New Orleans Pt.2

  This is our second week in the Big Easy and we have explored the French Quarter quite thoroughly by now. After our first two trips into town we learned that we don't have to pay $25 to park every time. We drive over to the New Orleans Museum of Art and park for free then get on a street car for $1.25 or a pass to ride all day for $3.

We did visit the art museum on a rainy day which was last Sunday. We then took a ride to Magazine St. and found one of Guy Fieri's Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives that Doreen is fond of taking me to. This day it was Mahony's Po Boy Shop allegedly famous for their Po Boy.

This was definitely a dive. The place hasn't been cleaned since Mardi Gras 2010. I had the crawfish Po Boy while Doreen had an eggplant parm, sans the parm ( a lactose intolerance issue). I have to say I am not impressed with any New Orleans Po Boy. The bread is the best part on any that I have had. I do like the local brew though. I have been downing the Abita regularly. 

Monday we were back in the Quarter after our street car ride. There are three lines that are accessible including the Canal St. line. The street car ride is a must if you visit but don't rely on the posted schedule too much. I think they just use that as a guide! 

Our first stop was lunch. We accidentally stumbled onto the House of Blues so we ate there.

Then it was time to explore some more. Doreen wanted to take the ferry ride across the Big Muddy to the neighborhood of Algiers so that is what we did. 

                                      

The ride only takes a few minutes. 

There was nothing impressive about the place. As a matter of fact it is a run down neighborhood with no character except for this fella:

We were walking down the street when I saw Al coming out of a house. I thought it odd to see an Eagles jersey in New Orleans. We struck up a conversation and turns out he is from Toms River, NJ and is an aspiring macabre' artist. He gave Doreen a piece of his art work which she is holding. A bobcat skull painted and decorated. 

We made our way back to civilization and headed over to St. Louis Cemetery. Unfortunately the gates are locked at 3 PM so we couldn't go in. I don't know if we will get back to go through so I'll post these.

After the cemetery we made our way to Bourbon St. where you will see anything.

Our destination was Pat O'Brien's and their famous piano bar.

We sat through a few numbers and sipped on mint juleps in the cool air then it was back out onto Bourbon St. Bourbon St. has all variety of entertainment and libations. From signs hawking "Big Ass Beers" and had grenades to fancy restaurant;s to gentleman's clubs and transvestite cabarets; souvenir shops and voodoo shops.

After walking down Bourbon St. we stopped by the Cafe Du Monde for dessert.

Keep in mind if you stop here that payment is cash only as are a lot of the places where they have a side window for drinks. Cafe Du Monde also only sells beignets and coffee but it is worth it. It was finally time to head back and go to the street car stop by Harrah's Casino. I had to really use the restroom so we went into Harrah's. Of course I had to put a dollar into the penny slot. Lost of course.

I will probably have at least one more post from N. O. so keep reading.