First Trip to New Orleans

The French Quarter

Dear Readers:  Have you ever read about a place that was written about so well that when you finally saw it, you felt like you had been there for many years?

"America only has three cities: New York, San Francisco, and New Orleans.  Everywhere else is Cleveland."

I read Tennessee Williams at an impressionable age (before 20).  I imagined him in a linen suit, sitting in an interior courtyard in the French Quarter, lingering over a cafe au lait and a beignet and the newspaper, perhaps chatting with a friend, before beginning his writing.

I felt the courtyard had to look like this, except in morning.  This is the hotel in which we stayed, The Mazarin.

I received more likes for this image than any other image I have ever posted on Instagram. The palms, the old elegance, the verdant lushness--I'm not the only one who's in love with the French Quarter.

It's easy to get lost just wandering on a drizzling late December day, becoming mesmerised by an iron smith  crafting a lantern.

Bourbon Street on a sunny day is gorgeous.

Antique stores are everywhere and they specialise in French furniture.

Dining at Brennan's, easily the city's most renowned restaurant, is a must for Creole and Cajun classics.

And whether it's jazz or Cajun, you will most certainly hear great music!

And of course see the fancy ladies on Frenchmen Street.

If you can be dragged away from the French Quarter, The Garden District has beautiful old houses, filled with charm, history and mystery.

Elegance is everywhere.

It was the holiday season when we were in New Orleans, and one had the sense that the citizens really knew their decorating skills---once Christmas decor comes down, Mardi Gras goes up!

I even went to a fortune teller called Laslo on Royal Street.  I don't believe that's his real name, but I do believe he knew how to read people.  He told me it was obvious that I was a writer and had lived amongst philosophers all my life.  I became very interested.  Most of what he told me was true.  He was surprised however when I finally told him I was "in fashion". He quoted Tennessee Williams a few times. The name of the place was The Bottom of the Tea Cup.  Check out Laslo and see if he gives you an accurate reading.  It's all about mystery, elegance, amazing food, jazz and Cajun music and most of all, preserving  Creole roots. I can't wait to return.  Thank you Bruce for this amazing Christmas present!