MY ADVENTURES N NEW ORLEANS & OTHER ASSORTED SILLY STUFF TRIP REPORT; NOV '17

[knewton64]

OK .....SO JUST WHAT IS IT THAT I AM GONNA BE DOIN' WHILE N NEW ORLEANS?

and just a quick reminder that the majority of the things listed below have been booked thru GoCollette.com with the activities on my Day 5 being booked in part via Viator.com....



Pre-day - Get Ladybug 'checked into her Hotel for very spoiled Pooches, etc.
While I head out to Dave & Busters for the day.


then -

Day1
New Orleans, Louisiana - Tour Begins
Step into a cultural melting pot in the “Jazz Capital of the World” – New Orleans! This soulful city abounds with rich history, mouth-watering Cajun and Creole cuisine, and an incomparable soundtrack.


Get pre-check into the Hotel around 10am, then I
have a 1:30pm "French Quater Culinary History & Tasting Tour"
(booked courtesy of Viator.com)

Then,
I turn around and check out the sights and sounds of the Two Sisters Restaurant for dinner at 6:30pm.....
(booked also courtesy of Viator.com)

Followed by boogying on back to the Bourbon Hotel and catch the last 1/2 of the Collete.com's Group Meet & Greet around 8:3pm ish...........

Then head out out for a couple of Hurricanes afterwards.....
followed by my boogying on over to Cafe Du Monde for a well deserved nightcap of beignets and hot chocolate = YUM!!


GOT ALL THAT?


And that's just on my Day ONE.


Get up.....shake off last night's 'fun' and........
Day2
French Quarter
Get to know the city’s famous French Quarter on a walking tour featuring the majestic St. Louis Cathedral, one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. Continue on to the bustling French Marketplace where you’ll explore Pirates Alley and the Pontalba. Then the choice is yours! Perhaps you’ll enjoy exploring the Cabildo, a Spanish Colonial building that houses the Louisiana State Museum and extensive exhibits on the Battle of New Orleans. Or, you may choose to spend time at the Presbytere strolling through exhibits that feature the history of Mardi Gras and Louisiana hurricanes including Katrina. Next, stop to taste a true New Orleans favorite – beignets at Café Du Monde. Tonight, roll up your sleeves and prepare to discover how to cook New Orleans-style! During a unique cooking demonstration at the New Orleans School of Cooking, your chef will indulge you in everything that Louisiana cuisine has to offer. Following dinner, discover why New Orleans is known as the “Birthplace of Jazz” when you take in a spirited jazz revue at a local French Quarter jazz club.

(I have opted to see the Presbytere Museum on this day)
[*]


and of course, ya cant forget my nightcap on over at Cafe Du Monde......



Day3
French Quarter
Set out on a drive along New Orleans’ historic Esplanade Avenue. Then, journey through Louisiana’s swamp on a cruise* narrated by your captain. Learn about the history and ecology of this fascinating ecosystem while keeping an eye out for wildlife including bald eagles, herons, turtles and alligators! Return to New Orleans and spend the remainder of the day at leisure to discover this great city your way.

(I have opted for a Steamboat cruise down the Misssisippi on this day

followed by a "Haunted Tales of the French Quarter Tour" as well)

[*]


and of course, ya cant forget my nightcap on over at Cafe Du Monde.....


Day4
New Orleans
This morning, enjoy a panoramic tour of New Orleans with a local guide. Begin by seeing St. Louis Cemetery #3 which opened in 1854 and holds some of the most elaborate crypts found in the city’s cemeteries. Then, relax during a drive along the shoreline of Lake Pontchartrain. This romantic road eventually leads to St. Charles Avenue, whisking you past gorgeous mansions as well as Tulane and Loyola, two world-famous universities. This afternoon, the choice is once again yours! Take a walk through history at the National World War II Museum to learn about the American experience in the war. Or, you may prefer to celebrate the festive side of New Orleans at Mardi Gras World; come to know the history of this unique tradition and tour a working warehouse where artisans create spectacular floats for the famous parades. Tonight, enjoy a taste of New Orleans during dinner at one of the French-Creole restaurants the city is known for.

(I have opted to see "Mardi Gra World' Tour on this day)



and of course, ya cant forget my nightcap on over at Cafe Du Monde.....


Day5
New Orleans - Tour Ends


BUT NOT FOR ME..........
As courtesy of Viator.com, I have an 8:30am "New Orleans Architectural & Sightseeing Small-Group Tour....

Followed by a 2:30pm four hour Spa Retreat at Spa Aria (10 min walk from where I will be staying at)........
FYI - this isnt part of GoCollette.com vacation as I have booked this Spa retreat on my own....


Swing on back to ?????? to go have a nice relaxing dinner afterwards followed by "a little bit of this and a little bit of that"

Can't ferget about my Cafe Du Monde nightcap
and
Gosh only knows whatever else until what time of the morning -


and
DAY 6
AKA "Departure Day"
Get 'tossed' outta da Hotel Bourbon

at approx 11am for a 2pm flight back to the DFW area with a pocketfull of wonderful memories.....


POST DAY
Head on out to Pappadeaux Restaurant for a bit, then -
Check Ladybug outta her Hotel, come back home and have a nice evening rellaxing....






ANYWHO -
what can I say?? I vacation like I mean it -




****T-MINUS 168 MORE HOURS AND...***
THE ADVENTURE BEGINS








T.T.F.N.
&
CHEERS Y'ALL

 

[knewton64]

and of course, a little Cajun DISney music ta keep ya n the mood until next time.

T.T.F.N.
&
CHEERS Y'ALL

 

[knewton64]

Bags all packed.................

1. 

1. New Orleans Saints
   8-2-0, 1st in NFC South · Standings · NFL schedule

Mail stopped........




Its
down
to
120
more hours.........




AND THE ADVENTURE BEGINS -





T.T.F.N.
&
CHEERS Y'ALL

 

[knewton64]

ARE WE THERE YET?? ARE WE THERE YET? ARE WE THERE YET??

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10155472202768591

(SERIOUSLY.....i didnt know what NOCCA meant until this video)





Its
down
to
72
more hours.........




AND THE ADVENTURE BEGINS -





T.T.F.N.
&
CHEERS Y'ALL

 

[knewton64]

.....and this is where I am going to be starting this afternoon.....

MORE TO COME I PROMISE -







UP NEXT:
THE ADVENTURE BEGINS





T.T.F.N.
&
CHEERS Y'ALL

 

[macraven]

Dude, have a great Thanksgiving today!

 

[knewton64]

Dude, have a great Thanksgiving today!

......made Muffulettas while sipping Hurricanes with my trusty Sidekick Ladybug.......

(hey.....the more I look at that pic, that pic imo could be turned n2 a painting of her)



......making sure I didnt "spill anything" onto the floor.



Still has me puzzled though......
Is it pronounced a "Moof a letta" or a "Muff-a-letta"??

Hmmmmmm.........


Gonna make the fateful decision to ask a local while I am down there and c......
and with that, ya never know what kind of mischief I am bound 2 get n2..............



ANYWHO -

(this really caught my eye)



......About now to check Ladybug n2 her Hotel for Spolied Pooches and then I'm off for some fun at Dave & Busters followed by that Disney movie, Coco.


T.T.F.N.
&
CHEERS Y'ALL

 

[knewton64]

And with that, Ladybug and I have already had our goodbyes......

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10210753417251157

(I still have to think....just what n the world was that squirrel and ladybug thinking??)




(yes, I will even admit I shed a tear or two)

but I did tell her I promise to have my Big Boy pants on and behave while I am away-

She even has a small portable radio to listen to while I am away n Cajun Country.....
(set to Classical music of course)




UP NEXT:
HEADIN 4 DFW AIRPORT





T.T.F.N.
&
CHEERS Y'ALL

 

[knewton64]

Got picked up at home this am n a towncar by Premier Transportation
as the driver (Michael Chalmers) really got my day off on the right foot. Very nice, professional guy



as I now just a kickin' it here at DFW airport....listening to BB King Christmas music until I board that plane in about 60 more minutes.....


I can tell I have a case of the New Orleans hungries and looks like today my first stop will be the Hotel followed by a French quarter Culinary History and tasting tour; meeting up at Tujague's Restaurant.

Pics and videos where I can I promise.





Feels so nice to finally b n vacation mode....





T.T.F.N.
&
CHEERS Y'ALL

 

[macraven]

Happy and safe travels!

 

[knewton64]

Happy and safe travels!

..... ok the general opinion of the locals is. .........the sand which is pronounced ,"muff a letta"

Luv the look of the buildings -
About to head out to a restaurant called sobo ; just on Chartres street

And I spied a chocolate place called Lauries candies .... will tell ya more tonight along w some pics and video ...pretty neat town this Nawlins



Ttfn
And cheers y'all

 

[macraven]

I'm so excited to see the pics and videos you will be sharing with us!

 

[LSUmiss]

..... ok the general opinion of the locals is. .........the sand which is pronounced ,"muff a letta"

Luv the look of the buildings -
About to head out to a restaurant called sobo ; just on Chartres street

And I spied a chocolate place called Lauries candies .... will tell ya more tonight along w some pics and video ...pretty neat town this Nawlins



Ttfn
And cheers y'all

Been following this thread. Love to hear such positive feedback from visitors! I would NEVER live anywhere else. Moved to Baton Rouge for college a few years ago & needed to move back ASAP & that was only 70 miles away in the same state but soooo different. I do have one correction...most say muff-a-lotta. Makes no sense spelling wise, but then again, you probably picked up on a lot of that!

 

[knewton64]

Been following this thread. Love to hear such positive feedback from visitors! I would NEVER live anywhere else. Moved to Baton Rouge for college a few years ago & needed to move back ASAP & that was only 70 miles away in the same state but soooo different. I do have one correction...most say muff-a-lotta. Makes no sense spelling wise, but then again, you probably picked up on a lot of that!

.


No worries - its always fun learning while on vacation.

(I have just fallen in luv w/their buildings architecture ....yup - fair to say even better than DISneys POFQ)

T.T.F.N.
&
CHEERS Y'ALL

 

[knewton64]

Been following this thread. Love to hear such positive feedback from visitors! I would NEVER live anywhere else. Moved to Baton Rouge for college a few years ago & needed to move back ASAP & that was only 70 miles away in the same state but soooo different. I do have one correction...most say muff-a-lotta. Makes no sense spelling wise, but then again, you probably picked up on a lot of that!

.



Hey-welcome aboard
and the room at the Bourbon Orleans Hotel....

has a pretty neat view -




T.T.F.N.
&
CHEERS Y'ALL

 

[knewton64]

IF YA DONT MAKE A GOOD RUE WITH YER GUMBO...YA JUST MAKING SOUP

(I learned that above referenced remark on a viator.com tour today as that food tour rocked and so did the guide)



Anywho -
its been a dark and stormy night filled with hurricanes

and hot butter rums with margaritas and pima cups.....and that's just the drinks .....alright details from today forthcoming later on tonight and oh oh details will b released while I am here where I am going .....next year as it also looks like I will be going overseas ...





T.T.F.N.
&
CHEERS Y'ALL

 

[knewton64]

Overall
impressions from my first day -

(Banana pudding=yum!)

It has been a whirlwind tour of sights, sounds and smells as I have been to Sobou restaurant, Two Sisters (sp w/the Mgr there as It was a total blast getting a visual of what this place looked like when the Sisters had it......complete with the Gift shop, carriage house, fireplace and all)

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10210766513338551

(yes, it was 58 degrees outside and I still chose the Courtyard view and IMO, not to be missed)



So, from there, I also visited
Tujacques, Cafe Du Monde, and gosh only knows how many others....
and of course, ya cant ferget the Pepper Palace Spice store

(sorry, could only handle 8 on scale of 1 to 10 on spice heat).

ANYWHO -
Eating and drinking here in Nawlins IMO is like tasting wine. and that i did while on the New Orleans food and history tour (Viator.com)


How about a bacon beignet?? = YYUMM!!

YUM!! (apolgze for the napkin photobomb)


and.....

Now the name of our tour Guide for this slips my mind but If I do remember right, her name is Lindsay and she has us all laughing and having a fun time as we literally ate and drank our way this afternoon through Nawlins.




Now about me and how I am getting quickly schooled on food and drink here n the Big Easy........
SERIOUSLY -

IMHO, take a liquid spices from New Orleans.......and then take those 3 of 4 drops and swish it around in your mouth.....
like what you see over at Pepper Palace -

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10210766489497955

THEN swallow.
That to me is how I stumbled into eating my way through this town...and luvin every minute of it.


Then once I got the hang of it - the rest of my day was just a trip n2 food heaven.

I mean,
to take breads and or waters and use them as bases to clense your mouth as you swing on over from one kind of spice to another, or from one kind of spicy shrimp to another =

and the music?

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10210766541979267

(the band playing is Chance and the Ibervilles & they were fun 2 listen 2)

LOVE IT as well



Been a very fun day one.....


Now I am off to Cafe Du Mone for some much needed Beignets.




........gotta 5:30am wake up call set....



HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY
everything


including meeting the person in charge of all of us (from Gocollette.com)
Jen

(very outgoing personality)


T.T.F.N.
&
CHEERS Y'ALL

 

[knewton64]

(some of the sights I saw yesterday)

Got about 199 minutes of shut eye.....
(SHHHHH!!!! remember,,,,what happens while on vacation "stays on the internet")





Now, I just got done of
throwing myself n the shower.......


ready now to throw some muuuucchhhh needed O.J. down me as


DAY TWO BEGINS







T.T.F.N.
&
CHEERS Y'ALL

 

[knewton64]

P.ss.... and to those who are curious ....yes I did have my first Lucky dog hotdog very early this am .....


And I am now nibbling on some much needed breakfast at the hotel ... complete with me discovering the fun of putting hot sauce on my scrambled eggs--- ttfn

 

[knewton64]

Ok -/ on a city tour .. didn't know domino sugar

is grown here n Nawlins ...





T.T.F.N.
&
CHEERS Y'ALL