New Orleans

I read about the place in books, seen it on TV, but still, I didn't know what to expect. I'm not sure if it was the company, but the moment I stepped onto Bourbon Street - you knew this place was something different. To be known as "The Big Easy" is one thing, but to have a street named after bourbon? These people must be really serious.

Seriously laid-back, is what they are. Being an Australian, it is hard to imagine anyone else friendlier, but the people here definitely are. And Bourbon Street parties like there is no tomorrow.

Aside from the alcohol-fueled shenanigan that is Bourbon Street, New Orleans (a.k.a. N.O.,LA; N'awlins) is also known for its jazz scene, arts, and seafood. Where else in the world can you stroll down the street and then jazz just happens? A block away and parallel to Bourbon Street, is Royal Street, which is littered with art galleries. And then the seafood. Half dozen of fresh oysters for $7; crawfish po-boy (my favourite), and more shrimp than you can get. Now I can say I tried gumbo, and jambalaya.

Having travelled around the last year has got me some what jaded - but NOLA renewed that enthusiasm, and reminded me how big and diverse the U.S. of A is. 2.5hour flight from New York, and what a different face! 

Oh, New Orleans... you're just like a drunken love.

Jazz on a street corner with dancers

Poetry to go on Frenchman Street

Spontaneous Jazz on Frenchman Street

Crawfish

Antique shop on Royal Street

Toy Soldiers, displayed at a Royal Street shopfront

Royal Street facade

Lucky Dogs - they don't taste bad either when one is drunk at 3am

Crawfish po-boy

Just another street in the French Quarter

Mississippi River

Bourbon Street at night

If you were wondering what a hand grenade is...

... these are the shots