Mardi Gras - Two Thumbs Up.!

or rather one thumb up!!

HE SAID:It was a short drive from Lafayette to New Orleans which allowed us most of the day to visit the city. After we parked in our overnight spot in another Casino along the river in an area across the river from the city (and by the way behind a cement wall that would work great  in a zombie attack), we took the car into the city. On the way we had to get the car washed and stupid me stopped in a place right under the freeway where they washed and dried it by hand. I felt sad for them as they looked so poor, but they did a great job of the car. Somehow I made a wrong turn and the GPS ended taking us the scenic route, which was nice seeing we were able to see a lot of the city, including many areas that were brand new and many that were ready to be demolished or destroyed. We first went to the visitor centre just beside the French Quarter. They gave us a map and a place to park to visit the downtown area. Before we went to park we stopped by the oldest cemetery in the city.

All of the gravesides were above the ground. Some of the tombs were nothing but rubble. The shot below is where Nicolas Cage will be buried.  (awesome!)

We then toured the French Quarter. You haven't lived till you walk two Scottish terriers through the heart of the French Quarter. (We tried to get a doggy day care but had no luck). The streets are really narrow and we often had to walk on the road. The dogs were a hit though, so many stopped to talk to us. Finally got to see Bourbon Street which was the busiest.  Didn't think I would see a women expose herself in the middle of the afternoon, but she was a few drinks passed 5 pm and was encouraged by some men on a balcony to get some beads. They gave her lots and I got some for Pat and I. 

We also managed to walk along the river front. After two hours of walking we went back to the car and drove to Garden district to watch a parade. (We left the dogs in the car though). There were three parades planned that night and we had agreed to a see at least the first one. We found a great place to watch the parade. We had to buy some parade lawn chairs from Walgreens (like a London Drugs), and Pat wasn't warm enough so she got some throws and even a hat from one of the vendors walking along the parade. We met a really nice couple from the area who explained Mardi Gras and what to expect in the parade after we told them it was our first time. We had a blast. It was so much fun! The parade was the best I have seen in a long time. I wished we could have stayed for the other two parades, but I wasn't sure my neck could have handled all the beads. Pat and I definitely want to go back again!!! 

SHE SAID:

I can now check New Orleans at Mardi Gras off my bucket list!  It was SO MUCH FUN - even strolling through crowded streets with 2 dogs.  I really need to start thinking ahead and planning some things better, that being the care of 2 dogs. I had originally thought the Casino we were parked at was closer to the action, but quickly realized we'd be away too long to leave them behind, so along they came.  They were well behaved, and got a really long walk so we could leave them int he car while we attended the parades.  It really was cool, so so worries that they would be overheated.

In addition to the French Quarter, we had a quick tour of the Garden District.  It was absolutely beautiful.  We have been watching American Horror Story, this season is set in New Orleans in that area - we are both sure that we walked by the house they use for the show - it was decked out for the season - however all beads and bows were in white - very pretty, but somehow a bit creepy as well.  In the past I went through a Vampire Chronicle phase, reading all Anne Rice had to offer - there are many references to this part of the city, so it brought things to life for me (haha - vampires - to life).  Most of the decorated houses were in yellow and purple - very festive!

The parade was great fun! I started chatting with a couple who were both disabled veterans, very nice about our age - it was their first, as well. The couple John refers to are experienced Mardi Gras people - he was decked out in a purple top hat with a feather boa fringe and a big gold "pimp" chain around his neck.  She had a boa, mask, corset (over her coat) and a pink tutu. I will admit that I was a bit (?) judgemental about them at first, but as we got chatting and they discovered that it was our 'first' they were great, giving a history of what different things being thrown from the floats represented.  I can't remember some of it, but it was a ton of fun!  I guess I figure that judging came too quick, as during the evening coming on, and the cooler temperatures coming on I realized I was not dressed properly and I got to where I didn't care what I looked like - picture below proves that.  My hat is a two headed panda, with mittens attached (purchased from a street vendor), but I chose to use the attached mitts as a scarf.  I also wrapped myself in two blue throws the John picked up for me.  It was time to stop wondering about what others were wearing, and look at myself (there's a lesson here somewhere, I know).  It all worked as I finally was warm enough.  When the parade started, I added numerous beads to my new ensemble and John acquired his Jester hat.  We only stayed for one of the three parades - probably a good thing as I can't imagine what I would have looked like with more 'stuff' from the floats!

As we were parked at a Casino, we only stayed one night, with a promise to each other that we would return, much better prepared for the occasion!