My work today took me into the French Quarter, and that’s always a treat.
I sometimes forget that when I first moved here my teaching job was in Treme, just above the Quarter, and I drove here all the time. Yes, Treme as in the HBO show Treme. I didn’t have a clue what a cultural goldmine I was dealing with until much much later. I remember the Dirty Dozen Brass Band coming to school and I didn’t know what second lining was, and I didn’t know who these guys were. But my students did, and they danced! However, I digress. A story for another time.
There’s something neat about driving into the Quarter at one o’clock in the afternoon on a weekday and parking your car on St. Philip, just down the street from Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, one of the oldest buildings in the Quarter, and a bar I frequented more regularly in my early years in New Orleans.
Today I was in the Quarter to do a teacher observation and I had to rush in and rush out between tutor appointments, but this is just a teaser for tomorrow when I spend some time being a tourist in my own town!
I love this photo I shot today that makes it look like there aren’t any cars in the French Quarter, and it even includes a picturesque mule-drawn carriage. I snapped this photo between cars zipping down Bourbon Street and a Fed Ex truck coming down St. Philip. Yes – this is Bourbon Street, people! If you come here, keep walking past the strip bars and neon and daiquiri shops and eventually you’ll make it to Lafitte’s!
Lafitte’s is enjoyed by both tourists and locals. It is rustic inside and lit solely by votives at night which makes it feel old and cozy. There’s a piano bar and they serve hurricanes. On Mardi Gras Day there’s dancing in the streets outside of Lafitte’s.
Dancing outside of Lafitte's, Mardi Gras 2008. Yes, I know some of these people.
I didn't know beignet girl, but I loved her costume. Behind her is cafe au lait girl. Also outside of Lafitte's, 2008.
Sadly, my cat is still very ill and they don’t know what’s wrong with him. But he is eating something, so that’s good. Back to the vet in the a.m. Thanks to everyone for the kitty cat well wishes. We’ll keep our fingers crossed that he’s on the road to recovery.
Isn’t being a tourist in one’s own town super fun? So often we long to be “somewhere else”, when really, wherever we are right here, right now, can be delightful, too.
That being said, NO is one city I would like to visit, at some point in my life. Some day, some day.
I’m sorry to hear about your cat. Pets are family. It’s hard. My husband and I lost our sweet dog back in November; I totally “get” how it feels when they are sick. A big hug to you, lady. I hope the vet is able to find out what’s going on.
Stef
Thank you so much, Stef. Kitty is now on heavy duty antibiotics and it seems to be helping. Keeping fingers crossed. So sorry about your sweet dog, and thanks for the hugs!
Enjoyed reading about NOLA. I’ve always wanted to visit. I hear the food is wonderful! I hope your kitty is ok and back to feeling better in no time.
Thanks, Amy! We are very lucky with delicious food here! Hope you can make it to NOLA sometime soon. Thanks for the kitty well wishes as well.
Ahh! I saw the Dirty Dozen Brass Band play a few years ago, they were incredible. I think it was the Maple Leaf something-or-other bar in nola? Across the street is an artist named Frenchie who was at the bar that night, painting to the music, it was amazing.
Yes – the Maple Leaf! Great bar! We used to live just a few blocks away – great when we had out of town guests and they could just walk home at 4 a.m. I remember having some houseguests who were just getting home as we were leaving for work, one Jazz Fest many years ago!
Very nice post and great pictures. Thanks. And kitty will still be in my thoughts and prayers.
- Papa Joe
Thank you, Papa Joe! And kitty prayers are very much appreciated.
How’s kitty doing anyway? The prayers will continue. Just hoping all’s well.
- Papa Joe
He’s meowing like crazy because he wants to go outside, but we’re not letting him out in the dark – but he’s doing better, Papa Joe!
Thanks so much for checking in – it’s much appreciated!
Thanks for the update carlaat. Any new news since this?
- Papa Joe
Hi Papa Joe,
Thanks so much for checking in. He’s better- not normal yet, but better. Thanks for your concern!