Nawlins

OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG.

I'll start with the place we stayed, The Balcony Guest House. It is on Royal in Marigny district, a 15 minute stroll from the French Quarter and it's delights.

Marigny is as old as the as French Quarter, but has none of the 'crazyness'. It's mainly residential, with local shops and bars. Please, if ever anyone reading this has a chance to stay at this place, just go for it. It's amazing. The owner and the rest of the family, staff and locals are brilliant. You feel at home the moment you arrive. We had room 1 and this was the view from the wrap around balcony that gives the place it's name.

View looking away from city

View looking toward the French Quarter.

Balcony

Balcony

Did I mention the food? The best we've had on the road. A mix of Creole, Asian and Southern, every meal on the menu was wonderful. We didn't eat anywhere else, didn't need to, when you've got such a place under your room, why wander. And just a wee mention of Renee, who was such a great bar tender and hostess whilst we were there.

We'd been told on our way down, that NOLA was pretty similar to Memphis, or at least Bourbon Street was like Beale Street. WRONG! Where Beale was uncomfortable, Bourbon was like a pair of old slippers. We just slid right in there.

Bourbon is everything that Beale wasn't. Great music venues, excellent shops and bars and a vibe that you just have to experience.

Mind you, it was hot! Oh yes it was hot. There was a heat advisory whilst we were there, 98F, real feel 110F. Not great for long distance walking, but brilliant for bar hopping. Too hot? Just stop at this bar, have a cool down, walk a bit, stop again and repeat as required.

We did most of the pre-requisites, the French Market, Cafe Du Monde and of course the Old Absinthe House. Ah yes, the O.A.H. Recommended by several folk, thanks Blair et al, we started the day there on Friday. Let's just say that when you do Absinthe the N'Orleens way, it's like someone lit a rocket under yo ass!

Our bartender with the Absinthe smile

Need I say more

We rocked outta there and bounced the rest of the day from bar to bar, band to band, until we crashed the Cats Meow, NOLA famous karaoke bar. Of course we would wouldn't we!

We also took in some more music, having booked tickets to see The Cadillac Three play, supporting Jake Owen. (Who is mighty big in these here parts evidently) the band were brilliant again, we'd seen them on the SMC a couple of years ago and they really know how to rock that Southern way.

I could wax lyrical about New Orleans for ever, but it's enough to say that it is the highlight of the trip so far. An amazing city, an amazing culture and great great people. If ever you get the chance, just bloody go there.