tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-371594652024-03-13T10:41:48.055-05:00Welch FamilyStay up to date on the families latest happenings. Watch us (the kids, not the parents) grow. Hear our funnies.Vonaviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09013328893629657678noreply@blogger.comBlogger182125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37159465.post-19966691389440237722014-12-05T21:26:00.002-06:002014-12-05T21:26:12.293-06:00TestingIs this working?Vonaviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09013328893629657678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37159465.post-90474337305864595022014-03-27T00:44:00.001-05:002014-12-05T20:45:30.903-06:00Honorary Family opens Disneyland!This morning family members balked at the hour in which we arrived at the gates before the opening of Disneyland. We arrived at 7:45am for a 9:00 park opening. We were the first in line at one of the turnstiles. Just before they opened the gates they came over and asked if we'd like to help them open the park. How cool is that!!! Curtis and Gennie walled up just as they were selecting us. So our home family was together!<br />
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After opening the park gates we made our way to Main Street to await rope drop. Rob and I lined up to the left to get Big Thunder Mt FPs. Meanwhile the rest of the group lined up to head to Tomorrowlabd to ride Buzz. We met them after retrieving the FPs and rode Star Wars together. Then c (fell asleep will write more later.)</div>
Vonaviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09013328893629657678noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37159465.post-69914129151411569942014-03-26T01:24:00.001-05:002014-03-26T01:24:58.739-05:00Great but busy day at DCAFrom rope drop to getting on RSR was 47 mins. Stayed wide right as best we could. With how far back we were to begin with I felt we did good. For those with ECV they go throught the line to the ride. Strollers are easily stashed as you get to the ride. <div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-bZUbyrfqHi0/UzJyt2bk8xI/AAAAAAAAAvY/q0kx0A2PyD4/s640/blogger-image--2007095124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-bZUbyrfqHi0/UzJyt2bk8xI/AAAAAAAAAvY/q0kx0A2PyD4/s640/blogger-image--2007095124.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After our first RSR ride I went for FPs while the others ride the smaller Cars Land rides. The line for FPs was extremely long and switched back several times. But it went fast and we got tickets for 7:05pm.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We are a large group and thereforeoved very slow. But with early arrival and FPs we were still able to manage all the main rides except TSMM, GRR & mickeys fun wheel. Those will be priorities for Thursday. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The kids and some of the grown ups did the little bumper cars in bugs land. Most of us saw It's tough to be a bug movie. For lunch we went to the Pacific Wharf area and had bread bowl soups. Very tasty and a good value. We rode Soarin with FPs and walked around to Paradise Pier and the kids rode the zephyr, swings, Goofy's and jumpin Jelly fish. For dinner we had the Mexican food back over at the wharf. Then we split a bit and we took the kids back over and the littler ones did goofy and the big ones did the swings. We all met up for our second RSR ride, then rode Screamin with FPs and last Tower of Terror with FPs. The longest line all day was the first RSR ride. And the park was the busiest I've ever experienced. So I felt for our size group and pace we did great. Made lots of good memories. </div><br></div>Vonaviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09013328893629657678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37159465.post-32117571433650498062014-03-25T10:54:00.001-05:002014-03-25T10:54:10.431-05:00DCA Rope Drop<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">We arrived at 8:03 for a 9:00 opening. We were this far back from gates.</span></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-lPobSbBtS7I/UzGmnNHX3SI/AAAAAAAAAvA/HLDsgo2tNp8/s640/blogger-image-1643508326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-lPobSbBtS7I/UzGmnNHX3SI/AAAAAAAAAvA/HLDsgo2tNp8/s640/blogger-image-1643508326.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">By 8:23 there were this many behind us. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1Fe9cZh4mHk/UzGmoAjTFQI/AAAAAAAAAvI/COpes3IIhj0/s640/blogger-image-1954850868.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1Fe9cZh4mHk/UzGmoAjTFQI/AAAAAAAAAvI/COpes3IIhj0/s640/blogger-image-1954850868.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Gates opened at 8:30. By the time we all got throught and got to rope drop we were here. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ytOZJ4ZfTWQ/UzGmlzwRmXI/AAAAAAAAAu4/734qVO5gIhQ/s640/blogger-image--15945663.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ytOZJ4ZfTWQ/UzGmlzwRmXI/AAAAAAAAAu4/734qVO5gIhQ/s640/blogger-image--15945663.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>We have all agreed that RSR is first no matter how long the wait. We will keep you posted. Going to stay to the right as best possible. </div>Vonaviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09013328893629657678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37159465.post-14603063096460121082014-03-25T00:01:00.001-05:002014-03-25T00:01:50.761-05:00Headed to Disney!<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">We left at about 10:30 am and headed west.</span><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gl3TrTyhTgo/UzENtf9B5ZI/AAAAAAAAAug/zkgol3N_e6Q/s640/blogger-image--1987753001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gl3TrTyhTgo/UzENtf9B5ZI/AAAAAAAAAug/zkgol3N_e6Q/s640/blogger-image--1987753001.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> First stop was In-n-Out Burger on our way out of Phoenix. In-n-Out is always a must do when we come out west!</span><div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></div><div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WeEQunlGlfA/UzENncyULYI/AAAAAAAAAt4/-TcwySAbFdM/s640/blogger-image-2111308921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WeEQunlGlfA/UzENncyULYI/AAAAAAAAAt4/-TcwySAbFdM/s640/blogger-image-2111308921.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Headed for California. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-qsx-R7MUt4I/UzENoysT-CI/AAAAAAAAAuA/u6pLY8pwhP0/s640/blogger-image-1885690291.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-qsx-R7MUt4I/UzENoysT-CI/AAAAAAAAAuA/u6pLY8pwhP0/s640/blogger-image-1885690291.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yBgP0tj9LWk/UzENq4mSn0I/AAAAAAAAAuQ/MPkirIe-fuQ/s640/blogger-image--920135016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yBgP0tj9LWk/UzENq4mSn0I/AAAAAAAAAuQ/MPkirIe-fuQ/s640/blogger-image--920135016.jpg"></a></div><br></div>And we arrive at Disney!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-irFuNKtko2k/UzENr06fWrI/AAAAAAAAAuY/ldVYab5Xm9U/s640/blogger-image--386648417.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-irFuNKtko2k/UzENr06fWrI/AAAAAAAAAuY/ldVYab5Xm9U/s640/blogger-image--386648417.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>We checked in at BW Plus Park Place Inn. Checkin went smooth and we found a parking spot no problem. Room is clean and beds are comfortable. Nothing special but so far adequate and the location is perfect!</div><div><br></div><div>We next headed out to Downtown Disney to get a little Disney vibe going. Mom definitely needed to practice with her new cart and she was quite pleased with her rental from Deckerts! </div><div><br></div><div>We stopped off and got one more ticket for tomorrow on our way. That took a bit of time. Then we headed down to Earl of Sandwich. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-17e0jgB9ozE/UzENpfRqdlI/AAAAAAAAAuI/F34ODkWTVpA/s640/blogger-image-1770549209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-17e0jgB9ozE/UzENpfRqdlI/AAAAAAAAAuI/F34ODkWTVpA/s640/blogger-image-1770549209.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We had a good time pointing out some of the new details to my parents who haven't been to DL in about 30 years. Mom had fun telling the kids that she came to DL within the first month it was opened in 1955. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-y0f0zSXCCfA/UzENu0EfBWI/AAAAAAAAAuo/yw8El_EWB3M/s640/blogger-image--1953627793.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-y0f0zSXCCfA/UzENu0EfBWI/AAAAAAAAAuo/yw8El_EWB3M/s640/blogger-image--1953627793.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Both brothers had arrived by the time we were headed back to our rooms. One of the brothers has a theme park view room at the Grand Californian Hotel. They have invited is for dessert and WOC one night! Sounds fun!</div><div><br></div><div>Tomorrow will be an early morning. Good night!</div></div></div>Vonaviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09013328893629657678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37159465.post-60708627156454854812014-03-24T07:13:00.001-05:002014-03-24T07:13:39.311-05:00AZ Family Day<div>Since our body clocks are still two hours ahead the kids played and watched cartoons while waiting for grandma and grandpa to get up and around. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-gMAPvadCrZ8/UzAhWQiXyKI/AAAAAAAAAs4/RTSNcQpZ6ag/s640/blogger-image--1070188934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-gMAPvadCrZ8/UzAhWQiXyKI/AAAAAAAAAs4/RTSNcQpZ6ag/s640/blogger-image--1070188934.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-gLzVMo57mbY/UzAhbAqcEkI/AAAAAAAAAtg/4gusPcm5vOU/s640/blogger-image--1642790950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-gLzVMo57mbY/UzAhbAqcEkI/AAAAAAAAAtg/4gusPcm5vOU/s640/blogger-image--1642790950.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><div><br></div>Once everyone was up and around, mom and I took the kids for some traditional donuts at 19th Hole Donut shop while my dad and Rob took a look at the brakes on our van. (Ended up doing the pads and having the rotors turned. Good thing they looked!)<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1xaSgGsXAg0/UzAhcIxsg_I/AAAAAAAAAto/nlvduJ1pFK0/s640/blogger-image-998337225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1xaSgGsXAg0/UzAhcIxsg_I/AAAAAAAAAto/nlvduJ1pFK0/s640/blogger-image-998337225.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We then went shopping for new swim suits for a couple of the kids. Here is Ashlee's, Robbie's not one to model a suit. (But if you're curious you can check it out below in the swimming photo(s). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-752PgVFXtCo/UzAhYDLmm2I/AAAAAAAAAtI/EVgcVYX0yfQ/s640/blogger-image-252320388.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-752PgVFXtCo/UzAhYDLmm2I/AAAAAAAAAtI/EVgcVYX0yfQ/s640/blogger-image-252320388.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Then we took the boys for some haircuts at Grandpa's favorite barber shop in town. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gFfC2zN86Tc/UzAhaKxvZtI/AAAAAAAAAtY/Dkj2_8IGQSs/s640/blogger-image-2117655824.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gFfC2zN86Tc/UzAhaKxvZtI/AAAAAAAAAtY/Dkj2_8IGQSs/s640/blogger-image-2117655824.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Back at grandma and grandpa's house the kids did a little swimming in the chilly unheated pool! </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TaB_EbWPS3Y/UzAhZI9KTbI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/NVciXD50V7Q/s640/blogger-image-1012271450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TaB_EbWPS3Y/UzAhZI9KTbI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/NVciXD50V7Q/s640/blogger-image-1012271450.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Check out the expression on Robbie's face. It says quite a bit about the temperature of the pool!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ohIA37TIACc/UzAhXScs93I/AAAAAAAAAtA/T6PqGne7al8/s640/blogger-image-1198874275.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ohIA37TIACc/UzAhXScs93I/AAAAAAAAAtA/T6PqGne7al8/s640/blogger-image-1198874275.jpg"></a></div><br></div>I didn't get anymore pictures on Sunday, but grandma and Aimee made it to her meeting in the afternoon while I napped and grandpa and daddy took a couple kids to Bass Pro Shop. Then we all went to meet Curtis, Gennie and Sailor for a yummy dinner at Portollo's which is a Chicago style place with beef sandwiches, Chicago dogs and hamburgers. Good food and nice family conversation. </div><div><br></div><div>I promise some Disney updates are coming soon! We head to Disneyland area today (Monday)!</div>Vonaviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09013328893629657678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37159465.post-64455747745843756202014-03-24T06:53:00.001-05:002014-03-24T06:55:44.817-05:00Another Journey WestOn Friday, March 21st we left the house at about 7:30 PM after returning to make sure we didn't leave our cat locked in our bedroom.<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Zbix6oszGFw/UzAclZK6cAI/AAAAAAAAAsU/mBNJdq-Fa94/s640/blogger-image-164375883.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Zbix6oszGFw/UzAclZK6cAI/AAAAAAAAAsU/mBNJdq-Fa94/s640/blogger-image-164375883.jpg"></a></div></div><div>This photo was taken while we were waiting for Robbie and Rob to get in the car. </div><div><br></div><div>We drove all night stopping only for gas and one 45 minute sleep stop. The kids did their part staying asleep!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-hVZWtKF_Zbo/UzAci8bWrHI/AAAAAAAAAsA/52bY2f0zYss/s640/blogger-image-1373322689.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-hVZWtKF_Zbo/UzAci8bWrHI/AAAAAAAAAsA/52bY2f0zYss/s640/blogger-image-1373322689.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>And we made it to "Amarillo by morning".</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-QwzJyoeMFuk/UzAcmQSysFI/AAAAAAAAAsc/-8dLRueNFhs/s640/blogger-image-1564075622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-QwzJyoeMFuk/UzAcmQSysFI/AAAAAAAAAsc/-8dLRueNFhs/s640/blogger-image-1564075622.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We then trekked through New Mexico. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VCZ3GKJIRJo/UzAcksoYw7I/AAAAAAAAAsM/ibe-3p8PP3s/s640/blogger-image-1222106787.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VCZ3GKJIRJo/UzAcksoYw7I/AAAAAAAAAsM/ibe-3p8PP3s/s640/blogger-image-1222106787.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-G5ZRwWqBFZA/UzAcnJFwjfI/AAAAAAAAAsg/4rb4nBTnce4/s640/blogger-image-985501021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-G5ZRwWqBFZA/UzAcnJFwjfI/AAAAAAAAAsg/4rb4nBTnce4/s640/blogger-image-985501021.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>And through the Mogollon Rim area down to my parents house in AZ. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-j6zNjzRlqIg/UzAcoDF_U3I/AAAAAAAAAso/OXerixxYJzs/s640/blogger-image--24514760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-j6zNjzRlqIg/UzAcoDF_U3I/AAAAAAAAAso/OXerixxYJzs/s640/blogger-image--24514760.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-C63h8HRAiPY/UzAciMA8znI/AAAAAAAAAr8/Pyc4VwUiWaw/s640/blogger-image--807305824.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-C63h8HRAiPY/UzAciMA8znI/AAAAAAAAAr8/Pyc4VwUiWaw/s640/blogger-image--807305824.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>We arrived at our AZ destination at about 3:45 PM local time. 22:15 drive,sleep,gas time!</div><div><br></div><div>We had a nice Mexican food dinner brought in from Tia Rosa's, one of our favorite local places, and visited that evening with my parents and one of the kids' cousins.</div>Vonaviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09013328893629657678noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37159465.post-16610251765220698292013-12-28T21:13:00.001-06:002013-12-28T21:13:01.181-06:00Cooking skills try-outOur kids are still out of town so Rob and I decided to try our hand at Gumbo today. And the result was complete success! We ate the whole batch! OK it was only a half batch we made, but we ate all of it!<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-QeF9iz1U-VY/Ur-TNuDUyJI/AAAAAAAAAq4/R81tJdWJT2Q/s640/blogger-image-1583471543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-QeF9iz1U-VY/Ur-TNuDUyJI/AAAAAAAAAq4/R81tJdWJT2Q/s640/blogger-image-1583471543.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hOHAsTqzBSA/Ur-TMxzQCpI/AAAAAAAAAqw/OBhlwLzDeHY/s640/blogger-image-1230649246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hOHAsTqzBSA/Ur-TMxzQCpI/AAAAAAAAAqw/OBhlwLzDeHY/s640/blogger-image-1230649246.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Then I decided to try Pralines. Not quite as successful, but edible those will take more practice. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6fQ87kxlT3c/Ur-TOkTJJfI/AAAAAAAAArA/jD6BDoanHTg/s640/blogger-image--36773674.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6fQ87kxlT3c/Ur-TOkTJJfI/AAAAAAAAArA/jD6BDoanHTg/s640/blogger-image--36773674.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Vonaviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09013328893629657678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37159465.post-42809879869475459742013-12-25T17:32:00.001-06:002013-12-25T17:32:35.927-06:00Jackson, MSWe arrived at the Jackson, MS station 40 mins early. Now we await the scheduled departure time. Sunset while we wait. <div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wBJj3ScKiKw/UrtrBIQ_pjI/AAAAAAAAAqI/eNfcdOWM0iY/s640/blogger-image--1478095790.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wBJj3ScKiKw/UrtrBIQ_pjI/AAAAAAAAAqI/eNfcdOWM0iY/s640/blogger-image--1478095790.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">For some reason Rob has had a pizza craving most of the trip. He finally got his pizza fix on the train. Nothing like $6 for a few bites of pizza. But he's happy and that's what counts. ;)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-p4LXihDxRL0/UrtrDkYUdNI/AAAAAAAAAqY/PR_VOoSFGUE/s640/blogger-image-804455534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-p4LXihDxRL0/UrtrDkYUdNI/AAAAAAAAAqY/PR_VOoSFGUE/s640/blogger-image-804455534.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I got a not so good picture of a house that we liked. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BuIWVmzAC-0/UrtrEXqW0_I/AAAAAAAAAqg/fi4wsHOXnBo/s640/blogger-image--1248308323.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BuIWVmzAC-0/UrtrEXqW0_I/AAAAAAAAAqg/fi4wsHOXnBo/s640/blogger-image--1248308323.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And here is a stupid picture of an old train engine I tried to capture as we went by. LOL</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A4IPpZmvpMs/UrtrByu8IVI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/JeiNJShK5yo/s640/blogger-image--529144821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A4IPpZmvpMs/UrtrByu8IVI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/JeiNJShK5yo/s640/blogger-image--529144821.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Now it's dark. No more lame pictures. Thanks for joining me for our New Orleans trip. :)</div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Vonaviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09013328893629657678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37159465.post-83276957774400115972013-12-25T14:54:00.001-06:002013-12-25T14:54:35.359-06:00Hammond, LAFirst stop Hammond, LA. Scenery to this point has been swamps and Lake Pontachatrain (sp?) which looks like ocean to me. Can't see any land on the other side. Water as far as the eye can see. Didn't get a pic this time by let me look back and see if I have one from our ride south. Nope bummer. <div><br></div><div>Well here is a pic of the Hammon station. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-P2k9kjCrV_w/UrtGAqFplDI/AAAAAAAAAp4/bdm6aqlwUv8/s640/blogger-image--1343294637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-P2k9kjCrV_w/UrtGAqFplDI/AAAAAAAAAp4/bdm6aqlwUv8/s640/blogger-image--1343294637.jpg"></a></div><br><div><br></div><div><br></div></div>Vonaviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09013328893629657678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37159465.post-75367573935242688022013-12-25T14:06:00.001-06:002013-12-25T14:06:58.964-06:00Last morningOur last morning in New Orleans. I was glad I had done some research ahead of time because there was very little open on Christmas Day. We walked over to the French Quarter and breakfast at Cafe Fluer de Lis. Cute little cafe, good service, decent food, great coffee with real cream. <div><br></div><div>I had the Big Easy breakfast because I wasn't sure what I wanted and it had it all. I couldn't get it all on one pic without doing a pano. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-T2pQM3vGKxo/Urs631n3J2I/AAAAAAAAApU/PVNR9K9hfhs/s640/blogger-image-1732640947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-T2pQM3vGKxo/Urs631n3J2I/AAAAAAAAApU/PVNR9K9hfhs/s640/blogger-image-1732640947.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-IN4LXMNXdTY/Urs6zzVedQI/AAAAAAAAApE/1-kuECBwe4w/s640/blogger-image-1243418599.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-IN4LXMNXdTY/Urs6zzVedQI/AAAAAAAAApE/1-kuECBwe4w/s640/blogger-image-1243418599.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Sausage and hash browns were eh but edible. Everything else was good. I liked how they browned the biscuit. </div><div><br></div><div>Rob chose the Farmer's omelette but told the waiter he wanted the cow and the pig too. So it had a bunch of veggies and ham and cheese. It was very tasty.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Pna38aTCO7k/Urs6uU1H8MI/AAAAAAAAAos/3G4_dJtNUoQ/s640/blogger-image-825825245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Pna38aTCO7k/Urs6uU1H8MI/AAAAAAAAAos/3G4_dJtNUoQ/s640/blogger-image-825825245.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After breakfast they brought me a to go cup full of coffee and we strolled through a very quiet French Quarter. We enjoyed looking in shop windows, it didn't matter if they weren't open - jewelry and antiques weren't in the budget for this trip!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-4_Ywa18m97E/Urs6tEbWAnI/AAAAAAAAAok/DhMMOl2Nc2o/s640/blogger-image--1013779111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-4_Ywa18m97E/Urs6tEbWAnI/AAAAAAAAAok/DhMMOl2Nc2o/s640/blogger-image--1013779111.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We say this chandelier in the lobby of the W hotel. It made us think of my brother and our daughter, our favorite trumpet players. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Xb0zc-1Zmyw/Urs6xMv6rPI/AAAAAAAAAo8/p1JJQmm1t_M/s640/blogger-image--621462145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Xb0zc-1Zmyw/Urs6xMv6rPI/AAAAAAAAAo8/p1JJQmm1t_M/s640/blogger-image--621462145.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After our little stroll it was back to the hotel to pack up for our trip back. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We are back on board Amtrak now and left right on time. Maybe freight trains don't run on Xmas and we can get back to Memphis on time. :) We are scheduled to arrive at 10 pm. I have to work tomorrow and we have an almost two hour drive home. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Really enjoyed our trip. Will be nice to be home in our own bed tonight. Although the be at the Hilton Riverside was not uncomfortable at all.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Did I post pics of the view from our room? Here is a daytime and one at night with the moon. iPhone pics not great. But you get the idea. We had a river view. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ihQmM0O_96k/Urs6vU4aJiI/AAAAAAAAAo0/OMljJR7dDzE/s640/blogger-image-1693576582.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ihQmM0O_96k/Urs6vU4aJiI/AAAAAAAAAo0/OMljJR7dDzE/s640/blogger-image-1693576582.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u4-zWL-9I4I/Urs616YcspI/AAAAAAAAApM/EWhKYEy-pnI/s640/blogger-image--11679311.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u4-zWL-9I4I/Urs616YcspI/AAAAAAAAApM/EWhKYEy-pnI/s640/blogger-image--11679311.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Vonaviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09013328893629657678noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37159465.post-3324090465218853302013-12-24T20:47:00.001-06:002013-12-24T20:48:50.212-06:00Cajun Mike's3 awesome poboys, 2 sides and 5 cocktails, $63 including tip. Another successful Yelp! find. Local dive bar delivered!<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-UCUE9jkXNrk/UrpHQcrtBPI/AAAAAAAAAoU/BFYOyvKhtww/s640/blogger-image-922331322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-UCUE9jkXNrk/UrpHQcrtBPI/AAAAAAAAAoU/BFYOyvKhtww/s640/blogger-image-922331322.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Vonaviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09013328893629657678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37159465.post-8865503456235354112013-12-24T18:04:00.001-06:002013-12-24T18:04:46.887-06:00My NOLA tips1. Bring lots of cash in small bills for street cars, tipping and places that only take cash like Cafe du Monde. <div><br></div><div>2. Try Cafe du Monde if you must, but don't fret if you don't get there. And certainly don't stand in a long line to go there. </div><div><br></div><div>3. Comfy walking shoes are a must. </div><div><br></div><div>4. In cooler weather dress in layers. A wind breaker type jacket with hood over a sweater and shirt is going to keep you warmer than a wool or leather coat in the wind. </div><div><br></div><div>5. Do the New Orleans School of Cooking. It's fantastic!</div><div><br></div><div>6. Get to Jackson Square early one morning before the crowds. Especially if you think you want to stop in at Cafe du Monde. </div><div><br></div><div>7. All museums are closed on Mondays.</div><div><br></div><div>8. Free Tours by Foot is a good no pressure name your own price option. Our tour was very informative. </div><div><br></div><div>9. Most restaurants that say casual but take reservations will have most people dressed up anyway.</div><div><br></div><div>10. $100/day for two is doable. $200/day person would give you more options. If you like your cocktails maybe more. We dropped $20 for one round of drinks at Pat O's. </div><div><br></div><div>11. Afternoon naps are your friend. </div><div><br></div><div>12. If you can afford it, stay in the French Quarter. But there are lots of places on the Central Business District that work as well. </div><div><br></div><div>That's it for now. If I think of more later I'll add to it. </div>Vonaviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09013328893629657678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37159465.post-83320700781233397692013-12-24T16:16:00.001-06:002013-12-24T16:16:27.945-06:00More street cars, Garden District, Cemetary<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Took three different street cars to get over to the Garden District. </span></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-202HEl7Xk8w/UroHrpp4G0I/AAAAAAAAAn0/TEaPwcixUaI/s640/blogger-image--816011366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-202HEl7Xk8w/UroHrpp4G0I/AAAAAAAAAn0/TEaPwcixUaI/s640/blogger-image--816011366.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Below is the St Charles St car. This is the line that goes to the Garden District.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-vD5sSXpKC9g/UroHpuiwcbI/AAAAAAAAAnk/bq4Wc4uObpU/s640/blogger-image--1683880881.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-vD5sSXpKC9g/UroHpuiwcbI/AAAAAAAAAnk/bq4Wc4uObpU/s640/blogger-image--1683880881.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We got off on Jackson and walked to Washington and turned left. We took a few pictures of homes and the tree lined streets. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-7qvSUJ9j0sQ/UroHoyr-9mI/AAAAAAAAAnc/RhhMJyGvk3o/s640/blogger-image-995376478.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-7qvSUJ9j0sQ/UroHoyr-9mI/AAAAAAAAAnc/RhhMJyGvk3o/s640/blogger-image-995376478.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-0jfUkZI2WjA/UroHL5GQJ3I/AAAAAAAAAm0/_-u3PMLYUJY/s640/blogger-image-1101330489.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-0jfUkZI2WjA/UroHL5GQJ3I/AAAAAAAAAm0/_-u3PMLYUJY/s640/blogger-image-1101330489.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Wel7XcKKvwM/UroHQ3UaYLI/AAAAAAAAAnU/cfpNkvU0Y-8/s640/blogger-image-1710753480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Wel7XcKKvwM/UroHQ3UaYLI/AAAAAAAAAnU/cfpNkvU0Y-8/s640/blogger-image-1710753480.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HNWBlSgk2Ng/UroHsnPulUI/AAAAAAAAAn8/g3ZNCsumvg4/s640/blogger-image-1747749582.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HNWBlSgk2Ng/UroHsnPulUI/AAAAAAAAAn8/g3ZNCsumvg4/s640/blogger-image-1747749582.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After we turned left on Washington, we walked down to the Cemetary and wondered around a bit. We had learned a little about how the graves in the area work. The graves are all above ground due to the high water table. We also over-heard a few details from on going tours in the Cemetary. It was interesting to hear how they worked.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R-6VwZDDNFI/UroHqu1y9mI/AAAAAAAAAno/hbTEeTORxlE/s640/blogger-image-1177904300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R-6VwZDDNFI/UroHqu1y9mI/AAAAAAAAAno/hbTEeTORxlE/s640/blogger-image-1177904300.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l4zOfKgFkLw/UroHOJNUKKI/AAAAAAAAAm8/knYXm_c9-aw/s640/blogger-image-2005710989.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l4zOfKgFkLw/UroHOJNUKKI/AAAAAAAAAm8/knYXm_c9-aw/s640/blogger-image-2005710989.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-N8Rd4dXtMdA/UroHPFGH0QI/AAAAAAAAAnE/WgNJrmcA7qg/s640/blogger-image--452865173.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-N8Rd4dXtMdA/UroHPFGH0QI/AAAAAAAAAnE/WgNJrmcA7qg/s640/blogger-image--452865173.jpg"></a></div><br></div>After we left the Cemetary we came across a few trees with no bark. At first we thought it was a dead tree. But since there were several of them and it is winter we aren't sure. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ag_Ws2JDgXk/UroHuO4mp3I/AAAAAAAAAoE/HoI5J4RM29I/s640/blogger-image--1204367242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ag_Ws2JDgXk/UroHuO4mp3I/AAAAAAAAAoE/HoI5J4RM29I/s640/blogger-image--1204367242.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-H74LuuAMGIM/UroHP1gOD5I/AAAAAAAAAnM/y9gvuhmT2Go/s640/blogger-image--1618164496.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-H74LuuAMGIM/UroHP1gOD5I/AAAAAAAAAnM/y9gvuhmT2Go/s640/blogger-image--1618164496.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Now we are in our room resting again. We will head out later to find some dinner and see what else we can get into on our last night. </div><br></div><br></div>Vonaviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09013328893629657678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37159465.post-37444640382304915442013-12-24T13:41:00.001-06:002013-12-24T13:41:06.538-06:00Ferry to Algiers and French MarketAfter breakfast we headed back to Canal St and got a day pass for the street cars (and buses) and rode done to the ferry. We rode the Ferry over to Algiers Point and took some pictures looking back toward New Orleans. <div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3-7bOCDbecQ/Urni_VOCvII/AAAAAAAAAmM/RtpzjP-mzes/s640/blogger-image--1682427550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3-7bOCDbecQ/Urni_VOCvII/AAAAAAAAAmM/RtpzjP-mzes/s640/blogger-image--1682427550.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-RjYkz9DqfDQ/Urni8qjF4pI/AAAAAAAAAl8/TVhzEkRsMrY/s640/blogger-image-1419480955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-RjYkz9DqfDQ/Urni8qjF4pI/AAAAAAAAAl8/TVhzEkRsMrY/s640/blogger-image-1419480955.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-uioR2FvSHpA/Urni5PqQ9xI/AAAAAAAAAls/WLU_r_iC_iM/s640/blogger-image--1450597202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-uioR2FvSHpA/Urni5PqQ9xI/AAAAAAAAAls/WLU_r_iC_iM/s640/blogger-image--1450597202.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wHkSAALorwQ/Urni4a7z84I/AAAAAAAAAlg/uIYBFIaNHEU/s640/blogger-image--1516656675.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wHkSAALorwQ/Urni4a7z84I/AAAAAAAAAlg/uIYBFIaNHEU/s640/blogger-image--1516656675.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We saw the Algiers Courthouse.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Cw2Bj2PXD_k/Urni9siRgmI/AAAAAAAAAmE/sWeBFMsZ0X8/s640/blogger-image--2017226406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Cw2Bj2PXD_k/Urni9siRgmI/AAAAAAAAAmE/sWeBFMsZ0X8/s640/blogger-image--2017226406.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Back by the ferry we saw this statue of the late Louis Armstrong. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Y6CqfjpIPEk/Urni7srtK6I/AAAAAAAAAl0/8zmEilW31_w/s640/blogger-image-1008446666.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Y6CqfjpIPEk/Urni7srtK6I/AAAAAAAAAl0/8zmEilW31_w/s640/blogger-image-1008446666.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And then headed back on the ferry. We saw these pelicans along the way. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oqzF8WJ7rpo/UrnjDNANiCI/AAAAAAAAAmU/mB0Vu4ZvNBc/s640/blogger-image-2008865809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oqzF8WJ7rpo/UrnjDNANiCI/AAAAAAAAAmU/mB0Vu4ZvNBc/s640/blogger-image-2008865809.jpg"></a></div><br></div>We rode the Riverside streetcar down to the French Market and browsed around a little. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-tXuT2Ts_S8w/UrnjT4QI5oI/AAAAAAAAAmk/dTUsVAk4DiI/s640/blogger-image-1814290196.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-tXuT2Ts_S8w/UrnjT4QI5oI/AAAAAAAAAmk/dTUsVAk4DiI/s640/blogger-image-1814290196.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">While we were there we grabbed a couple snacks. I chose apple beneigts. There were four but I initially forgot to take a pic. These were better than cafe du Monde of you ask me. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-54rfDxTBjws/Urni3eOVxGI/AAAAAAAAAlc/lKZ_fr-0H-k/s640/blogger-image-596246911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-54rfDxTBjws/Urni3eOVxGI/AAAAAAAAAlc/lKZ_fr-0H-k/s640/blogger-image-596246911.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Rob chose Gator bites. I tried them. They were pretty good. He said there were some chewy spots. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jO91vggYEKU/UrnjMb0YBHI/AAAAAAAAAmc/yY12S24yjwU/s640/blogger-image-1751538508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jO91vggYEKU/UrnjMb0YBHI/AAAAAAAAAmc/yY12S24yjwU/s640/blogger-image-1751538508.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div>Now we are back on the Riverfront streetcar headed back toward Canal where we will catch the one going up to St Charles and transfer to go to the Garden District. </div><br></div><br></div>Vonaviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09013328893629657678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37159465.post-8804923891988072932013-12-24T10:37:00.001-06:002013-12-24T10:37:27.518-06:00Ruby Slipper CafeWe got a much later start this morning. After 9am or so. Had breakfast at the Rubby Slipper Cafe. Would definitely go back. The mimosa was average. The coffee is a good strong coffee with no bitterness. Yum!<div><br></div><div>Rob had the Blackston:</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-PeXxHUp434Y/Urm4Ra0hGXI/AAAAAAAAAlM/qc44I-z3rvo/s640/blogger-image-1337072346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-PeXxHUp434Y/Urm4Ra0hGXI/AAAAAAAAAlM/qc44I-z3rvo/s640/blogger-image-1337072346.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>I chose the Lousianan Omlette it was huge! And loaded with fresh shrimp as cheese. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wzis9OPy5Ks/Urm4Qz2drPI/AAAAAAAAAlE/GVfwb6dRk6I/s640/blogger-image--775996700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wzis9OPy5Ks/Urm4Qz2drPI/AAAAAAAAAlE/GVfwb6dRk6I/s640/blogger-image--775996700.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Vonaviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09013328893629657678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37159465.post-90022165792978244912013-12-24T01:01:00.001-06:002013-12-24T01:01:40.363-06:00Rest and then Bourbon StAfter cooking school we headed back to the hotel and napped. We got back to the room just before and rested until almost 8:30 or so. <div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-zec2hvEynQM/UrkxT6rhknI/AAAAAAAAAks/9eOK9EHJbqI/s640/blogger-image--1789566496.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-zec2hvEynQM/UrkxT6rhknI/AAAAAAAAAks/9eOK9EHJbqI/s640/blogger-image--1789566496.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The view from our room this afternoon. Ironically the cruise ship in the river was the Carnival Elation. The ship we were on 13 years ago.</div></div><div><br></div><div>After nap time we headed out to Bourbon St. It was pretty tame. We walked down to Pat O'Briens. I had a hurricane and Rob had a Guiness. We made our way to the piano bar and had fun listening to several songs be murdered. The 10 o'clock crew was much better. We stuck around until our brings were gone then slowly headed back to our hotel. We made a brief stop off at Hotel Monteleone to see the carousel bar.<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Ig5dWRbwOBk/UrkxURsrK1I/AAAAAAAAAk0/87PB3LjbpCM/s640/blogger-image--1455055780.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Ig5dWRbwOBk/UrkxURsrK1I/AAAAAAAAAk0/87PB3LjbpCM/s640/blogger-image--1455055780.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Bourbon St</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-fSFwKyJeDJ8/UrkxRr_5NjI/AAAAAAAAAkU/MWdjPXuIedw/s640/blogger-image-226519836.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-fSFwKyJeDJ8/UrkxRr_5NjI/AAAAAAAAAkU/MWdjPXuIedw/s640/blogger-image-226519836.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Hurricane</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-FdUL5udIcyY/UrkxTPpoqLI/AAAAAAAAAkk/RnkY1FJgO6M/s640/blogger-image--438404828.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-FdUL5udIcyY/UrkxTPpoqLI/AAAAAAAAAkk/RnkY1FJgO6M/s640/blogger-image--438404828.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Piano guy named Joel. He was one of the good ones. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-nowR3Q_B3NU/UrkxSd2mmNI/AAAAAAAAAkY/qNK3tVQ9f1s/s640/blogger-image--1870793351.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-nowR3Q_B3NU/UrkxSd2mmNI/AAAAAAAAAkY/qNK3tVQ9f1s/s640/blogger-image--1870793351.jpg"></a></div><br></div>She had a great voice and seemed quite talented to me on the piano. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">That's is for December 23, we are up to date. Now I'll get some sleep and we will see what adventures tomorrow holds. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div></div></div>Vonaviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09013328893629657678noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37159465.post-12023911194063554322013-12-24T00:23:00.001-06:002013-12-24T00:23:44.808-06:00A little snack and warmupAfter the tour we walked around the square and looked at local artists work. <div><br></div><div>These boys has aluminum cans on the bottom of their shoes and they were doing a sort of tap or clog type thing.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-96JvqUbNYXo/UrkoakiCJTI/AAAAAAAAAj0/lrNkKjbgL8o/s640/blogger-image-1461904963.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-96JvqUbNYXo/UrkoakiCJTI/AAAAAAAAAj0/lrNkKjbgL8o/s640/blogger-image-1461904963.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Still very cold and having not had any food besides beneigts we decided to duck into an oyster sports bar place and get a beer and some appetizers to hold us over until cooking school time. </div><div><br></div><div>Rob had the bacon wrapped oysters. They were lightly fried and smothered with a crawfish sauce that Rob raved about. I had a tase and although I don't usually go for oysters it was pretty good. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-xm5pUEpqKbk/Urkob_jYzbI/AAAAAAAAAkA/dTIkGyLli5A/s640/blogger-image-1825738285.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-xm5pUEpqKbk/Urkob_jYzbI/AAAAAAAAAkA/dTIkGyLli5A/s640/blogger-image-1825738285.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I had a southern egg roll thing. It was good but I felt it was similar to a Chili's dish. Not super special. But sufficient. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-6gftNs2AnaU/UrkoZvTGgnI/AAAAAAAAAjs/ZfTs-rALs4g/s640/blogger-image-1271806524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-6gftNs2AnaU/UrkoZvTGgnI/AAAAAAAAAjs/ZfTs-rALs4g/s640/blogger-image-1271806524.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">When we finished up here we did a little more window shopping while we killed time waiting for cooking school. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This next feature of our trip is a highlight for sure! New Orleans School of Cooking on St Louis St. This is a must do if you've never been! Our class was a demonstration of how to make Gumbo, Jambalaya, and Pralines. Our instructor was Big Kevin and he was perfect. Funny and informative.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6hiDIevYLP4/UrkobTd4NEI/AAAAAAAAAj8/0FwdmCGSYP8/s640/blogger-image-646091885.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6hiDIevYLP4/UrkobTd4NEI/AAAAAAAAAj8/0FwdmCGSYP8/s640/blogger-image-646091885.jpg"></a></div><br></div>After class we picked up a few spices in their shop so that we can attempt to replicate these dishes at home. Oh and a box of Pralines. My new drug of choice. They are sitting on the bedside table calling my name now!</div>Vonaviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09013328893629657678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37159465.post-41471735556807539832013-12-24T00:05:00.001-06:002013-12-24T00:05:39.266-06:00Early morning at Jackson SquareIt was nice to get to the square early. Probably about 8am. We were able to get some pics without a ton of people around. <div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-DFDnOQn5Eqs/Urkjz_cAy9I/AAAAAAAAAi4/n5BiwE_kmKQ/s640/blogger-image--421620664.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-DFDnOQn5Eqs/Urkjz_cAy9I/AAAAAAAAAi4/n5BiwE_kmKQ/s640/blogger-image--421620664.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After our little breakfast we had another hour before our tour. So we browsed the area a little. Went into an antique shop that had some amazing things that were way out of my price range.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After the little window shopping we headed over to meet our group for a "Free Tours by Foot" tour of the French Quarter. Our guide was Joanne. She was originally from Australia but has lived in New Orleans for several years now. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-qISTfUKPw7c/UrkkLtGFVLI/AAAAAAAAAjY/XGtVrHAB6Jc/s640/blogger-image--19325947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-qISTfUKPw7c/UrkkLtGFVLI/AAAAAAAAAjY/XGtVrHAB6Jc/s640/blogger-image--19325947.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It was very cold and windy. Poor thing was chattering as she talked. But she was a trooper. She new her history of New Orleans and the Louisiana purchase and more. The tour included a good variety from history to architecture and recommendations.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I would recommend Free Tours by Foot for sure. There was no pressure with regard to tipping or an amount. She was very discreet about taking money at the end and not paying attention to the amount. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Let see what I can remember about some of these photos. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Z9iPpSycAVc/UrkjwEBwtaI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/Yt-py1cQEZo/s640/blogger-image-1818049950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Z9iPpSycAVc/UrkjwEBwtaI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/Yt-py1cQEZo/s640/blogger-image-1818049950.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">There was a long story about the lady that had this building and the one similar on the other side of Jackson Square. She inherited money from her father who was Spanish. She married a French guy. Something something something anyway. The scroll work on the wrought iron was really cool and included her maiden and married name initials.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-IldBtXxvLw0/UrkkMVDjBAI/AAAAAAAAAjg/7FcczcdmYAg/s640/blogger-image--1084835164.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-IldBtXxvLw0/UrkkMVDjBAI/AAAAAAAAAjg/7FcczcdmYAg/s640/blogger-image--1084835164.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I think the is the Napoleon House. Napoleon never lived here. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2hrYtaX_n8g/Urkjya1otWI/AAAAAAAAAio/ZrJ5Q-inYq4/s640/blogger-image--640435055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2hrYtaX_n8g/Urkjya1otWI/AAAAAAAAAio/ZrJ5Q-inYq4/s640/blogger-image--640435055.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Don't know what exactly we are all looking at. But here you can see some of our tour group or at least the backs if their heads. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-9iUW2XdOQLo/UrkjwzEj2UI/AAAAAAAAAiY/8fkR0TNwWqA/s640/blogger-image-1425150363.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-9iUW2XdOQLo/UrkjwzEj2UI/AAAAAAAAAiY/8fkR0TNwWqA/s640/blogger-image-1425150363.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Louisiana Supreme Court building. Has been in several movies, including The Pelican Brief. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Rgu0wvFd-v4/UrkkB_tTS8I/AAAAAAAAAjI/TWyxeToKnJ4/s640/blogger-image--890527398.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Rgu0wvFd-v4/UrkkB_tTS8I/AAAAAAAAAjI/TWyxeToKnJ4/s640/blogger-image--890527398.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div>The yellow building was the home of someone. Perhaps Tennessee Williams (I know we saw one of his homes). The person died from yellow fever. She talked about Yellow fever and it's impact on the area. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-8v9d--0kdqA/UrkjzHfw10I/AAAAAAAAAiw/HvgnDsQRIZs/s640/blogger-image-1170609994.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-8v9d--0kdqA/UrkjzHfw10I/AAAAAAAAAiw/HvgnDsQRIZs/s640/blogger-image-1170609994.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Pretty sure this was on Royal St. Some locals setting up to play music. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-YgTM75QVX3I/UrkkJnXUTNI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/UYiSuU7_deU/s640/blogger-image--994758872.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-YgTM75QVX3I/UrkkJnXUTNI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/UYiSuU7_deU/s640/blogger-image--994758872.jpg"></a></div><br></div>?? More French Quarter</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-JNIJOsZjyTY/UrkjuE4u85I/AAAAAAAAAiA/nmBge7OffIw/s640/blogger-image-882277396.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-JNIJOsZjyTY/UrkjuE4u85I/AAAAAAAAAiA/nmBge7OffIw/s640/blogger-image-882277396.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Pat O'Briens on Burboun St. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-skbFE0nSw34/Urkj8HwIslI/AAAAAAAAAjA/ldVIgG6wQjI/s640/blogger-image--2122460745.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-skbFE0nSw34/Urkj8HwIslI/AAAAAAAAAjA/ldVIgG6wQjI/s640/blogger-image--2122460745.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">??</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-1RtR3QI-0Tc/UrkjxebpsJI/AAAAAAAAAig/HWDsqg91nuA/s640/blogger-image-2059300497.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-1RtR3QI-0Tc/UrkjxebpsJI/AAAAAAAAAig/HWDsqg91nuA/s640/blogger-image-2059300497.jpg"></a></div><br></div>The gallery of a famous local artist. Not open because he recently passed away losing a battle with cancer. There several slower arrangements in the window. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BbFeYxRqs4k/UrkjvLv54tI/AAAAAAAAAiI/UZI-3oJASBw/s640/blogger-image--1735566422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BbFeYxRqs4k/UrkjvLv54tI/AAAAAAAAAiI/UZI-3oJASBw/s640/blogger-image--1735566422.jpg"></a></div><br></div>This was in a residentional area of the FQ. I liked the ferns on the balcony. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">That about covers the pics I took during the tour. </div></div><br></div>Vonaviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09013328893629657678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37159465.post-3111997431445341502013-12-23T17:59:00.001-06:002013-12-23T17:59:18.529-06:00First full day starts with Cafe du MondeWe got some good sleep and got out and about by 7:30 or so. My original plan was to catch the riverside street car down to Jackson Square. But we hadn't come prepared with enough cash. We found our bank ATM in a hotel lobby of all places. Then zigzagged back thinking we catch the street car. Didn't know when it would come. Walked in some circles trying to figure out the whole street car thing. Finally decided to just walk it. Lesson learned. Just walk. Street cars are fun to ride and see things but not very easy to budget time with. <div><br></div><div>Anyway, we finally got here and there were plenty of tables. Sat down and had the usual beignets and cafe au lait. It was warm and filling. But been there done that now.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/--GXZPck-iNk/UrjOU77uiAI/AAAAAAAAAhw/P9uHRbgvS68/s640/blogger-image-1633356904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/--GXZPck-iNk/UrjOU77uiAI/AAAAAAAAAhw/P9uHRbgvS68/s640/blogger-image-1633356904.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Vonaviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09013328893629657678noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37159465.post-54937649768190617942013-12-23T17:31:00.001-06:002013-12-23T17:31:14.357-06:001st night, RAIN!!!After we got to our room and got things organized we rested a little bit. It was raining and looking at the weather appeared it would be for quite some time. Originally I thought we'd explore the French Quarter and Bourbon street a little. Didn't have any real set plans. We exited our hotel and I got on yelp to find something close that didn't require a reservation. Saw Mothers. I had heard of that so we headed over there. Rob ordered the seafood gumbo and I ordered the Ferdi special poboy. We each got a soda. I think the total was about $28. It was pretty good but I'm not racing back. <div><br></div><div>We decided we wanted some kind of dessert to go with our Mascato from Robert Mondavi Winery we had back at the room. Got on yelp again and ended up at a candy and ice cream place. I think called Mrs Apples. Picked out a few candies and headed back to the room. It started pouring! The bag our candies was in was disintegrating in my hands. I had to use both hands to strategically hold it together until we got to our room. The candies that we are that night were tasty. The chocolate covered strawberries were good with the wine we picked up on our Spring trip to Northern California.</div><div><br></div><div>I forgot, between Mothers and Apples we went into Harrahs Casino. It was dry and warm and had public relief stations. Typical Casino atmosphere with a New Orleans twist in the decor. </div><div><br></div><div>It didn't take us long to pass out. 2:30 am was early that morning and we were tired wet rats. </div><div><br></div><div>Here are a couple of pictures I took on our trolley ride down Canal Street coming from the train station to our hotel. We loved the architecture. The history here is so diverse. More on that later. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-gnWe5LMlDnE/UrjHwFRtg0I/AAAAAAAAAhg/JRyksRSmPa0/s640/blogger-image--1342190125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-gnWe5LMlDnE/UrjHwFRtg0I/AAAAAAAAAhg/JRyksRSmPa0/s640/blogger-image--1342190125.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-N3j-sWtuAiw/UrjHveP2cGI/AAAAAAAAAhY/gK1KSRbfbsk/s640/blogger-image-2042840611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-N3j-sWtuAiw/UrjHveP2cGI/AAAAAAAAAhY/gK1KSRbfbsk/s640/blogger-image-2042840611.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><div><div><br></div></div>Vonaviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09013328893629657678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37159465.post-22765192397000623082013-12-22T17:39:00.001-06:002013-12-22T17:39:48.615-06:00Arrive, 1st Street Car ExperienceWe got into NOLA station about 1 hr 15 mins late. We had checked bags and waited a bit for those. Enough time for each of the two of us to make a quick relief stop. After we got our bags we decided to take the street car to our hotel. We needed change. Waited at the desk for change (tried the gift shop lady was grouchy. No change.) Amtrak agent was friendly, helpful and gave change. The UPT street car was about 24 mins off schedule but that worked to our advantage. <div><br></div><div>It arrived. Driver was helpful to make sure we were headed in the correct direction. He changed the direction of the seats and we were off. For a moment. Then we got stuck. Had to return to go. Not sure what all happened but we were off after maybe 5 or so mins. </div><div><br></div><div>Now we are headed to our hotel, Hilton New Orleans Riverside. We will have about a block to walk from the street car. I bet I'll be wishing we didn't give the kids the rolling luggage. </div><div><br></div><div>Here a couple pics I snapped on arrival. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-eqzvCtCrjCg/Urd4OQJ9rdI/AAAAAAAAAhA/m35px0iCshE/s640/blogger-image--1031310673.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-eqzvCtCrjCg/Urd4OQJ9rdI/AAAAAAAAAhA/m35px0iCshE/s640/blogger-image--1031310673.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-pfQ3QtnEy-o/Urd4QGDCy4I/AAAAAAAAAhI/Sg2yt4yofYM/s640/blogger-image-355086132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-pfQ3QtnEy-o/Urd4QGDCy4I/AAAAAAAAAhI/Sg2yt4yofYM/s640/blogger-image-355086132.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div>Vonaviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09013328893629657678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37159465.post-62940958719628112952013-12-22T17:30:00.001-06:002013-12-24T21:48:21.552-06:00Louisiana BayouAs far as the eye can see! Going too fast to get a good pic. <div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-MEjVlKTv9E0/Urd2I5wxmxI/AAAAAAAAAg0/ITX66JHzi0M/s640/blogger-image--965357903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-MEjVlKTv9E0/Urd2I5wxmxI/AAAAAAAAAg0/ITX66JHzi0M/s640/blogger-image--965357903.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div>Vonaviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09013328893629657678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37159465.post-83413280801157327162013-12-22T13:10:00.001-06:002013-12-22T17:31:10.164-06:00Jackson and Hazelhurst, MS<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Well my attention is now on my NFL app since the Bronco game is in progress. We've had lunch and I was quite proud of my idea for disposable condiments. </span></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wnyaP4_uVLE/Urc5CRhGK0I/AAAAAAAAAgU/qx2K8MxxxSM/s640/blogger-image-421072272.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wnyaP4_uVLE/Urc5CRhGK0I/AAAAAAAAAgU/qx2K8MxxxSM/s640/blogger-image-421072272.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>I looked up long enough to see the Capitol building. You have to be paying attention or you'll miss it. I didn't get a pic. Went by to quickly. </div><div><br></div><div>Now stopped at Hazelhurst to exchange some passengers and then back on our way. </div>Vonaviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09013328893629657678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37159465.post-58350778861393422222013-12-22T11:13:00.001-06:002013-12-22T11:13:15.444-06:00Next stop is Yazoo City, MS<div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">We are still stuck behind a freight train and moving slower than planned. But we are making the best of it. Still much rather this than a long drive. </span></div><div><br></div><div>We have snacked and moved to the lounge car. Still mostly farmland with some swampland here and there. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-SFs03xNuDAE/Urcdpqob0QI/AAAAAAAAAgE/zykhvnFHamg/s640/blogger-image-21456588.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-SFs03xNuDAE/Urcdpqob0QI/AAAAAAAAAgE/zykhvnFHamg/s640/blogger-image-21456588.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Vonaviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09013328893629657678noreply@blogger.com0