New Orleans.

 My first foray into the streets of New Orleans was to find the restaurant I'd booked for that evening! I always like to find where I'm going - see the 'lie of the land' - so that I don't get any nasty surprises!

I was only a few blocks from the restaurant - Cafe Amelia ( thanks Kitty) - it was in the French Quarter.

I then wandered through the different streets until I ended up at the Mississippi.

It was so hot, high 30s, that I headed back to the hotel and a siesta!

My meal, at Cafe Amelia was very good. I certainly enjoyed the gnocchi!

With it being so hot here I booked a couple of hours - thought I'd see and learn more!

My first was a city tour.

First stop was at a cemetery!  I know strange but some very interesting facts! The deceased is wrapped in a cloth and placed on a shelf in the tomb. The tomb is then sealed. A year and a day later the body has turned to ash!!!!

We went through lots of different areas, some fancy houses around,  finally arriving at distillery!

The main product was whiskey! We learnt that Canal street was original meant to be an actual canal to separate the French/Spanish from the Americans! 

Next day was a visit to a couple of plantations. The first one was Laura Plantation - an 1805 sugar plantation. It is a Creole Heritage site! The history was interesting.

We then headed to the second Plantation - Oak Alley  - another Historic sugar plantation. Oak Alley as a sugar plantation was built by and relied on enslaved men, women and children.

Yesterday was my last day in New Orleans so I went in search of the food they are 'famous' for - the beignet!

Deep fried dough covered with icing sugar - don't wear black clothes!

Well, I can say I tried it! I wander around the French Quarter for a while until, luckily,  I found the cathedral. It was a great excuse to get out of the heat!

New Orleans is in dire need of some tlc. The pavements are pretty dire in places. There are a lot of homeless people sleeping on the streets. Drugs are obviously a problem. I've seen a few deals going on out of car windows. I have never felt unsafe so that was good and you are not hassled by anyone.

I then caught a flight to Dallas where I'm now sitting waiting to go to the airport - it's  a long wait as the flight isn't until 10:30pm!

I hope you've enjoyed some of my travels. I've certainly had a great time! So until next time ciao!