I gained 6 lbs in one week. 6 whole pounds. Travis had business in New Orleans, so I decided to tag along. The funny thing is, I don't even like seafood which is what New Orleans is famous for. AND, on top of all that, I even worked out at the hotel gym ...........(once!). What I can say is, the trip was worth every pound. At least it WAS. Now that my memory is fading, I'm not so sure. So here's a bunch of touristy posed pictures to show a few of our recent adventures.
The view outside of the Marriott (Convention Center). The other side was the riverwalk and the Mississippi River:
The good old Mississippi:
We'll throw in a little captain stance for the fam:
Shout Out:
Travis at Jackson Square:
Total Michael Scott right here:
We had fun riding the cute little street cars to check out the beautiful plantation style homes:
The first couple days were cold, but after that we enjoyed nearly 70 degree weather.
Along with shopping and touring, we also went to the Catholic church at St. Peter's Cathedral. It was pretty sweet, and even more memorable in such an old and fascinating building. And then of course we had to nap and relax at the hotel. What's a kid free break without a little nap here and there?
We went on a swamp tour SO excited to spy some gators but unfortunately they were all hiding.
It was still pretty cool though.
It was hard to believe so many people live just like this:
I got so excited when we finally spotted something new and exotic, I quickly told Travis to take a picture. He looked at me like I was nuts and said, "You mean the same bird we have all over the golf course in Richfield?" I made him take a picture anyway dang it.
Our tour guide came prepared with a spare gator:
This is Bourbon street. It was cool to see the jazz bands playing on every corner. The streets were COVERED with people dancing, shopping and drinking. I was amazed when cars would even make an attempt at driving down Bourbon Street.
Lots of good jazz music everywhere.
But even better than that was the best carmel apples I've ever had in my life, right across from our hotel.
One of the days that Travis was in meetings, I went touring with a couple of guys from Trav's weatherization crew. I thought it was hilarious!
The best part was the above ground cemetery tour. Underground burial is discouraged because of the water tables. I found it absolutely fascinating. This was the 2nd oldest cemetery in the city. It was incredible to see. Every tomb has several bodies in it. Several families actually. Pretty crazy that it's still what they use today.
Half of the tombs in this particular cemetery were just completely falling apart.
It was also cool to see all the places I remembered from the news reports from Hurricane Katrina. Places like the Superdome.
Check out all beads from past Mardi Gras on this tree on St. Charles street:
Rams and Dale:
Why not throw in a close up to end the tour?
Trav and I had a contest to see who would jump into the freezing cold water at the hotel first. At first Travis was a huge wuss, but as I was about to take the dive, he cannonballed in and soaked me.
More sweet ships in the fog.
Oh so yummy beignets at the Cafe Du Monde:
I'm dreaming of them even as I type this.
Seth Lundgreen also toured the city with us. The cemeteries are just too cool to pass up.
Inside one of the tombs. That's where they get the term, "I got the shaft". At the back of these slots is the shaft where they push the decomposed bodies in order to make room for more.
City Park touring. This place was awesome. It was beautiful, and had a TON of sculptures.
We also took a tour of the Lower 9th Ward. It was super crazy to see the abandoned destruction that still hasn't been touched 6 years after Katrina. There was just so much of it. I even saw 2 boats stuck on random roofs. I was shocked.
Cute little street car:
The tour took us past houses owned by Sandra Bullock, Brad and Angelina, the Mannings, and numerous movie locations that I recognized, but my pictures all turned out to look something like this. Woops. I know, I know, I definitely need to learn a few photography tips!
That blessed carmel apple store. Also the main enemy of my scale.
For some reason, this picture cracks me up. Poor Rams!
The end! We loved New Orleans, but were so happy to go home and hug our girls. Thank you Mom and Dad for being so completely AWESOME.
2 comments:
Looks like FUN! It was fun to have the girls at church while you were gone. And you do know that there are Rocky Mountain Chocolate stores ALL OVER SALT LAKE?! You just have to stop living in the boonies! And I'm glad my husband is not the only one who likes to pose for pictures while straddling long protruding structures of any kind...
Robyn, looks like your trip was awesome. I love visiting new places and recognizing things from TV and movies. You are so funny that you went touring with Travis' coworkers, they looked like they were bunches of fun! ;-) I was going to tell you about Rocky Mtn Chocolate in Utah, too, but Kristen beat me to it...hope you can get some when you're not in the "boonies" as Kristen says!
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