NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA -- On a lazy Sunday afternoon recently, I decided to play tourist in New Orleans for the afternoon. I didn't know it at the time, but my automobile seems to have a mind of its own. Both the automobile and myself ended up in the famous New Orleans French Quarter.
Well,
I left my automobile in a local French Quarter parking lot
and let my nose followed the sweet smells of local New Orleans
cooking. Those sweet smells were so delicious that I had trouble choosing between fine Creole cuisine and the cafe au lait and
beignets.
I decided the Creole
cuisine could wait while I had an order of beignets and cafe au lait. Beignets are a light square donut that raises when fried, served hot, and with powdered sugar on top; these are always served fresh. Cafe au lait is 50% coffee mixed with 50% warm milk (chicory is usually mixed with the coffee) and served hot.
W hile waiting, I heard a two-piece band start playing for the restaurant patrons; everyone in the cafe enjoyed it. This is one of the many live-in-the-street bands that travel the area entertaining during the weekends.
Having finished the coffee, my first stop was to the Moon Walk to
get a view of the Mississippi River. The Moon Walk is accessible for wheelchair tourists. At the top, I could see the many ships traveling the Mississippi River. With the river to my back, I was now facing Jackson Square, the St. Louis Cathedral, and the Pontalba Buildings. I could also see many other activities around the square.
Moving away from the Moon Walk, I proceeded to the entrance of Jackson Square. In front of the Square, you'll find many horse
and mule drawn carriages that take you on a 30 minute tour of the French Quarter. I couldn't get over the uniqueness of the horses and mules; each animal wore a straw hat on its head giving it a personality all its own.
From
there, I walked down to St. Ann Street. On this street I
saw the Lower Pontalba Buildings, the 1850's house, and many other small shops. The 1850's house is
currently closed for renovation but is typical of an antebellum
rowhouse in New Orleans during thee 1840-50's. You are able to
see period artifacts and furniture that reflected New Orleans'
most prosperous era.
From
St. Ann Street, I turned the corner onto Chartres Street.
On this side of Jackson Square, you have the St. Louis Cathedral,
the Presbytere, and the Cabildo. The St. Louis Cathedral is home
of the Archbishop of New Orleans. The history dates back to
1727, tours are available daily. The Presbytere was originally used by the New Orleans Clergy as its quarters. The Cabildo,
built by the Spanish, was used as its government buildings. The
Presbytere and the Cabildo are now part of the Louisiana State
Museum and are open daily.
I decided to tour the Presbytere on this trip. I paid the
entrance fees of $4. During the self guided tour, I saw large
working models of wooden sailing ships, a Zachary Taylor exhibit,
a Baroness Pontalba exhibit, antique furniture, bust statues of
famous Louisiana people, and a collection of formal clothes from
the 1890's to present. Outside the museum, I saw an original
cannon used in the Battle of New Orleans and a miniature 2-person
submarine found locally dating from the Civil War.
From
the Presbytere, I proceeded into Jackson Square. There I
saw the famous statue of General Andrew Jackson on his horse
tipping his hat. From the park, I had the pleasure of seeing a
wedding party get onto horse drawn carriages in front of the St.
Louis Cathedral.
In
walking outside the Square's iron fence, I noticed many sights
and sounds. Some of the sights included: a children's jazz band
performing, adult jazz bands, children tap dancing, sneakers, artists, ice cream vendors and mimes.
Well,
three hours is plenty of time to explore Jackson Square and
have fun doing it. I had great fun playing tourist and am looking
forward to my next sightseeing adventure in Louisiana next month.
Have great fun on your next visit to Louisiana!! -- Nick
