November in New Orleans

Earlier in the month of November,
I journeyed to New Orleans.
This trip was a birthday gift from a
very special friend.
Growing up in the midwest, New Orleans
always seemed like a foreign country to me.
I pictured it as a place where different cultures,
races, customs, languages all merged into one
delicious stew of humanity.
From the age of 7,
I wanted to go there;
at the age of 41, I finally made it!

The French Quarter


Jackson Square

Our visit included a day spent wandering
through the narrow, crowded streets of the
French Quarter.




St. Louis Cathedral


This, and all older sections of the city, remained
undamaged by Hurricaine Katrina. We were told
these areas are actually several feet above sea level,
and their altitude, if you will, is what spared them.



Louisiana State Museum



Another side of Jackson Square

Colorful streee scene, to match the colorful personalities

we encountered on our journey.

Naploeon House, one of the oldest buildings in the Quarter.

Garden District Highlights

The Garden District is where we stayed.

This is a gorgeous part of the city,

several blocks away from

the hustle and bustle of the Quarter.

It is where the rich and famous have come to live

and play for decades.

Enormous crape myrtles and live oaks line the streets.

Wrought and cast iron fences, balustrades, and bannisters

lend the area a sense of identity.

Pride of place is most apparent.

Every home there is an architectural gem.

Plaque on the fence on Anne Rice's former house

The house itself, encompassing a mere 15,000 square feet!

A Victorian beauty around the corner from the Bed and Breakfast

where we stayed on Magazine Street.

That is me, pausing while our tour guide discussed

the notable and the noteworthy.

This lovely is owned by Sandra Bullock.

Iron, brickwork, and lush greenery define the Garden District.

This was built as a spec house. Can you imagine?

Lafayette Cemetery

Our walking tour of the Garden District included a trek

through Layfayette Cemetery, one of New Orleans'

famous "cities of the Dead."

The cemetery is surrounded by a large concrete wall

and gated openings, only one of which was open.

There is one way in and one way out.

A friendly feline sunning himself and garnering pets from tourists

like myself. I can't help but wonder if this is merely a guise for him,

if he sometimes occupies other shapes or forms.

A silk rose tucked into the backside of a family crypt

seemed a sweet momento to me.

This is the only metal vault in the entire

cemetery. It has appeared in several movies,

including Interview with a Vampire.

A streetscape

Overhanging oaks

City streets

Another shot of me

A view from an "alley way" behind a street of vaults.

The one aspcet of the trip I didn't represent here,

but was nevertheless integral to our enjoyment,

was the cuisine we enjoyed.

We ate wonderful food, ranging from Mediterranean fare to

traditional creole cuisine. It was divine.

New Orleans is fun, vibrant, and romantic.

It is a place where the present

is inextricably infused with the past.

It is a place where acceptance and resilience are

fostered, where the spirit of survival is palpable.

It is a place where all are welcomed with open arms.

I cannot wait to go back!

Until next time...

Anne

P.S. I am settling nicely into my new abode, my new routines

and my newly reclaimed life. Thanks to all for your supportive

words and many kindnesses!