Last year for my mom's birthday Derek and I made a promise. A promise to take her to New Orleans for her 60th birthday. For awhile it seemed that the trip wasn't going to happen- who would watch the kids? How would we work out all the logistics of school and work? I felt horrible because I really wanted to do this for my mom. After some time, it looked like at least the 2 of us (my mom and I) could go. Relief! Then we thought, well maybe we could invite my mom's sisters and my cousins, and maybe make a girls trip out of it. It seemed like a shot in the dark knowing people have work, families, etc. BUT somehow we had takers! And sooner then we knew it, we had a solid 6 that said they would come! A little planning and calling around, and voila! We were set for a 5 day adventure in New Orleans!
What a fun-filled time we had! My favorite thing we did (and I think the others agree), was go on an air boat through the bayou. It was so awesome to be out there and see the beauty of the bayou! Although it was pretty chilly (unusually for Nov), we did manage to spot a couple if alligators. They typically stay hidden when it's cold out. Our tour guide also had a surprise baby alligator for us to enjoy!
This guy was grunting at us from his hidden spot.
We also had a great time just wandering around the French Quarter. Parts were so pretty (and others were not), and the people watching was phenomenal!
We had to check out Bourbon Street, of course, and we did many times. If it was nightime, then it was crowded. Lots of drinking, bead-throwing, and street performances. A lot to take in. Us "younger" ladies had to try some hurricanes (pic below) and take in the true New Orleans experience!
We got the "mature" ladies to wander down Bourbon St a few times too. They even got some beads (although they were given, not earned).
Another must-do was having coffee and beignets at Cafe Monde. Luckily, it was only a few blocks from our hotel, and we got to frequent the joint a few times!
We took 2 walking tours while we were there. One tour of the French Quarter, and one voodoo-cemetery tour. Both were very informative and interesting, but I really enjoyed our second tourguide in tho picture, "Naw' Lins Nate." He was interesting and really entertaining! We're in one of the cemeteries here.
The last day we ventured to the Garden District. After figuring out the street cars, we made it to the Commanders Palace, an awesome restaurant that Betty had made a reservation for us at. It had fabulous food, and $.25 martinis for lunch!
We had one last birthday celebration and took a self-guided walking tour of the garden district historic mansions. It was a lovely last day. We had a fantastic trip to New Orleans, and I am soooo grateful that we got to experience this trip together.
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