Day 14: I wasn't quite done with Natchetoches (Nack-A-Tish) Yet so I did the Oakland Plantation self-guided tour. While there are rubberized mats down to even out the terain and provide a trail, they were still very up even and slick, and may be difficult for some individuals to navigate. They did however, have wheelchair lifts to view the inside of some of the spaces. It was a nice way to kick off my day. I then got on the road down to New Orleans. The drive went a lot faster than expected and I got into town around 3pm, just in time for lightning to strike and a thunderstorm to pass over. But there isn't much wind and I'm not one to let a little rain ruin my day.
I grabbed an early dinner as take out from Willie Mae's so that I could nap and then decide where I wanted to go in the evening. At the recommendation of nearly every online site I got the fried chicken sandwich - sans pickle Ooh She's SPICY. Edible but my lips are burning. I also got the bread pudding which sounded great- served with white chocolate and rum sauce. However I got it back to my Airbnb and discovered its served with strawberries. And its clearly been packaged and sitting together for awhile so I was unsure about eating it. [for those who don't know, I'm allergic to strawberries]. I also have a really hard time with places that aren't transparent on their menus about foods due to potential allergies. Which means that while I would definitely send my husband here for a chicken sandwich, because he would love it, I wouldn't go back. Tonight with dinner I cracked open my first 903 can, Puft Daddy: Blackcurrant, blueberry, banana, coconut and marshmallow- which was a great cool down for my mouth after that sandwich. After the beer I started to be really sleepy and the soreness from driving really set in, so I decided for a night in so I can have a lot of energy for an early morning and full day on Saturday.
Day 15:
Finally got to sleep around 1am. Between the sirens and the block party someone decided to have around 12am it took work and meds to sleep. I woke up around 7:30 got dressed and walked to Cafe Du Monde. I even had Ice Au Lait (I no longer drink coffee, but when in New Orleans) I got an order of Beignets and mix for my mother and mother in law. I know this will likely be an unpopular opinion- but I didn't really like the Beignets and as someone who doesn't really drink coffee, I could have done without this. I think it was important for me to try it, but I have no desire to go back.
I walked around the french quarter a bit on my way back to my airbnb, as I had clearly chosen the WRONG clothes for today. Tight fitting and not breathable enough. Also the bag of goods from Cafe du Monde was heavy. So as of 10:30 am I'd already walked 3 miles. I changed into looser fitting clothing in more breathable fabrics, drank some gatorade- refilled the water bottle before heading back out.
Round 2 added an additional 10,000 steps (Or 5 miles) to my day in the French Quarter. I went to 2 museums, and a church. Both museums had a lot of steps and I didn't see any elevators or lifts- which is disappointing.
Parade Costumes
Museum 2: 1850 house is just that, and provided wonderful insights into what it may have been like to live in the French Quarter in the mid 19th century.
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| 1850's House |
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| St. Louis Cathedral |
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| 5 photos of French Quarter included Marie Laveau's home |
By the time I made it back to my airbnb, I was hobbling. My feet definitely hurt. I decided to take a cool shower and a nap before my early dinner.
Round 3 was for an early Dinner at The Pelican Club. I ate WAY outside of my comfort zone having the Paella Style Jambalya for dinner- shrimp, duck, andouille, mussels, clams, calamari, crawfish, etouffee sauce, served in it's own pot. The only thing I didn't try from the bunch was the crawfish as the head was still attached and I don't eat things that still have a face. I had bread pudding for dessert and am now overstuffed. After dinner I walked down to the Mississippi River. As someone who grew up in Minnesota near the tippy top, it's cool to see this end of it, it's so much bigger down here. I then walked back to my hotel in a round about way through Bourbon street. It was only 7:30pm and already I was too overwhelmed. So many lights, and noise and people, my anxiety went to an 11 and my motor tics really started to spike. I had hoped to be able to listen to music, but it's just too overwhelming for me. And that's okay. I know myself. Round 3 added another 3 miles to my walking.
For those keeping up thats 11 miles today- the last 3 of which were in heels. I would like to request a double foot transplant please. But in all seriousness I am glad that the next few days are less about walking and more about seeing people.
AirBNB Review: It's a historic home that has been converted into several units in the heart of the Tulane Medical area. Honestly the included off street parking is what drew me to this place and more affordable than staying right in the heart of everything. However if you are coming to New Orleans with any desire of sleeping, this isn't for you. Sirens all day and night and lots of very loud neighbors.
Pros: Spacious, Modern, Large memory foam bed, well appointed kitchen (gas stove for those who can cook), AirCon and Ceiling fans, Laundry, Off street parking, Wifi, responsive hosts.
Having visited now, I don't know if I ever need to come back. The city is very overstimulating, there is a very distinct odor- similar to Paris- Urine, smoke (though mostly weed here), rotten eggs and regret. I can say I've done it. It's been checked off my list, but I don't feel the need to revisit it. Natchetoches on the other hand I will absolutely be returning to; much more my speed.
Alright, long post completed,
Signing off for now
-C
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