Solo time the Big Easy...

When traveling for work I rarely have time to take in the sites. It’s normally a quick run from an airport to a hotel, man a trade show, and then head back to the hotel. This trip I had some time to roam around in the Big Easy on a Sunday morning.

Once in a while it’s nice to just go do something solo. I’m the type that doesn’t mind doing things by myself and the French Quarter was no exception. Now, before you freak out I didn’t go at night, I went when all the crazies and sketchy folks were still passed out. It was a nice little stroll through some of the most historic, and most beautiful areas of a city that was nearly wiped off the map only a few years ago.

I took off from Canal Street and strolled down Royale. This is where there are several little shops and tourism keeps this area alive. I’m told locals don’t even bother. As I walked down Royale I noticed plants on balconies, air conditioners running overtime, and sidewalks that are coming apart. The buildings are tall and the streets are slightly shaded and this gives the area a character all its own. I got tired of going one direction so I set off down an alley. This wasn’t a typical alley, and not what most would think. Pedestrians use these to get from place to place and the city even hoses them down.

The further I walked there was a large black fence and a beautiful building that I wasn’t sure what it was. That’s when I stumbled upon the mass schedule and the thought occurred to me that I should probably go, since I was so close. I walked on by just a little ways and then the bells chimed and I gave in. I figured my timing was some sign that I should probably hit up a mass.

The cathedral is world famous and began masses in the 1700s. The architecture is original and the artwork is awesome. The French heritage is obvious as the Stations of the Cross are written in French and the flag is prominently displayed. What really got me was the oyster shell behind the pulpit. I guess you could say Jesus was on the half shell, or something like that. Bizarre, but it fit.

After mass I walked across the street to Jackson Square. This is tourist central. The square is fenced off and landscaped and on the outside along the fence local artists display their work.

You can also get your tarot cards read, or sit and take in the sites on a bench. I decided that I didn’t need my tarot cards read, if I was going to do it I would likely visit someplace with some credibility like a Madame Voodoo or something, not Bill the card reader with his camping chairs.

Across from the square is the Moonwalk on the Mississippi River. I sat and listened to a guy play his saxophone, and watched as a couple of kids walked down the huge wooden staircase to get close to the water. I was surprised that the area was so messy though, litter is everywhere along the “beach” or large rocks that line the walk. There were several large boats and off in the distance you can see the Canal Street Bridge that crosses the massive river.

After my stroll through Jackson Square and my attempt to get Beignets (bin-yays) at the famous Café Du Monde went horrible askew after seeing the block long line – I jetted up to the French Market and then wondered back to the hotel. I stopped to grab some brunch. I did get my beignets, and a crab meat quiche. Can’t say I’d ever prepare that for myself. I had to pass on the creamed spinach, but the quiche wasn’t bad.

As much as I like New Orleans, I don’t dig this humidity. I haven’t had dry hair since I left Memphis and you literally are wringing wet by the time you get your next destination. However, everybody is that way, so it’s not a big deal. I could do without the constant sweating, but hey, to get a little culture you have to pay a price.