New Orleans has always been on my travel list, but all my previous visits have been quick business travels. Last month I took couple of days off to visit this historical place and was very impressed with the fusion of cultures and architecture and food.
New Orleans is the city that has given some of the best music and musicians to the world. it’s known for its round-the-clock nightlife, vibrant live-music scene and spicy, cuisine reflecting its history as a melting pot of French, African and American cultures. Follow me as I take a quick trip through this city.
The Louisiana agreement was signed in Jackson park in 1803 – which made Louisiana a territory of united states. The french had established this outpost in the 1700’s and controlled it till the agreement.
Trams also called “ Streetcar”have been the oldest form of transport in New Orleans starting from the 1800’s and are among the oldest running trams in the world. Take a ride though one of these streetcars for a fun way to see the city.
For the rich and not so rich, New Orleans is dotted with charming Cemeteries. Some of them are large enough to be a small house.
New Orleans was founded by the french as a tiny outpost in a bend in the Mississippi river and the place was surrounded by cyprus swamps. Early settlers would bury people in the highest ground in the area, however the area would get flooded even few years .
The solution was to create chambers above ground. Cemeteries in New Orleans are historic and hauntingly beautiful.
It is sacrilegious to visit New Orleans and not visit Café Du Monde and have their coffee and Beignets. Established in 1862 they serve the coffee with chicory and are open round the clock. Warm Beignets are served with generous sprinkling of sugar powder.
French Quarter in New orleans is the city’s historic heart famous for its vibrant night life, colorful building and cast iron balconies. The most well known of the French quarter streets, Bourbon Street or Rue Bourbon, is known for its bars and night life.
Another charming view of New Orleans french quarter
Bourbon street by night is high energy, colorful and vibrant. The road is closed to traffic in the night and you can carry your drinks on the road as long as they are in plastic containers.
Many of the bars in Bourbon street are popular for their live Jazz. I went to the Funky Pirate a popular live Jazz bar.
Do not leave New Orleans without drinking “Hand Grenade” in the New Orleans french quarter. This is sold in only five licensed nightclubs in Bourbon street. This is a cocktail of gin, grain alcohol, vodka and Rum.
Of course you have to eat Gumbo and Jambalaya in New Orleans. Seafood Gumbo is a stew of strong flavors – meat, vegetables and seafood.
I also ordered a platter of Jambalaya , mashed beans and rice with smoked Andouille sausage on top and crawfish craufette . Jambalaya is a popular Louisiana-origin dish of Spanish, West African and French influence, consisting mainly of meat and vegetables mixed with rice. Traditionally, the meat always includes sausage of some sort.
Superdrome is home of the New Orleans Saints. Apart from hosting multiple sporting events, the dome also became well know for hosting the evacuees of Katrina floods in 2005 and stands testimony to the resilience of this city.
Day cruises leaving the NO port for cruises on the Mississippi river. Hop on to one of these cruises if you have a couple of hours to kill.
Whether this is your fist time or you are a repeat visitor, New Orleans’s infectious spirit is sure to invigorate, captivate and motivate you to experience the history, art, music, food, culture and more.
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Well written blog Ranjan… visited Cafe Du Monde couple of years back around midnight and the place was brimming with people …loved the coffee ever since and often buy it on Amazon. I didn’t try the ‘hand grenade’… will try it next time. Food was amazing… just as you mentioned. Thanks for sharing your experiences.
Thanks Joel. Didnt know you could buy their coffee on Amazon. Yes! the hand grenade is potent.