The Big Easy

We had a great time in New Orleans last weekend.  My first visit did not disappoint.  I love the architecture and culture, and of course the food.  It actually reminds me a lot of Charleston.  I wish we were there longer than 48hrs.  We will definitely be making a trip back this spring.


I finally got my camera back, and have realized that my phone takes better pictures.  I have had this camera for a while (it only has 6 megapixels), so way past time to upgrade.  I'm hoping to get a new one for Christmas (hint, hint).


We passed by the basketball arena and the Superdome on our way from the airport to the hotel.

We all stayed at the Hotel Monteoleone which is a beautiful hotel on Royal Street in the French Quarter.

Lobby

Carousel Bar inside hotel

  We had a great time just walking up and down Bourbon Street...  

 and collecting beads...

and drinking.

Architecture

     

St.Louis Cathedral during day

and at night-- this picture does not do it justice. 

Better picture- fotolibra

Music was everywhere...

...even in the artwork.

The food was great.  We had a birthday brunch for my grandmother's 90th at Court of Two Sisters.  The food was amazing.  I tried duck for the first (and last time).

What I wore to brunch

Random snapshots

Tarot reading

Real life statue.  

I don't know how many times we passed by this store, but the cat was always sleeping.

 There were a lot of weddings that weekend. We passed by this beautiful reception.

 I took so many pictures, I can't put them all on here.  I can't wait to get back.  

New York, New York

Sorry for the long break.  Between the holidays and our out of town trips, I was/am just beat. My husband and I went to New York the first weekend of November to support his business partner who ran in the NYC marathon.   I had not been to New York in 5 years and this was our first trip there together.  We had such a great time, and hope to go back at least once a year. We stayed with his cousin in upstate New York.  

FYI: Roosters start crowing at about 3 in the morning, and keep on crowing.  Luckily  I only know that because we stayed up very late our first night.  I would not have liked to be woken up 

We were in the city for a bit, but not quite as much as we would have liked.  We will definitely be staying in Manhattan next time.  These are my view (i.e. cell phone pics) of my trip. I obviously need my camera.

Brooklyn

Bronx

Chinatown

Manhattan

Grand Central Station-- My Grandmother and Aunt came in from Connecticut for  dinner with us

My actual first NYC hotdog

and pizza

Jewelry shopping

This restaurant/bar was amazing in Brooklyn.  We all met up there Sunday night after the race.  It has southern fused cuisine.  They have an amazing caramel martini that I will have to do at home. My phone died while I was in the restaurant, so I took this pic from their website.  Its vanilla infused vodka, Bailey's caramel and toasted marshmellow.

We are off to New Orleans tomorrow, and we will be staying in the French Quarter.  Any recommendations for places to go/see/shop? This will be my first visit, and hubby hasn't been there since he was a child.