Wandered the Big Easy : Day 1 Hotel, Street Cars, & Beniget’s

                    PhotoGrid_1425702140135 

  I arrived in the amazing city of New Orleans, and  I ventured first to check into my hotel. I ran into a bit of trouble trying to find a place to park. Parking is one thing I had not planned out in advance. You want to park in secured parking to prevent property loss (as I was instructed by many locals). I finally found a lot a few streets over from the Hotel. It had a paid security guard who told me even with my car being in a security patrolled lot, I had a risk of theft. So I chose to take all my belongings I could, into the Hotel. I finally arrived at the Hotel . I stayed at The Lafayette Hotel.

PhotoGrid_1425701636482

The Staff was so friendly when I checked in. They gave me maps, and instructed me the safe streets to walk down. They told me streets to avoid, and even gave me a strong reminder not to walk down any dark streets or alleys on my expedition. I felt this advice very helpful. They guided me toward things that would be of interest to me. I was very thankful for their hospitality. I checked into my room it was beautiful. Not modern but historic feeling. Cozy and comfortable.

The Lafayette is in the heart of it all, on the fashionable Saint Charles Avenue Streetcar Line overlooking Lafayette Square across from Gallier Hall. The Lafayette Hotel offers guests New Orleans style and charm. It is a  1916 historic landmark, from Old World architecture, French doors and wrought iron balconies to marble floors, polished mahogany and English botanical prints. The ambiance is luxury.  The Lafayette Hotel is located close to the Historical Arts and Warehouse Districts. Only a short stroll away from all major attractions, it is within 5 blocks of the French Quarter, Superdome, Riverfront, and the Convention Center.

     After a relaxing night sleep I decided to head out get some breakfast and do some sightseeing. Many people I ran into gave great tips for seeing the city. One local told about Cafe’ Du Monde.The Original French Market Coffee Stand Since 1862 where they serve delectable French Benigets smothered in toppings and powdered sugar.

PhotoGrid_1425704282115PhotoGrid_1425703788821PhotoGrid_1425703821439

After Breakfast I decided to head down some of the streets in the antique shop  district. On my way I was thrilled by all the street artist and performers. I came across this gentleman playing his guitar. I had to stop and just listen for while. I was amazed to realize that by stopping and taking in life all around you , how you truly begin to feel part of things. I learned from this artist, not to hide your talent, and you are never too old to do what your love. i don’t know his whole story, but his story is definitely still unfolding, because he has wandered into something he loves to do. That is what I encourage my readers to do. Find your passion. Then do it! Don’t find excuses. Find reasons why you can, and have to live your dreams.Where there is a will, there is a way.

 PhotoGrid_1425703137933

One of my favorite parts of visiting a few unique cities is their cute street car transportation system. They are icons for travelers that seem to scream a happy “Hello!” when with their charming bright colors and fun way to travel about. There is definitely an air of excitement in this city. It’s all about having fun here, and the Trolley is an innocent beginning to it all.

PhotoGrid_1425703217140New Orleans Streetcars are a great way to get out and explore New Orleans. The historic New Orleans streetcars travel throughout the Crescent City on four different lines: the St Charles Streetcar route, the Canal St Streetcar route, the Riverfront Streetcar route and the Loyola Avenue/Union Terminal loop. So climb aboard and take a trip into the past on a New Orleans streetcar. The streetcars running along Canal Street, the Riverfront and the Loyola loop (red) are more modern than those running along the St. Charles Avenue route (green) and they have more conveniences. The red streetcars are fully air-conditioned with wider doors that allow for handicap access. The street cars only accept cash or passes. For unlimited streetcar riding I recommend that you purchase a Jazzy Pass. For information on purchasing passes go to the New Orleans RTA website.

     just wander back over to the WanderologyGirl Blog to see the rest of this fun adventure. Hope you are thinking about your dreams now. Where would you like to wander? What are your dreams? Write them down today, and try to do 1 thing to bring you closer to making that dream a reality.

                                                  -Wanderology Girl