Quite a tiring journey from Nashville to New Orleans, as we had a stopover in Atlanta. However, upon arrival at our Homewood Suites hotel, although early, our room was ready. A change into lighter clothing, and off we go exploring.
It is noticeably warmer and more humid than previous destinations, but it is manageable. The French Quarter is very busy with people, and Bourbon Street is as expected, tacky and touristy.
Back to the hotel, then dinner at a restaurant up the road, which is Vietnamese. We will sample the local food tomorrow!
Today is our New Orleans bike tour. There are four other people on the tour, a group from New Zealand! Our tour guide is Eric, and he is excellent. A local, with great knowledge of the history of the area. It was interesting cycling around the inner city neighbourhoods. The overall impression was of a place of unique character, but quite rundown and grungy. The road surfaces were poor, and the areas were not at all affluent. New Orleans is built on a swamp, is hot and humid and vulnerable to hurricanes and flooding, so you need to be resilient to live here!
Eric took as to a cemetery. Burials must be above ground, due to the swampy, shifty ground below. Families are buried in mausoleums, stacked on top of each other. A coffin is placed in its burial site, and is not touched for a year. After this time, the heat has caused rapid deterioration of the body.
Overall, a really informative tour, one of the best we have done. For lunch we went to the famous Cafe du Monde, and indulged in the Beignet, deep fried squares of sweet yeast dough, absolutely covered in icing sugar. Once we removed most of the sugar, they were not bad, but hardly earth shattering.
As it was hot and humid, we walked to a large outlet mall by the river. Nice and air conditioned, and Blair picked up a bargain top from Tommy Bahama.
Dinner for the evening was a restaurant nearby called Streetcar Cafe. Nothing fancy, but a chance to try some of the local dishes such as Gumbo and Jambalaya. Both dishes include rice, and are tasty and filling. Talking of local foods, I have been having grits for breakfast. Similar to porridge, it is made from coarsely ground corn, which is boiled. Pretty much tasteless, so ingredients need to be added to provide flavour.
After a hearty breakfast, and loaded with grits, we visited a museum which caught our eye. It is the Pharmacy Museum, and the building, constructed in 1822, is the apothecary and residence of the USAs first licensed pharmacist. An extensive and fascinating displays of old potions, treatments and equipment.
Our final night in New Orleans, and we dine at Luke, a slightly more upmarket venue than our previous dining options. It is very busy, with the usual American prompt and efficient service. The food portions are huge, with my pork schnitzel taking up most of the plate. A nice way to conclude our stay. Tomorrow .. we are off to Texas.