Drinking in the streets of New Orleans

 
I can see the draw to New Orleans. It is very much alive, colourful and fun (and we weren’t even there during Mardis Gras). Despite the sobering events of Hurricane Katrina (see more recent post), peoples spirit shines through. From the lush beauty of the Garden District with the huge historic houses and beautiful trees, to the busy and lively French Quarter, sitting on the port of the Mississippi river, it really is a beautiful city. The infamous Bourbon street is where you can get beer to go as you walk down the street, as you wander in and out of the bars, listening to live jazz or watch the street performers doing anything from kids shows to break dancing. And of course there are the restaurants, for every budget, selling everything from a hot Po-Boy sandwich (with gravy) and Jambalaya to the many Cajan wonders.

We spent the day wandering around, watching and absorbing. The weather was warm and sunny and the atmosphere relaxed and happy. It was a wonderful day, easy to forget what was going on in other areas of the city.

I have to take a moment to compare New Orleans to Montreal. For those of you who have been to Montreal (or live there), you will be able to appreciate this.

First there is the obvious French influence (French Quarter) with French street names, signs and sounds everywhere. (Important difference: no size requirements of lettering on the signs). The Fleur de Lys was a common sight on restaurant signs, t-shirts and cars. There were even a few French restaurants.

Being on a river, cobblestone streets with pedestrian traffic only and the horse drawn carriages for the tourists, caricature artists, as well as other many other forms of art displayed everywhere gave it the feel of the Old Port.

The homes that line the streets are beautiful, though well packed in, and reminiscent of some streets in the Plateau.

Then, there was Bourbon street, complete with strip clubs and flashy signs, reminders of St. Catherine and Crescent streets.

The French Quarter was a mix of the Old Port and the Plateau with a little bit of Crescent street mixed in. Major differences include drinking beer in the streets and better live music, giving New Orleans a competitive edge.

Photos: http://picasaweb.google.ca/tjkuenzli