New Orleans

Nawlins (apparently that’s how it’s spelt) is a vibrant, fascinating and unique place. I spent three days in ‘the Big Easy’ and loved it. Most recently known for the devastation and death caused by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, it seems to me that the people and the city have bounced back amazingly.

Art

Anyone who has read my blog has probably noticed I love visiting art galleries. New Orleans has a great art gallery in the city park called the New Orleans Museum of Art. There is a also a large sculpture gallery attached. Here are a few of my favourite pieces.

The French Quarter & the Garden District

The French Quarter is the most popular place to visit in the city. It certainly feels like you could be in Paris, it has some beautiful architecture. There are lots of jazz bands playing on the various street corners, it’s a great place to hangout and watch the world go by.

The Garden District is in the west of the city and was built by new settlers who wanted to create a new English speaking area of the city. The homes are huge, antebellum style mansions, streets and streets of them, really interesting strolling around for an hour or so. It also houses the Lafayette cemetery. The fascinating tombs are all built overground because of the constant threat of flooding.

Martin Luther King Day Parade

Every third Monday in January marks the annual MLK day. I was lucky enough to be in New Orleans for it, and they mark the occasion with a huge parade – and by huge I mean over 90 minutes of parade! Mainly consisting of marching bands and dancers, it was fantastic to watch.