New Orleans

Have you ever been to a place that seems to call to you the moment you step onto the asphalt? Something whispers in your ear, “I’ve been waiting for you.” That is the magic of New Orleans-at least for me. Many people associate NOLA when they visit is the smell and that is all they seem to hold onto. Yes, I agree that it has a distinct smell (that is putting it nicely) but when you really walk around, when you immerse yourself into the history, and the mysticism of the city, you tend to forget all that and left with a sense of otherworldly. There are not many places in the United States that I want to visit, but New Orleans was at the top of my list. It is mysterious, alluring and romantic. Everything someone with a love of the unique can ask for. The darkness doesn’t just surround you; it consumes you. Pulls you into a sensual kiss and doesn’t let go.

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I wanted to stay close to the heart of the city. To be able to walk the city and have the full sense of what makes this place so special. I stayed on the street behind Bourbon Street at the Bourbon Orleans Hotel in the French Quarter. Summer tourism was not high so during the week most people were at work, so the streets were quiet during the day. I decided to travel in September (most places I visit are in the fall due to low tourism) which even though it was hurricane season, I was lucky to only have one day of rain-for twenty minutes. However, it is extremely humid and depending on where you live and your question of transportation, I would probably fly if you are not in close proximity. I decided to drive-(fifteen hours to save on a plane ticket) big mistake because I had to pay for parking because of where the hotel is located, and only used the car once. Every night is a party on Bourbon Street-and carrying an alcoholic drink in the street was something I had never experienced. I have to admit it took me a bit to get used to it and not look over my shoulder every ten minutes. The street was closed off to traffic and even though police were around, they seemed to interact more with the patrons instead of harassing them.

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Jazz musicians perform on the streets. The music seems to call to you and you feel privileged to be among the patrons experiencing it. Shops from souvenirs to the macabre entice tourists inside; shot glasses and bottle openers to bundled sage, crystals and voodoo dolls. To say there is something for everyone is an understatement. One of the best things about traveling is the food. I want to immerse myself in the culture; have my taste buds explode on flavors that I might never have experienced if I hadn’t made the jump to go. I had authentic Jambalaya at a bar/dance club that was amazing. Shrimp creole and alligator bites at Pat O’Briens-highly recommend-and gumbo at ‘The Gumbo Shop’. Café Du Monde for beignets and coffee.

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For those who are more into the macabre, who not only want to learn about the history but want to walk with the dead, ghost tours are what you want. They are relatively inexpensive and defiantly worth it. Even for those who might be bit of a skeptic, it is still fun. The guides are very knowledgeable and you can tell they love what they do. Most ghost tours are at night but one day tour was to St. Louis Cemetery #1 where the Voodoo Priestess Marie Laveau’s tomb is located. It is a small cemetery, in the heart of the city, but the history-just like most of New Orleans is wonderful. Some have even said they’ve experienced cold spots, or even have spotted Marie Laveau herself. I love anything with the paranormal. I love ghost stories. If you are like me, New Orleans is a must see. I can just imagine:

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‘On a dark evening, fog rolling in, a mysterious man wearing a top hat walking through Jackson Square. The streetlamps that are lit with fire flicker on his face. He smiles and fangs elongate past his lips.’

One place that was also magnificent was Lafayette Cemetery #1 in the Garden District. It is one of the most beautiful cemeteries I have ever been to so far. Rows of tombs and mausoleums greet you the second you pass through the gates. It’s peaceful, and alluring. The architecture of the tombs and the trees are what give it that incredible factor. To get to Lafayette Cemetery #1 I rode the trolley (which for an inexpensive price you can ride it all day), and just walked around including visiting Trinity College. The park surrounding the campus is a great place to get your steps in. There is a walking path that also includes a bike lane around the ponds.

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New Orleans is a unique place. I would definitely put it on the list of places to see. I really believe it has something for everyone. Just to experience something completely new. I don’t know if it is the atmosphere, but it feels like you might be in a different world-especially at night. The magic of NOLA grabs you when you least expect it; welcomes you with a warm embrace. When you leave, it keeps hold  and hopes one day you will return. That could just be me though.

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