property of many oak treed acres festooned with the usual Spanish moss, beautiful landscaping and containing their wonderful home.

After a tour of their tastefully decorated home, we were invited to join everyone at the "Mahagony Oaks Bar"... where we shared "libations, hors d'oeuvres" and many laughs with our hosts J & M, Laury and another friend, Carmen. 

It was a fun evening of socializing and getting to know new friends.

        

 

The wonders of travel allows you to meet new people, see new places, provides opportunities and challenges you to try new things, taste different foods, etc ... opening up a new world to discover.

                                  

                  

    

                    

Our route back to the city of New Orleans was another adventure as we travelled across Lake Pontchartrain over the causeway.

(If interested the causeway is the yellow line in the middle of the lake shown in the map above.)

It is 24 miles long and the world's longest bridge and this evening we travelled in a convoy to cross it due to the heavy fog! 

And those who know me ... "bridges" are one of my fears, but I can now say I crossed the "World's Longest Bridge" albeit in the darkness of night and fog!

This is the end of our first day of adventures in New Orleans ... stay tuned for what we see and do on our second day!