Explored the French Quarter and soaked up its french colonial atmosphere of narrow cobbled rues, iron laced buildings and tumbling, colourful planters on verandahs. We were all eyes, ears and noses - taking in the appealing sights, listening to the music and hustle and bustle, and savouring the delicious aromas of creole/ cajun cooking in this exciting melting pot - New Orleans! The French Quarter has so much appeal and charm!
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| The famous Cafe Du Monde |
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| Cafe au Lait and beignets have been served since 1862. |
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| Canal Street, with its streetcars, runs down to the Mississippi between the French Quarter and downtown |
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| A famous restaurant in the French Quarter |
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| Southern Fare! Beautiful architecture! Heaps of character!........ |
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| Court of Two Sisters famous for its all day brunch |
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| Preservation hall famous for its Jazz |
And these are only a few!...a fascinating area.... a feast for your eyes!
New Orleans's downtown area is a collection of interesting buildings which stand impressively beside the French Quarter and together they supervise the busy Mississippi which rushes by, carrying all sorts of river transport vessels, on its way to the Gulf. The paddlewheelers churn their way leisurely up and down the Missisip conjuring up for everyone the feel of river life of a past era. We enjoyed "The Battlefield Cruise" on the Creole Queen this afternoon. It was very relaxing watching "life " on this mighty river glide past.
We disembarked and had a look at the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park where the Americans, under the command of Gen Andrew Jackson, were victorious in the Battle of New Orleans over the British at Chalmette plantation in 1815. This battle preserved America's claim to the Louisiana Territory, and prompted a wave of migration and settlement along the Mississippi River.
There is much evidence of a rich and interesting history scattered throughout the city.
We enjoyed delicious Jambalaya for dinner before we headed home.
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| You can walk to Downtown along the the Moonwalk which is built along the top of the Levee. |
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| One of many jazz musicians and groups |
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| Joan of Arc statue |
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| This building, and an identical one flank Jackson Square. They were the first apartments in New Orleans |
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| The impressive entrance to Jackson Square This is where the 70.3 Triathlon finishes on Sunday |
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| The beautiful gardens and lawns of Jackson Square with a statue of Jackson taking pride of place in the centre of the park. St Louis Cathedral overlooks the Square |
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| A movie set near Jackson Square Apparently a Brad Pitt movie - didn't see Brad anywhere, or his brood! |
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| Steamboats were an important part of early New Orleans' life |
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| The Moonwalk is a modern addition to the waterfront. Old wharves and warehouses were removed and the area opened up so all could enjoy the banks of the river |
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| The Natchez chugging along the river |
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| The World Trade Centre overlooking the Riverwalk |
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| And of course the "Big Easy" is famous for its Mardi Gras! |
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| The city skyline from the Creole Queen |
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| Malus-Beauregard House beside Chalmette Battlefield |
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| Click on pic to enlarge |
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| The battlefield which was significant in the emergence of an independent Louisiana |
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| Painting of the important battle |
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| Click on pic to enlarge |
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| Gen Jackson - a national hero for his role in the Battle of New Orleans. Also one of the Presidents of the USA |
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| As you travel along the river you really understand why New Orleans has an interesting relationship with water - the river is higher than the land and so levee's are built. Notice the houses below the river behind the levee. |
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| Jambalaya |
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| Iron lacing , hanging baskets and cobbled sidewalks! |
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| Pop into Pat O'Brien's for a Hurricane! |
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| Very grand! |
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| Barges transport goods up and down the Mississippi |
Peter and Vicki,
ReplyDeleteAwesome pics. It was great spending time with you in the Big Easy. I'll look forward to seeing you in TX.
Cheers,
Chris Corbin