Jazz Fest is here in New Orleans, and the weather just couldn’t be better for it. I’m not going this weekend, opting instead for the more affordable and more my speed Festival International Louisiane in Lafayette. Before heading off for music galore, though, I decided to take a day riding around this beautiful town, away from crowds. Continue reading
festivals
Jackson Square Crowds at French Quarter Fest
The weather reports promised thunderstorms today, but the sun was out, and despite a late night, I was up for another bike ride. I rode down to the Quarter to see the crowds out for French Quarter Fest and hear a bit of music. I, like lots of folks, can’t really afford Jazz Fest, so I really appreciate this free party. I snapped this picture of the many people crowding in to Jackson Square, with the church and the Cabildo in the background. Isn’t it beautiful? Continue reading
Abandoned Albertson’s at Jefferson Parkway and Tulane Ave.
I got up this morning with a gleam in my eye. Because today, my dear friend K., picked up her new bike. And she wanted to spend the day riding all over town, stretching her legs and her new chain. Well, I’m certainly up for using my sunny Saturday afternoon like that, so I met her at the bike shop in the Quarter. Continue reading
Super Sunday Crowds at Taylor Park
Today was Super Sunday–the day when all the Mardi Gras Indian tribes parade together–rescheduled after last weekend’s rainout. The weather was perfect today–sunny and warm, with occasional clouds to cool us off. I rode my bike toward Taylor Park and just followed the crowds. And man, there were a lot of people. Continue reading
From Tramps to Kings at the Presbytere
Today was just plain beautiful, so after work I decided to be a tourist and rode my bike down to the French Quarter to check out a museum and then enjoy beignets and coffee–delicious, sugary goodness. I decided to go to the Presbytere to see their new exhibit, “From Tramps to Kings: 100 Years of Zulu.” I’d heard great things about the exhibit, and those rave reviews were right. Continue reading
St. Patrick’s Day at Molly’s On The Market
It’s St. Patrick’s Day weekend here in New Orleans, and folks are already wearing green. Tonight’s parade–which I missed in favor of a concert–took place here, at Molly’s On the Market on Decatur. I saw people painting this flag and shamrock on the sidewalk a couple days ago, and already it looks like more than a parade has walked all over it. It’s amazing how quickly a drunken crowd can take down some sidewalk art. Continue reading
Post-Druid Parade Clean Up at Magazine and Bellecastle
So, the parades have started again. There was just one tonight–Ancient Druids–and they were following a new Uptown route, starting up at Jefferson and Magazine. I decided to hop on Rhoda and head up there to see the start. the weather report was bad today, predicting rain and hail, so the NOPD moved the parade start time up to 5:45 from 6:30. That meant the parade went off around, well, 6:30. Continue reading
Crowds At St. Charles and Sixth
I start this blog with some sad news. I’ve lost my camera. I last had it at a party on Saturday, and then it vanished. I don’t have money to buy a new one at the moment–all my dimes have gone into my new bicycle–so I guess it’ll be cell phone pictures for awhile. Boo! Continue reading
Marching Band in Oshun at Napolean and Prytania
The marching bands are lined up and the floats are assembled and my bike basket is full of beer and my hands are ready to catch beads. It’s Mardi Gras time! Continue reading
De La Salle Marching Band Practice at St. Charles and Cadiz
I was zipping down St. Charles Avenue after classes this afternoon when I heard that sound, that sound of Mardi Gras. The bands are out practicing, because it’s Carnival time! Today it was the De La Salle marching band including pom girls and the flag corps. Continue reading
What I Saw Riding My Bike Around Today 