NOLA

Well, this past weekend I suprised my hubby with a 2 night get away to New Orleans. Calia went off to her Yiayia and Papa's for the nights. We flew out Saturday am, had a smooth flight via Tampa. When we arrived in NO, it didn't appear too much different than what I remembered (hadn't been down there in 5 years). Flying in, we could see lots of blue roofs, from tarps. Otherwise, some of the areas that were previously run down, were still run down, or even looking a little better than I expected. Of course, we didn't venture into the 9th ward or any of the hardest hit areas from Katrina. But, Canal Street, which was under water, looked like it was being built back up better than before. We stayed at the Queen and Crescent (a historic hotel on Camp St. between Poydras and Canal. We were maybe 4 blocks from Bourbon St. and 4 from the Mississippi River/Riverwalk/Harrah's, close to the French Market, Jackson Square, Cafe du Monde, and all the tourist spots.

We had dinner at Nola one of Emeril's restaurants. I had the best Gumbo and Kevin loved the garlic/pesto bisque. My dinner was ok (mahi mahi), but Kevin loved his (pork). And our dessert of White Chocolate-Bananas Foster Bread Pudding with Foster Sauce and Fudge Drizzle was to die for! We then headed toward Bourbon St, walked along, grabbed some Hurricane daqs to go and went back to the hotel to change. We went back to Bourbon St and settled in at Pat O'Briens piano bar. After 2 hurricanes each and a bunch of sing alongs, we decided to head to Harrahs. Quickly, we realized the effect the hurricanes had on us and decided to head back to the hotel. Doesn't help that we had been up since 5am.

Sunday, we walked around...breakfast at Jasckson square, wander through the French Market, coffee au lait and beignets at Cafe du Monde, walked back along the Mississippi toward the Riverwalk, then back to the hotel for a quick nap. We then, headed back to Bourbon St to watch the second half of the Eagles/Saints game, ate some BBQ nachos, walked around and shopped a bit more, then headed to Mother's for Po' boys for dinner. Another jaunt to Harrahs to donate some more money, then settled back into the hotel...feet killing, bellys full, and exhausted!

We didn't get to visit the garden distict, Audubon Zoo or park, Uptown, or a lot of other areas, but I'm sure we'll be making a trip back that way before too long. I'll down load some pictures tonight. Calia was a doll for my mom and Ben...of course she got up everyhour between 11pm and 2am for us last night...must've been because she missed us terribly!

Before we left, Calia cut her two top center teeth (finally) and started taking steps on her own between Kevin and I... Today is picture day at school...should be interesting! That's all for now...