The Big Easy

Louisiana has got to have the worst roads in the world!!! The minute we hit the state line, we were in for a ride! They need to add to their vacation brochures, “Come to The Big Easy, and don’t forget to pack your kidney belt and sports bra!!!” The highways in Louisiana are constructed of concrete, which makes for a rough ride, and the surface streets don’t seem to be any better. Without offending anyone here, I’m not sure what the state spends their tax dollars on but it’s certainly not their roads!

We’re bouncing along on the 90 when I had just dozed off. “What was that?” Whatever the noise was, I could hear it through my pillow and it was loud enough to wake me up. Brian looked in the rear view mirror. We didn’t leave anything laying in the middle of the road so we kept going. At one point, while stopped for gas, I even joked the trailer wasn’t level. Now, I realize the trailer wouldn‘t be level at that particular spot but we’ve been having a time trying to level the trailer when we set up. We’re both convinced the bubbles on this thing aren’t level to begin with which Brian says is another reason to trade her in! We pulled in to Lake Ponchatrain Landing RV Park in New Orleans and backed the trailer into our spot. As I reached to put the blocks under the tires to help level the trailer, Brian made the comment, “The tires shouldn’t be touching each other like that. Something’s definitely wrong here.” He crawled under the trailer to see what the problem was and learned we had broken a leaf spring on one of the axles. Great! Another item to add to his list of reasons to trade this thing in. They just keep adding up!

After $370 later and sitting around until late the next afternoon waiting for the mobile RV repairman, we decided it was too late to go to the French Quarter so we opted for the RV park’s bar instead, where I might add, Nate the bartender, part owner, full time operator, cook, chauffer, tour guide and all-around good guy, made one heck of a margarita. I couldn’t resist taking a picture of the sign hanging over his bar. Maybe he's got something here…

So we lost a day in the Big Easy but what the heck, it’s New Orleans! We boarded the shuttle the next morning and off we go to the French Quarter. On the way, Nate the bartender, part owner, full time operator, cook, chauffer, tour guide and all-around good guy, put on his tour guide hat and started to relay where and what to do and the areas we needed to avoid. One of them being the cemeteries unless we go in a group due to the high volume of muggings. We looked at one another and realized two does not constitute a “group” so figured we’d stay away from that area all together. I asked Nate questions about a few houses I’d seen that were vacant and obviously ravaged by a hurricane or two. Yes, those were the remnants of hurricane Katrina and yes, the ninth ward was the hardest hit but only because of the levee break. “And what ward does the RV Park sit?” He gave a little laugh and almost like I was pulling fingernails, tells us, “The ninth ward.” Great. That explains the seedy area we drove through, just before the sun set, to get to the rv park. And that also explains the high fence and electric gates as you enter the park.

We stepped off the shuttle and we’re standing in the middle of the French Quarter. We decided the first thing we would do is take a carriage ride so we can get a feel for the area and learn a little about it’s history. We were shown a building which was built for Napoleon (he died but a few months before completion) and our driver even pointed out the house where Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie live when they’re in New Orleans. As I jump off the carriage, Brian looked at me and asked, “Are you hungry?” One thing I’ve learned on this trip is if Brian asks me if I’m hungry, it actually means, he’s the hungry one. So off to look for a restaurant we go. We happened on the best little restaurant in the French Quarter by the name of The Gumbo Shop. We both opted for the creole platter complete with shrimp creole, red beans and rice and French bread. And I’m happy to report, I’m back in the land of sweet tea!!! Brian hates the stuff but I can’t get enough of it! Yeah I know, I can make it at home but it’s just not the same.

We roamed around the French Quarter a bit, took the ferry from New Orleans to Crescent City and back, then headed to Bourbon Street. Nate the bartender, part owner, full time operator, cook, chauffer, tour guide and all-around good guy suggested we take the ferry to the other side of the river to see a different view of New Orleans. Next time we’ll know not to waste our time with the ferry and I suggest, if you‘re ever in New Orleans to stay clear of the ferry as well, Bourbon street is much more fun We wandered into The Absinthe Bar bellied up to the bar and ordered our drinks. The bottle of Zinfandel was rancid when the bartender opened it so she ran to the neighboring bar and returned with my daiquiri in hand. Back out on Bourbon Street we walked up one side then down the other, can’t imagine what that place must look like at Mardi Gras but we were told by Nate the bartender, part owner, full time owner… awhhh, you get the picture… that store owners will actually smear Vaseline on the top of their posts to keep people from climbing up the poles to the 2nd story balconies. Yes, whatever happens in New Orleans, stays in New Orleans, oh yeah, that’s Vegas.

Tomorrow??? The Swamp Tour! Can’t wait!!!