New Orleans

Due to the weather we bundled up in many, many layers including our down parkas in preparation for a day of wandering the French Quarter. We waffled between a city bus ($1.90 and 45 minutes) and Uber ($12-$13 and 20 minutes) and then the fun began! The Uber app wouldn’t process our request and we couldn’t figure out why. The bus was either a few minutes early or missing-in-action. While waiting for the bus Charlie decided to update the Uber app and before a bus ever appeared we were finally on our way with a nice Uber driver named Bernard.

With a list of places in easy walking distance from each other we started at Washington Artillery Park taking pictures of Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral.

Mass was about to start so we didn’t spend much time in the Cathedral but it truly is magnificent.

Next door is The Cabildo – a museum of Louisiana History in a former government building. It wasn’t on our list but we decided it would be a good overview of New Orleans and Louisiana. In addition to the exhibits with artifacts there were many portraits lining the staircases.

Our next stop was Madame John’s Legacy to see an 18th century residential building complex but our timing wasn’t great – they were closed for lunch! Looks like timing for picture was a bit off as well – I was caught mid-blink.

So we headed for The Old Ursuline Convent for more Louisiana history – this time with an emphasis on the Catholic Church. The attached Saint Mary’s Catholic Church is much smaller than the Cathedral but it is just as magnificent.

After a detour into enVie Cafe for coffee, tea & a scone (wish I could have taken the stained glass lights) we walked to The New Orleans Jazz Museum at the Old U.S. Mint where the featured exhibits were of Pete Fountain and Women in Jazz. There was also some rather unique artwork – we liked the statue outside best.

By now most all the museums were closing but the Farmer’s Market in the French Market was still open. Cauliflower, brussel sprouts and green onions came home with us and our favorite way of roasting cauliflower and brussel sprouts stayed with the farmer!

After way too long spent looking through a list of nearby restaurants we finally decided on Napoleon House. It was dark & cozy and our timing was great this time – we were seated right away! Hot tea, muffuletta (sandwich for Cheryl & salad for Charlie) and jambalaya was a great way to end our wanderings in the French Quarter.

Throughout the day we enjoyed finding unique and picturesque sights along the streets. Beautiful fences and balconies, lovely architecture, street markets and shop signs & offerings all caught our eye.

And finally – the obligatory click here for more photos of New Orleans!