Saturday In New Orleans

 

6:57 at Woldenberg Riverfront Park

Paddle Boat

It's just after 7:00 and I am back at PJ's Coffee Shop, next door to our French Market Inn. It's busy this morning, probably because it's Saturday and lots of people are out walking, running, or riding their bikes along the path that winds along the Mississippi. Amazing, the sun just came out, above the Mississippi, filling the coffee shop with brief light. 

Yesterday began like this morning, with waking before 7:00, letting Evie sleep in as I walked next door for coffee at PJ's. Both mornings I was joined by a homeless guy and his dog, regulars I suppose. I wrote the blog, read some, and waited for a text from Evie, asking for coffee. We relaxed in our room, finishing the blog and our coffee before getting ready for our day.

Statue Of Andrew Jackson

Playing The Tuba

We had no big plans for our day other than wandering the streets of the French Quarter, taking in the sights, the music, the crazies. Our first stop was the Cafe Du Mode, of course, and we were treated to another serenade by a group of black musicians, entertaining the customers. They were an interesting-looking group, especially the tuba player as you can see. 

A Saint's Fan

We had a cafe au lait but resisted the urge to have another beignet. We then walked down to the French Open Air Market filled with everything imaginable, from clothes to knick-knacks, to food, fortune tellers, and coffee shops. We passed an old guy with a huge Let's Go Brandon sign, wearing an American Flag. Evie told him he was disgusting and he spewed back various Trumpian epithets. For a donation, he would let you take his photo. We didn't. 

Sylvain Restaurant Alley

A Busy Jackson Square And Blue Sky

Sylvain Alley

We then returned to Jackson Square, always entertaining with music, art, fortune tellers, and anyone out and willing to make a buck doing something entertaining. By noon, we were sitting at our first bar of the day, Sylvains, another spot recommended by the Texarkana guys. Supposedly they had great french fries but they were nothing special although the chicken sandwich rivaled Chick-fil-A. We had fun talking to the bartender, a native of Chicago who was moving to New York City in a month. 

Back To The Inn

After lunch, we were tired from walking and went back to our room and relaxed much of the afternoon although I went for a half-hour walk along Bourbon Street, the busiest and craziest street of the French Quarter. We showered and sort of dressed up in a flannel shirt and chinos counted as getting dressed up. We decided to try Muriel's bar although we could not get reservations, It's literally next to Jackson Square and busy except for the bar. We found two seats at the end and were happy, We ordered a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc, recommended by the bartender, and kicked back, ready for a nice night. We ordered gnocchi with a mushroom cream sauce for an appetizer and Evie had a salad and shrimp and grits while I had blackened redfish and potatoes for our main courses. The gnocchi was to die for, the main courses just average, alas, 

New Orleans Patrons And Plastic Bunny

The Historic Cabildo Museum

Art By Evie

After dinner, we sat on benches in Jackson Square, in front of the facade of the Cabildo, the site of the signing of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, which was having a gala to benefit the museum. It was quite a contrast in class, as the gala attendees wore tuxes and gowns, but sitting behind us were various groups of homeless, there for the night. It was a beautiful evening to sit out, so we stayed for at least a half hour before walking the crazy Bourbon Street once again, packed with revelers as if it were Mardi Gras.  By 8:30, we had enough and were tired from walking so we headed back to our Inn. 

Crowds Of Bourbon Street

Wear A Snake Night