NOLA Here We Come!

Saturday, May 9th

Just decided that I need to do this!!  Hope I can keep up with the mad goings on in New Orleans!!

Looks like an auspicious beginning!

Ole was prompt, as always and the trip to TPA was just the way we like it – uneventful!!  The first of the United flights was on time, if a bit bumpy, and the arrival was even a bit early, though the landing was less than perfect.  The next gate, for the Houston to New Orleans leg, was down the hall and around the corner;  but the attendant gave great directions, the signage was good, and there was plenty of time to navigate Bush’s airport.

A quick hop to NOLA and as soon as I turned on my phone there was a voice mail from Jackie!  Norah met me at the bottom of the escalator and we met up with Paul, Amy and Jackie.  Chris and Bill soon turned up with the Town ‘n’ Country minivan and after stashing everyone’s baggage, we were off!

Do you recognize the Super Dome?? 

Jackie and Bill have been to NOLA at least five times before, so Jackie gave a running commentary on all the sights as we passed them.  Bill drove and Chris, Paul and Norah all offered suggestions as to how we should proceed to Olivier House Hotel.  Despite that, we arrived safely!!  J

The hotel is unbelievable!  An old mansion that has been turned into an opulent place to stay, you can see where the old kitchen used to be, as well as the stables and slaves’ quarters.  The two-person elevator has a sign that warns “No ballroom dancing, please”!!

We all deposit our luggage in our rooms and meet up in the parlor where there are complimentary refreshments, including coffee, tea-fruit infused water and biscotti.  Clare and Norah have been communicating about our dinner plans and eventually we set out for Maximo’s.  It’s in the Quarter and so are we, so we decide to walk, having our first glimpse of Bourbon Street by night.  After a bit of wandering we find the restaurant and also find that it is closed tonight. 

 Not far away is the Market Café, a stone’s throw from the Mississippi River and right along side the French Market.  There is a four-piece jazz band that is as wonderful as you’d expect and the food is wonderful, too!  I have jambalaya and a local brew called Abita.  Their seasonal variety right now is strawberry and it’s the perfect accompaniment to the slightly-spice rice, sausage and chicken dish.

Only Jackie and Paul have any room left for dessert, so they split a bread pudding that is to die for!  I know because I had a bite, al lright, two bites!

We’ve closed the place down and meander back to our palatial abode where we all agree to meet again in the morning at eight o’clock.  Clare has asked us to be at the Live Oak Café around 8:30 so she can guarantee us a table and, maybe, a tour of the kitchen!

I finally have a minute to check out my room and it’s every bit as grand as I had thought at first glance!  Hidden away in a corner is a wet bar, microwave and mini-fridge and the furniture all looks like it came from a very fine antique store.  For all I know it might be the original furnishings!  The a/c is set to 68 and there’s a ceiling fan, so I’m in heaven down here in the humid south (just like home!).  There’s even a stuffed bear atop the mountain of pillows – and a white-noise machine!  I can’t imagine what else one could ask for!!  Sleep is quick and sweet!