We Made it to New Orleans

I made it back to Albuquerque from New Orleans only to find that my luggage had been left in Chicago. With my camera. So right now I can only post the few decent photos I managed to take with my iPhone.

Jack&Coke&Jack

First night in NOLA, after standing in line outside one of the places still open after ten o’clock on a week night, just sweltering in the muggy night air and chit-chatting with other tourists, we got some grub and drinks. I don’t have a picture of the red beans and rice with fried chicken because I done tore into that so quick. But I did get a photo of our first drinks. Jack & Coke for T, Jack straight up for me.

Late Night Beignets

What better way to end a late night of drinking than some beignets at Cafe du Monde. Never mind the flying roach that scared T out of her seat.

Meet me at the Oasis

This is the place where we stayed. It is owned by a couple who are artists and make furniture out of reclaimed materials. Literally an oasis in the middle of what a NOLA local referred to as “the hood.”

First morning, kitchen

First morning, living room

 

First morning, view of garden from kitchen window.

 

First morning, a stray cat looking at me from the wall in the back yard.

Meal to die for at the Praline Connection in the Faubourg Marigny area near where we were staying.

Some shrimp etouffee at the Praline Connection

Some OMG peach cobbler.

You know I wasn’t passing up some rum pralines.

Fourth of July at the Essence Fest Prince concert.

Janelle Monae and Nile Rodgers with Chic opened. When Prince got on stage the crowd went absolutely nuts. I had tears in my eyes. I got a little taste of what Beatlemania must have felt like. We were dancing and singing all night long for real.

Trying to call a cab after the Prince concert. Hahahahaha!

We did not get out of the Superdome until 1:30 in the morning. Talk about a party. “Purple Rain” has been in my head ever since.

Me and my homegirl T at the Prince concert.

I’ll post more about my first trip to New Orleans, the city I am still dreaming about, as soon as I get my camera back.