New Orleans: French Quarter at night

The French Quarter is nothing like I've seen before. It's a must-visit, must experience when in New Orleans. How can I describe it? It's been described as the city's oldest neighborhood, the cultural hub, and one of the best places to ogle beautiful cast iron balconies. It's the place to be.


We were lucky to find parking a few blocks away.


I have seen open container drinks in full display.


At night, the party was in full swing. This was even early in the night.


Bourbon Street is a pedestrian street at night and was full of people. All drinking. All partying. I wanted to take more photos, but there was no room to do that. I must have been busy trying to find a shot, when I felt someone grabbing my arm. I freaked out a bit, and shrugged my arm violently. That part gave us a little excitement.


Then I saw the Royal Sonesta Hotel, which was the hotel we'd be staying after the cruise. I was so happy to see it's central location and how fancy it looked.

Neon signs always give out a party vibe.




Daquiris and the signature Hurricane are very popular.


"Thousands of beautiful girls and 3 ugly ones." My fave sign.

We took a few turns, trying to see more of the French Quarter and at the same time put more distance between us and the party at Bourbon Street. It was then that we stumbled upon a wedding parade, which is a tradition in New Orleans. I read that the parade goes from the church to the reception. There is a band accompanying the wedding party. I was shooting at one of the parades when I noticed some guy hanging a mardi gras bead around my neck. I didn't get it at first. Then my friends educated me about the tradition. Typically on mardi gras, girls get mardi gras beads by flashing (showing their breasts), I used flash when I photographed the wedding parade. I flashed, therefore I got free beads!!!!





We continued our exploration of the French Quarter, entering stores, browsing at merchandise and just fooling around.






In the end we found the perfect hats for our Caribbean cruise.

For dinner, I managed to persuade them to try this brewery/restaurant I've read about, the Crescent City Brewhouse. We were a bit disappointed because it was full, what did I expect? Twenty-minute wait they said. Fine we said. In the meantime we'd grab seats in the bar and get some drinks.


The bar.


The music was heavenly.


Each couple ordered a beer tasting flight.


Then I ordered the baked brie. While eating, we perused the menu, but nothing in the menu caught our attention. We finished our bar bites and cancelled our name in the wait list. This time I didn't say anything when my friends picked Hard Rock Cafe for dinner. I have never been there on my own. On my own volition. Nothing about the restaurant, but I avoid chain restaurants. I prefer to eat at mom and pop spots.





Still full from the brie, bread and brew, I split an order of Fish and Chips with the hubby, while one of our friends had the chicken sandwich. The food is okay, nothing special, but the drinks was strong. I had Long Island Ice Tea and I was happy the rest of the night.

MY WORLD TUESDAY.

SIGNS, SIGNS.