N’awlins…

Thought I’d start here. No Black and Gold pics, and I’m not a football fan, but I’m happy for the “Whodat” nation. If ever a city deserved a big ol’ win and another reason to party on, it’s definitively New Orleans. Congrats Saints! Party on!

These are some of my favorite pics from our trip in 2007…

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The above pics were actually taken in Houma, LA. Browny, Steve and I wanted to take the swamp tour with the original “Alligator Annie.” Unfortunately, Annie died a couple years before we got there, so we had to settle for a tour with her son. We met up at a restaurant I can’t remember the name of, and we ate dinner before our guide showed up. I had fried alligator bites for the first and only time – I wasn’t impressed.

After dinner, we hung out on the back deck that ran along the canal, waiting… Waiting for our guide, waiting to see if the the upcoming lightning storm would go around, rather than over us. Meanwhile, we watched the fish jump and took photos of the lone alligator that also hung out waiting… waiting for customers to throw food into the canal, or maybe for some stupid tourist, wanting pictures, to fall in. I say that in jest, but the truth is this was the only time I’ve actually been afraid for my life while taking photos. See, the catwalk, below the deck sits right on the water, and there was nothing between me and this six footer as I laid down on the catwalk to get a good shot. Oh, and did I say that she was maybe four feet away from me, almost eye level!? I told Steve to watch her, and if it looked like she might lunge, to grab me by anything he could, shirt, hair. Hopefully it wouldn’t be my feet! I felt daring I tell you! HA! Honestly though, I think she’d have rather had a marshmallow, which we were told was a favorite of hers. That was the most excitement we would have that day. The storm rolled in right on top of us and our guide wasn’t near as daring as I.

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The drivers of these vehicles were playing in the park, just to the right of where they’re parked.

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Of course the trip wouldn’t be complete without visiting one of the local cemeteries, but a word of advice, go early in the day if it’s summer, because mid afternoon in June will make you think you’ll soon be an occupant, and no, I don’t think it would be cool, not even by the supposed, final resting place of Marie Laveau.

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We wanted to go here one night, but as you can see, the doors were still locked. Does anyone know if it’s re-opened yet?

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Steamboat Willie and his dog.

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Her expression is priceless! I wish I’d gotten contact info from her mom, because I feel sure she would love this photo.

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There is so much to see in this city, but the street scenery proved that there’s just no telling what you might see while walking these streets. You might even find your husband napping on a bench along the way.

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The Harrahs casino! This was my first casino experience, and man was this place beautiful! It didn’t hurt any that my first time sitting down at a dollar slot machine yielded around $500 ! And even more exciting than that was the guy next to me had just won $11,000! While he waited for them to bring him a fat check, he showed me how to play. I guess he still had a little luck in him and was more than happy to share it. What a guy!

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Maybe one day we’ll do Mardi Gras! One thing I know is, the next time won’t be mid summer! I think very early spring or late fall would be best. Yeah? Yeah.