New Orleans Day 2: Dirty Rice, Art, & all that Jazz

The morning finally arrived and I  headed out to wander  down the streets. I could see the alleys bustling with  pedestrians, and the streets were filling with tourist and locals. Off in the distance, the French Quarter was  slowly awakening into an outside artist market. The atmosphere so alive, so thrilling.

It was simply stunning.

I stood there enjoying the street musicians for quite some time, watching the many artist set up easels and paint their hearts out.I start feeling  some soul, wishing I had some rhythm to match it, but since I can’t dance, (I may get some rhythm in another life), I just watch as other tourist gather around the corner in front of me, smiling at the enchanting  sound of smooth jazz music flowing out of the trumpets nearby.

I could not have been happier. As I continued down the cobblestone streets I came upon such beautiful homes nestled between colorful shops. They were a mix of Key West Caribbean and French architecture.From the Cast Iron balconies to beautiful pastel shudders. I have never been to Paris, (That is my ultimate travel dream), but this place is a mini France in a lot of ways. I have to to start my travels somewhere, and The French Quarter seems a perfect inspiration to me.

I continued down the block and that’s when I was entranced by one of the most beautiful and spectacular sites  I’ve seen so far . I remember saying to myself, “Amazing”, over and over again, completely fascinated by the architecture and royal grandeur of this place. I had entered into a fairy tale setting surrounded by magical gates. The St. Louis Cathedral is one of New Orleans’ most notable

landmarks. This gorgeous building, its triple steeples towering above, looks down benignly on the green of the Square and General Andrew Jackson on his bronze horse and on the block-long buildings with their lacy ironwork galleries. Truly, this is the heart of old New Orleans.

Of course, I then saw the  sweeping towers grace the sky on the  rooftop,  it reminded me that I should probably work a little harder on my Camera fund. As I mentioned before, (I’m saving up for a fancy, smancy , camera) for now my cell phone pics will have to do. Be patient folks, As I reach my goals and dreams the pictures will improve. I’m living my dream, what dream are you working on dear reader? I finally walked through the regal doors of the cathedral.

The Cathedral is said to be haunted by Fr. Antonio de Sedella, more commonly known as Père Antoine. He was a priest at the Cathedral and his body is buried within the church. He is said to walk the alley named after him next to the Cathedral in the early mornings.

Accounts of his apparitions by parishioners and tourists claim that he appears during Christmas Midnight Mass near the left side of the altar, holding a candle.

Another haunting is said to take place in the Cathedral by Pere Dagobert, a monk who resided in the church. It is said that his voice can be heard chanting the Kyrie on rainy days.

After touring the church  I just wandered Jackson Square for a while, a long while, focused on the creative experience I was having here.I was just soaking it all in.

I could  see the store fronts, the bicyclists, the musicians, the paintings pinned to boards, the flower shops, the long lines at the restaurants,  the food, did I mention the food? What I loved most was the ability to get to meet so many people. To make connection and memories.Just let yourself be curious when you travel. It will bring you great delight.     I stood there enjoying this artistic scene for quite some time, watching the different street artist paint, perform, and sell their precious treasures.

  Now it was time for some serious shopping. I went through so many store’s I can’t count them. But one of my favorite was a Praline shop. Oh was it a sweet place to visit. Lot’s of charming souvenirs but the most delectable surprise was the delicious Praline themselves. Yes! I did indulge and bought some to bring home.

    Now I was famished, with so many places to eat, it was difficult to decide. I certainly did not go wrong in my choice. I had Cajun fish with dirty rice. Hands down the best fish dinner I have ever eaten in my life! No kidding. Here is the link to this fabulous little Cajun joint. http://pereantoine.com/pages/home.html

    Heading back to my hotel, I stopped in after more shops. The alleys get quite dark, and as I mentioned in my last post, You don’t want to wander down these alleys alone. But their is such charm like an old Dickens tale with the lanterns lighting the cobblestone streets.

My day had been quite busy, and filled with all the thing’s that make wandering worth while. Where will you wander next?

                                                                     Wanderology Girl