As we pulled into the parking lot, the Natchez river cruise boat's steam calliope was playing 'Zippity do dah'. (Disney itself couldn't have scheduled it better). As we headed into the French Quarter, a horse drawn carriage passed by, and I quickly did a double take - with its long ears and long face this was no horse it was a mule! Ernie Beyer explained horses can't take the humid steamy New Orleans heat, but mules can!
Our walkiing tour of the quarter began at 130pm, so we headed to the Gumbo Shop, a long time New Orleans favorite. At 1130 the diningroom is packed with locals and tourists enjoying Gumbo. We sat with a couple from CA who said they visit the Big Easy yearly and the Gumbo Shop was always on their itinierary. MMM the French bread was some of the best I had every had and I know the others enjoyed their Gumbo.
Our tour started over looking the Missispi. We learned Louisiana is realtively new in world history 1718 it was founded by the French as a natural land barrier between their English enemies on the east and their Spanish enemeies on the west. Jackson Square lay at our feet the creation of a Spanish born resident and his daughter the famous Madam Cantabalo.
The tour wound through the twisting streets of NOLA and with my love for flowers and architecture it was fantastic. In addition to Victorian, Greek Revival and Italianate styles there were the uniquely New Orleans 'shot gun' homes and 'Creole' cottages (I'll post some photos later today).
The evening ended back at New Orleans City Park with a performance of "A Mid Summers Night Dream". We drank wine and enjoyed the NOLA sunset.
Off to the Carnival Triumph tomorrow - will check in then.
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