The Big Easy

So, we went on Spring Break about 3 weeks ago. We waited to the last minute to decide where to go and decided on New Orleans. I prayed about it and got just a great feeling. So we (we, being me and the kids. Dave started a new business and just couldn't get away) packed our bags and hit the road. It really is a long straight shot down Hwy 55 through Mississippi. It takes about 6 hrs to get there. With the capable help of my navigator Charlotte, we drove straight to the French Quarter!
Because it was Spring Break we couldn't find a reasonable hotel room online before we left. But I felt drawn to go and just knew it wouldn't be a big deal. When we got to the Louisiana/Mississippi state line I nearly scared my poor kids to death when I crossed 2 lanes of traffic to exit @ the Welcome Center. They always have great maps and fun fliers of things to do while in their state. I got a pile of them and for good measure I asked the lady behind the desk where to stay. She was full of great suggestions and Southern hospitality. I called a couple of the hotels which were all booked (of course). Then I called one more and not only did they have a room, when I told them I had a coupon from the welcome center the price went from a very reasonable $69.00 a night to $39.00 a night! Isn't that crazy? It was right in the middle of the French Quarter on Toulouse just off Bourbon St. We could here the music @ night. I know what you are thinking, was it a dive? No, as a matter of fact it was wonderful. Old, but updated. It had a wonderful courtyard on the inside. Valet parking (the valet knew all the best places to eat) in a very secure structure. Our car never left until we came home. Everything was within walking distance. The weather was perfect but a little too cold to swim. The kids really wanted to try so I said "Okay"
in that sing-songy way only mommies know how to do. " I think it's too cold but you can try." Try they did and they were out in about 5 minutes. I even said I would pay a dollar for the first one to jump in. J.K. won.
I know why it's called "The Big Easy". Everyone is relaxed. No one is in a hurry. It was just the tonic we all needed. Unlike Disney World, where it is SO very expensive and you just go and go like that stupid Energizer bunny because you feel compelled to "get your money's worth" New Orleans feels like that favorite pair of jeans, good and worn in. I'm not dissin' Disney World, we LOVE it there but it is not relaxing. Everyday we only did one big thing. One day we went to the Aquariun of the America's.This was an all day thing and it was awesome. One day we rode the carriages and saw lots of fun stuff, like where they filmed Interview with a Vampire. That was our "French Quarter" day. We ate beignets @ Cafe Du'Monde. This is where I had the best Hot Chocolate of my life. Who'd a thunk it? We visited Jackson Square and the beautiful Catholic Cathedral that has been there for over 176 years. We shopped, we ate and took naps, got up and ate some more. The food. OMG the food. There was sauce on everything. I love sauce. I had Gumbo, Oyster po-Boys, Oysters Rockefeller and more. I hope the head chef in heaven is from New Orleans.:) The day we left we went on a gator tour in the swamp. We are so blessed to live in America. It truly is God's masterpiece. As a sidebar, Katrina didn't really affect the French Quarter (blessedly) or so the locals told me. It didn't look any different to me. We loved it and recommend it to everyone. Gotta go, it's very late and my eyes are beginning to cross.
Hugs and Kisses, Tracey