{NOLA}

There is one place I have been waiting to visit since moving to Louisiana.  

Pronounced noo aw-lins or new or-lins or new or-lee-yuns, but NEVER new orleens, the crescent city is often referred to as a European city on a Po boy budget.


This past week the kids and I got to spend some time down in N’awlins with Grampy & Grammy and let me just say that the trip was AMAZING!!! It was way too short but we somehow managed to accomplish quite a bit. We all enjoyed more food than we needed, strolled through the French Quarter, rode in the famous streetcars, and even saw a bit of marine life. Every aspect was fun, memorable, and left us wanting to go back for more.

Have you ever watched The Princess and the Frog? We have watched it A LOT! It became a family favorite after we learned that we would be moving to the south. The movie left a lasting impression on all of us. After several conversations with the kids, I can tell you that we all had painted a picture in our minds and those pictures matched the movie pretty well.

I wasn’t disappointed when we reached our destination. Everything I imagined was right in front of my eyes. Walking through the French Quarter was pretty exciting. I had been told that there was a feeling like no other once you reached the great city of New Orleans. I felt the change as soon as we made it into the heart of the city. The streets seem to come alive. The atmosphere is different but somehow it is quite welcoming as you surround yourself with people and music. The breeze from the Mississippi River carried the smells of that ever so famous Creole/Cajun food. I think they might actually put something in the air because I have never had the urge to eat as much as I did during our trip. I have to say, I have never experienced anything like it in my life. The kids were a little nervous about their new adventure. Some sights were very new and a bit strange to their little eyes but they actually got over the shock pretty fast.

Our journey began on Decatur Street. Most of the streets in the French Quarter are lined with restaurants, bars, and cute little shops. We stopped at a quaint little restaurant where I got to experience my first ever shrimp Po Boy. The restaurant walls were held by tall windows that let in all of the sights and sounds of good ol’ fashioned New Orleans traditions.

We browsed the shops, took in some history, and stopped to enjoy the music that filled the Vieux Carre.

We made our way down Bourbon Street, luckily before the sun set. Not exactly a place you want to hang out with your kids but, it was interesting to see to say the least. We had to cross the street a few times to keep little eyes from noticing too many things. Travin was fascinated by the ladies and me well I got to enjoy one of New Orleans finest cocktails, a Mint Julep. Although I do believe that the bartender happened to think that I needed to enjoy the bourbon portion a little more than the mint or the sweetness portion of the drink.

Our second day was spent at the Audubon Aquarium. However, our trip would not have been complete if we didn’t have a chance to taste a beignet or two. We took in a few more sights as we wandered down the peaceful NOLA banquettes. We eventually made our way over to the Original French Market Coffee Stand.

We finished up our trip by taking a ride on the famous St. Charles Streetcar.

I have been told that there is no East, West, North, or South in New Orleans. You simply head anywhere the music is. We will definitely be finding our way back towards the music but, the next time we head uptown, downtown, lakeside, or riverside, Daddy will be in tow!!