Sights in New Orleans

New Orleans
Can you imagine all this before Hurricane Katrina? Picture how beautiful it must be now!

The tours on boats to see the sights. There are even tours you can take in the swamps and get in touch with real nature ..maybe even an alligator or two . Or, you can sit by the water and watch them go by and enjoy the calm waters.

There is live entertainment all around. You can have your fortune told by numerous people sitting along the streets. You can watch the bands play on the street. I don't know what it is, but even if you do not like jazz, it seems very fitting with the entire atmosphere. Head on over to Cafe Du Monde for coffee. They even have those little French donuts to go wild for! But, watch out! That white powder will coat your clothing. :) Believe me-they're worth it.

The center of the French Quarter! There is much to see and many ways to relax. There is also shopping to satisfy any gift givers needs or memoirs of your trip.
Moving on into the evening. the energy picks up. There are tours into the mausoleums and cemeteries. After you have scared yourself silly, clean up at the hotel. Time for the experience you will love to forget on bourbon street! They have a huge I mean HUGE drink called the Hurricane! You can get it in Slushy form ;) hehe No foolin! Most people start off buying this drink. The night moves on, and you are enjoying the entertainment on the street as well as in the clubs. There is literally, something for everyone musically. You can dance on the street and catch some beads from someone above. You can be free and no one cares because they are doing the same thing you are! Take a walk by the river again before you head back to your hotel. It somehow sobers you a little. Then, try and find some breakfast as well. :) Sleep until noon or 3pm. It doesn't matter. The same thing awaits you the next day! And more...For families, there is usually a parade going on too! There are tours to accommodate any group.

Union Square, NYC

OH yeah! Union Square! As you can see my current theme lately is black and white photos and New York. I have an obsession I'm in love with New York and the camera is my best friend hehe
Well, here we have Union Square. Literally, thousands of people set foot on this square everyday. Whether coming off the train, or stopping by to eat lunch. There a restaurant, a park for kids gated, and a closed in doggy day care/park where u can watch them play. There are benches and steps to sit on. I know you think with all those people, how can it be relaxing.? Well, it is only loud when there is a big protest or a movie being filmed. Half the time, they shoot the movie or video quietly and you're sitting there too amazed and intrigued to speak. I was interviewed by Fox News once, but did not watch the 11pm news to see myself. I was hanging out at coffee shops on Astor Place and Coopers Union down by 8th street. I also liked that 14th St (union square) was a good meeting point for my friends and I. Most of the trains meet right there,so we could plan to be at Union Square by a certain time and then go where we wanted. This is also one of the hottest spots in Manhattan history. Check it out sometime!

Cafe's In New Orleans

I Love the cafe's and restaurants in New Orleans. You can walk down any street and find a tiny door to a restaurant or cafe. Now, there are lots of places that are wide open and even some that have no doors. But, these hidden outdoor cafe's and restaurants are like finding a treasure on a map with no X to mark the spot. You can sit peacefully and read or actually hear a conversation you're having with someone. The view is spectacular. Fresh varieties of plants to view..this being the closest to nature that some can handle. The birds actually sit on the table with you if you don't move too quickly. Ok, I thought it was cool anyway hehe In these cafe's you see a lot of locals coming in. This would be until tourists discover the places and overrun them. The locals seek another hangout. I prefer the places I won't be bothered too much when on vacation. Especially, in the morning. I am not a nice person in the mornings hehe *Maybe having a hangover in New Orleans too*hehehe
On top of it all, you can find excellent food at a low or decent price. The first evening meal I have is most special. I get off the plane, ck in my hotel on the French Quarter, and go eat at the Gumbo Shop! I pick a spicy meal and a glass of wine to accentuate the taste. Remembering there may be some drinking later, I make sure I eat the mini loaf of bread they give me too. I found a restaurant like this in Manhattan. It was awesome! Everywhere I go, I look for these little hideaways first. Did I mention the food is great?!! Gumbo Shrimp! Bubba wasn't kidding! hehe And the coffee is strong! Bourbon street is another story hehe Will wait for another time. :)

Bethesda

In case you are wondering-Why would she post a black and white photo? I took this photo and the previous one using black and white film with an advantix camera by canon. It is of Bethesda Fountain . Located in Central Park! This is my inspirational place. I first saw it when I visited a friend. Then, I was watching "Angels in America" an HBO mini movie series. At the end of this movie, the actors including my favorite actress -Meryl Streep, do a short history about the angel Bethesda. You should check it out! Anyway, when I moved to New York, I had to go see my fountain again, and visited everyday and then as often as I could. I would sit and read or write, talk to my fam. or friends on the phone, occasionally share my place with someone, etc . I really miss being there now. I hope to return someday again.
1. Please, if someone can find the history of Bethesda-post it here! My many thanks and virtual hugs in return. lol
2. If you know where I can find the Angels in America movies to buy-let me know where. Thank You