Today ten of us opted to take the van into New Orleans for a night. Andre, Bob G, Ken and Linda stayed in Poplarville to rest, work on bikes and check out local restaurants.
It was surreal to zip down Interstate 10 at 65 mph after riding for days at 10-20 mph. Everything goes by so fast in the van. We drove over Lake Ponchartrain (see photo) and arrived at a Wyndham hotel at Royal and Canal Streets, on the southwest edge of the French Quarter.
After checking in, we headed to NORL Po' Boy for authentic po' boy sandwiches. These are the Louisiana equivalent of a sub sandwich and were excellent. See photos of the menu and Rhodri enjoying his sandwich.
After lunch we walked by a statue of Joan of Arc. Then Bob Plant, Carol and I stopped for coffee au lait and beignets at Cafe du Monde. This classic New Orleans restaurant began in 1870, and is open 24x7 except for Christmas and when a hurricane comes too close. The coffee was excellent and flavored with chicory. The beignets (fritters) were fresh and generously covered with powdered sugar.
I enjoy the variety of cast iron and wrought iron balconies here, which reflect the French and Spanish heritage. Many porches also have flower baskets (see photos).
Bob Plant needed to buy several spare inner tubes for his bike. So we walked east to a bike shop at Royal and Frenchman Streets. This took us into a residential area, where we passed several shotgun-style houses (see photo).
In the center of the French Quarter by the Mississippi levee is Jackson Square. The square is bounded by a beautiful iron fence. North of the square is St. Louis Cathedral, whose interior is very French (see photos).
Jerry's daughter recommended we have dinner at Deanie's, which is two blocks from our hotel. It was a great meal. I had soft-shell crab. Others had stuffed flounder, stuffed crab, salads and fried shrimp. The interior is fun, an Art Deco theme. See photo of (left to right) Bruce, Julianne, Jerry, Bob Plant and Carol.
Others have gone out to hear music. I'll call it a day. It's been fun to get reacquainted with New Orleans!
Bruce
Yikes Bruce! I HATE those mosquitoes! Sounds like a good time in New Orleans. Such a fun city. I fully expected tons of mosquitoes in MS along the Trace because there was water everywhere. But luckily, it must be too early. We finished the Trace today. Beautiful riding to Nashville....Dogwoods and wildflowers are in bloom. Jim enjoyed riding here a lot. We'll be home tomorrow. Hard to believe. Back to the "real world". I'm happy to report: 0 flats! I hope others are as fortunate. Enjoy the rest of your trip. It will go by quickly. Ride on!
ReplyDeleteJulie