Rewind: I Wish I Was In New Orleans.

In the next little while, I will be "rewinding" a bit to post about events which occurred in the past 6 months or so. Bear with me while I catch up!

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Rewind: Wedding in New Orleans, Louisiana

End of September 2011 

New Orleans. It's unlike any other city I've visited. If you've been to New Orleans Square at Disneyland, you might get a feel for what a corner of the city looks like. But New Orleans, for me, was a completely different experience.

Since Franco couldn't make the trip with me, I traveled with my parents to and from New Orleans. I love flying! If I can help it, I always choose a window seat. Something about looking out the window at the receding lights and buildings and tiny cars as we fly higher and higher...it's a great feeling to me. Almost magical. Then, landing in a new place to explore makes it even better.

 

The 5 things I Loved Most in New Orleans and lots of pictures of the architecture, alligators, and the fairytale wedding after the jump!

5 Things I Loved Most in New Orleans:


1. Our wonderful hosts, Oscar and Sandy. They were instant friends, the kind of people you feel like you've known all your life. So hospitable and friendly. Although from Mexican descent, they had that Southern drawl that was so endearing. And Sandy's cooking was wonderful! She was always in the kitchen cooking something amazing. I was a couple of months pregnant, though had decided to keep it a secret (really, really hard when your mother keeps asking why you're not eating enough...) and though there were some things I just could not stomach (fried chicken...ech) I ate pretty much everything Sandy made, like the shrimp omelettes below. Yuuum. Their cute little dog wasn't as annoying as I usually think small dogs are...

2. French Quarter Architecture. The damage that hurricane Katrina wreaked upon the city was apparent in some places, but in others, it was as if it had never happened. Don't you just love the brick? And the shutters? Talk about picturesque.

3. The touristy things. A trip to N' Awlins is not complete with a trip to the French Square and Market and restaurants. Horse-drawn carriages, street performers, and vendors selling everything imaginable covered the quaint streets. We didn't get a chance to try the famous Cafe du Monde beignets, but I could definitely smell those heavenly "french donuts" as we walked by!

And, of course, no trip is complete, either, without seeing the swamps and the gators. The swamp, I don't miss. Musty, damp, and full of crazy-looking bugs. The swamp tour in a flatboat was kind of cool. And we did get to see some leathery alligators! Even got to hold one. Though you can tell from my expression I would rather be holding a furry bunny...

4. The Wedding. After a couple of days of sight-seeing and living it up with family, on Sunday it was time for the wedding. It was held at one of the famous plantation houses in historic New Orleans and it was straight out of a fairy tale. Complete with a horse-drawn carriage, a brass band, and a beautiful reception hall. My uncle Alan and my new aunt Jasmine were resplendent! I love those little moments where gazes meet and when they hear the pronouncement, "I now pronounce you husband and wife." It's pretty magical to witness.

5. Sailing on the historic steamboat, Natchez. You've seen them in every animated show and movie set in New Orleans--the steamboats. My parents and I took a "cruise" on this steamboat which has been around for...well, I don't remember how long, but a long time. We got to see the engine room, and it really does only run on steam! It's incredible. But watch out--those black pipes sticking up there in the front? Yeah, they're loud. You really don't know how loud they are until you're standing right next to them when they decide to blow off some steam. Otherwise it was a pretty smooth cruise. Now I can say I've sailed on the Mighty Mississippi!

Hurricane Katrina's effects:

And what do you know? We bumped into the honeymooners on the Natchez! What a small world, ha.

I don't know if I'll ever get a chance to return to New Orleans, but it certainly will stay in my memory. Mostly because I got to spend time with my amazing family, which was the best part of all.