7.16.2012

New Orleans: The Sights, Sounds, and Smells

Before going to New Orleans, I had a few ideas in my head of what I thought the place was going to be like. I was pretty much envisioning it to be the drunken Facebook photos I've seen of people posing on Bourbon Street sign with their neck draped in Mardi Gras beads. I knew you could walk around on the streets with a beer in your hand. And, after doing Google research and hearing tips from friends, I expected some fun shops and restaurants. 

Pretty much all of this was correct.

All of the above, sans beads.



I loved wandering around in the French Quarter, because the sights truly changed from street to street. Bourbon Street was crazy, all the time. But just several blocks over was a more peaceful area full of art galleries, courtyards, and antique shops.





Just about everywhere we went, there was some form of live music streaming into the street, whether it was coming from inside a bar, someone sitting on a bench playing a saxophone, or impromptu parades with tubas and trumpets.


Now the smells. Oh, the smells. Never have I been somewhere where one second I would smell delicious seafood one second, be hungry for hot beignets the next, and then want to throw up from catching a strong whiff of trash, old beer, and pee. All within minutes. 

All part of the experience? Absolutely.

Stay tuned for more photos and stories from our vacation, folks. But until then, I leave you with a place that we most certainly did NOT visit while in New Orleans:


Why?


8 comments:

  1. that sounds amazing! i have never been, but i want to. however, your description of the smells made me gag just a little!

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  2. I've heard horror stories about disgusting public bathrooms! Seems like such a vibrant and fun atmosphere. I've never been but I'd like to.

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  3. Looks like you guys are having a great time! Did you find any thrift stores down there? The last time I visited I was there for the Sugar Bowl- no time for thrifting, only football.

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    1. Booooo football!! There were a few fun consignment and vintage ships around where we stayed, but the stuff was expensive. There were a TON of awesome junk shops though! I would have had a lot less self control if I didn't have to worry about fitting everything back in my suitcase!

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  4. glad you had fun!! love that city! and i love how you described the smells haha soooo awfully true! can't wait to hear more and hear where you ended up staying!

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  5. I have been obsessed with New Orleans for years- it looks like you had fun! Have any good restaurant tips?

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  6. I've never been to New Orleans. This looks super fun.

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  7. I would LOVE to take a trip there! Lucky!

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