Day 2: New Orleans and Cajun Country

After the seemingly endless expanse of Florida, we passed on through Alabama to see the sights in the Big Easy. We managed to get a fantastic hotel spot right in the heart of the French Quarter (thanks, Priceline!), and after resting up, we took a stroll to Café du Monde to start the day right. If its 150 year history isn't enough of an indication, the café's coffee and beignets are legendary, and its open-patio coffee-stand feel just adds to that quintessential Nola character that we tourists just love to see. The only travesty was that Miss Bella was not allowed on the patio proper...she had to watch the powdered sugar fall from the sidelines, bless her heart.

Neither of us had been to New Orleans in quite some time, nor had we ever been particularly familiar, but the delightfully prominent sounds of live music and bountiful raw, Southern charms are simply irresistible! The alluring antique shops, art galleries and generally pleasing aesthetic, married with that curiously magnetic, gritty appeal that can only be found along tiny rues (like Bourbon), certainly made an impression! 

As to be expected, Nola certainly has a flair all her own---everyone was as friendly as could be, maybe even boldly so! No doubt, there's enough of that infamously crazy bit too: a man had no shame in asking Dani if he could buy our little hot dog in the street, but thankfully my considerate man declined the transaction (he knows better). The stranger eventually settled for some good old-fashioned pan-handling instead; declined again, sir. 

After walking around and embracing our inner-tourists, we attempted to ride the street car, but sadly, no pets allowed (define pet: I'd almost bet the lucky $20 we found that she doesn't qualify). Instead putting Bella in a canvas bag and rocking a floppy beach hat, we went ahead and drove over to the Garden District to feast our eyes on even more charm. The graceful courtyards and sweeping porches are pure majesty, big and small, and the Southern Belle in me just swooned the afternoon away. 

With all of the beauty came, LAWD, the heat! 

Nothing is as refreshing as a few adult beverages and The Rum House on Magazine had just what the doctor ordered, not to mention outstanding Caribbean food and sweet service!

In an attempt for Dani to truly be able to experience and define for himself "the South", we sought out the town of St. Francisville, home of multiple historical plantation homes. Very unfortunately, all gates were closed upon our arrival (except for a haunted one, pass), so we drove back down to Cajun country to have a traditional Southern meal with our dear friends, the Matte family. Alex, a childhood friend of mine who is like another sister to me; her husband, Curt; sister, Anna; and my precious, 2 year-old godson, Cohen, made our evening such a pleasant one! 

Filled with gumbo and getting sleepy, we got a room in Houston and recharged for our next stop, the "weird" city of Austin, Texas.