Day 9

Up early to get breakfast done and posting pictures that would not upload last night.

The KOA runs a shuttle to the French Quarter twice a day. I caught the 9:00 am shuttle into the city. There were so many guests wanting to go to the French Quarter they had to send three shuttles at once to carry everyone. The shuttle left us off at the Visitor Information Center along the Mississippi just across the street from Jackson Square and the entire French Quarter. 

Just across from the Visitor Information Center a River Boat.

From the visitor center the trolley goes right past.

The driver advised us to stay on the left side of the Quarter since it was inspired by the Americans who settled here and had the street action. The right side was inspired by the Spanish and was mostly all residential with no street action.

As soon as I crossed Decatur St. I heard someone playing his trumpet back on the river bank. I thought darn that makes sense this is the city of Jazz.

On Jackson Square in front of the Louisiana State Museum I came across a street band playing their hearts out.

Even the homeless guy got into the action.

 

I ventured into the Louisiana State Museum for a tour and took advantage of the Senior discount.

 

This is a painting of the Battle of New Orleans

 

A map of the Louisiana Purchase

Second floor balcony in the Museum.



Did you know that New Orleans was first French, then Spanish, then French and finally America territory. Look up the history for some interesting facts.

Here are a couple of street/building scenes.

Jackson Square Gardens.

Dog waiting on his Master who was taking pictures of the street band.

 

I was getting hungry so I thought I would look for an interesting place to eat. I found Rivers Edge Restaurant at St Ann and Decatur Street. Ordered an Abita Purple Haze Beer and a Fried Oyster Po Boy Sandwich. Both were good but the Po Boy was wonderful. Great with Cocktail Sauce or Tarter Sauce.

 

Walked outside after lunch to find street actors doing their thing.

 



There is music everywhere here. I walked down Royal street and stumbled upon a band called Smoking Time Jazz Club. There were seven musicians and two dancers. I stood there for about six different tunes. What an experience.

Walked towards the River to find on the other side of the Jackson Square were more street actors. They had some really loud equipment playing good music to  dance to. Like Michael Jackson  and some others with great beat behind their music. Anyway there were five or so guys. One had his shirt off and he had abs to die for. Really great looking guy with dreads in a top pony tail. He had the crowds attention, he backed up some 100 feet down the side walk and ran, then somersaulted about six times before running out of room. The crowd went wild. I didn't take any pictures because I was across the street looking over these.

Since I was running out of steam myself I decided to go back to the river and  sit along the banks for a while. A few shots while there.

The river is not low any longer like it was just last month. The snow melt and rain has caused the Mississippi to be more navigable and they can carry larger loads.

 River ferry boat docking

 

While waiting, there was a lady on the top of the Natchez Paddle Boat playing a steam calliope. 

 

Well at the appointed time the shuttle bus was there to pick us up. On the way back to the campground the driver took us by the Jazz Festival. What a throng of people. This is a really big deal in town. I did not want to go for two reasons, one $65 admission charge and all the people. Also we drove through the Spanish residential French Quarter, what beautiful homes. It felt like you could walk into any house and be at home. They were so comfortable and old looking.

 

Back at camp I made supper of cube steaks with sautéed carrots and zucchini. Needless to say the three Buds help to relax this old traveler.

 

Well tomorrow is another day and I plan on doing household chores around the camp site like wash clothes, wash bike, blog some and plan my next few steps.