The skies didn't clear until we were about an hour east.
Still amazes me what the land looks like!
Due to a late start, we decided to stop back by Borger, Texas for the night because it's such an easy stop.
This is the huge refinery approaching the airport there.
Since we were not in a terrible hurry to get home, we decided to stop by New Orleans. We'd never been there before!
Approaching Lakefront airport over Lake Pontchartrain.
I can see why it's named Lakefront Airport!! Notice that the runway drops off immediately at the lake!
We got a spectacular hotel (Hotel Mazarin) on the recommendation of the airport staff. It was just a block off Bourbon Street and one of the nicest hotels I've stayed at.
During the day, the place is just like any other crowded, old city.
But as night falls, it starts to take on a seedier feel!
The next day, we bought streetcar passes and I really enjoyed the ride!
Apparently, it's common to visit the graveyards - so we did! It was interesting wandering around the above ground crypts. Lots of history there.
The burial process is quite a bit different than we are used to in the East - The crypts are used over and over by the family. When someone in the family dies, they simply open the crypt and push all the bones to the back of the crypt - thereby making room for the "newly dead". Efficient use of space!!
Walked along the riverfront. Mississippi riverboat cruise.
Lots of these carriages giving tours. We noticed they were all pulled by donkeys. We were curious so looked up why --- it's actually a law in New Orleans -- they MUST use donkeys, not horses. Apparently horses are not as heat tolerant as donkeys.
Had some good food - I had Crawfish Etouffee one night....very good but basically a yummy thick soup with pieces of Crawfish stirred in!
And this plate of shrimp/grits was divine!!
We wandered Bourbon Street at night.
Lots of bands playing.
But mostly Bourbon Street at night was noisy and funky. Too many "hawkers" trying to get you to come inside their establishment.....glad we've seen it.....not sure we need to see it again!
And time to head out Eastbound again!
1 comment:
I've been to New Orleans...once...thought it was pretty grimy too...although I feel kinda bad saying such an unkind thing about the place...did you get to Café du Monde...and have some beignets...
Love,
T
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