I love a parade. No, really. I love a parade. This means, of course, that I’m meant to live in New Orleans, a town that will throw a parade for just about anything. Today was the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade, the Uptown version. Because of course there are parades all over the metro area for a good week before the actual day. Continue reading
festivals
Crowd Control at the Southern Decadence Parade
I had planned to stay Uptown today to get some work done, especially since it looked like it would pour again. But after a quick ride around my neighborhood and some lunch, the sun was out and it seemed like a most excellent day for a ride down to the Quarter for some festival–it’s Southern Decadence and Black Men of Labor time! Continue reading
Balcony at Bourbon and St. Ann
Yeah, it’s summertime in New Orleans. It’s hot. I rode my bike down to the Quarter this afternoon for the Creole Tomato/Zydeco/Louisiana Seafood Festivals, and I really felt that humid heat, and I was, how shall we say, glistening. You’ve really just got to give in to the sweat here. Everybody’s sweating and we’re all basically wearing wet t-shirts all the time; there’s no use in fighting it. Riding a bike, though, does create a tiny bit of a breeze to offset the heat, but ultimately it’s a losing battle. I spent part of the fests sipping ice water inside a cool bar, but then I was itching to join the crowds. It didn’t cool off much as the sun went down, but again, the bars are kept frigid around here. A. and I went to see a show at a club where it was so cold, we were getting goosebumps. We stepped out on this balcony to warm up a bit. I stepped outside and my glasses fogged up almost immediately. The air was thick and heavy. It felt good to chew that air from up there, looking down at Bourbon Street in all its sweaty glory. Then I rode home, slowly, stopping for ice cream on the way. Yes, it was another hot Saturday in New Orleans.
Free Vegetarian Dinner! at the Hare Krishna House on Esplanade
It’s Jazz Fest weekend, something one can’t fail to notice here in New Orleans. I spent yesterday at the fest in Lafayette and today recovering. But when folks were gathering on a porch in Mid-City this evening, I decided to hop on my bike and head over there to watch the crowds stumble home and hear tales of festing from my friends. Continue reading
USCT Graves at Chalmette National Cemetery
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
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
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
Halloween House at Washington and Magazine
Halloween is tomorrow, and New Orleans is ready, I think. I was riding home from an evening out with friends and stopped by this house near Washington and Magazine. Continue reading
It’s Festival Time!
Today I rode my bike down to the Quarter for Vieux-to-Do, three festivals in one–the Creole Tomato Festival, the Louisiana Seafood Festival, and the Cajun Zydeco Festival. Continue reading