New Orleans, is a place like no other. There is so much to see and do, you could stay two weeks and still not get it all done! But we crammed it into 2 days, beginning at 9 in the morning and ending at midnight each night! This is much more 'fun' than us two old folks are use to. But it was well worth the time.
Day 1:
This is a view of the historic Jackson Square taken from the riverwalk. In the background and center is the famous St. Louis Cathedral. Completed in 1851, and built over the foundations of a colonial 1727 church, it has been the city's center of worship for 280 years.
This is the inside of the cathedral. It is truly spectacular, and pictures just don't do it justice.
New Orleans's history is influenced from Europe, the Caribbean and Africa. It is home to a truly unique melting pot of culture, food and music. You'll enjoy bowls filled to the rim with gumbo, late nights in dark jazz clubs, strolls through historic neighborhoods, and every night is a Saturday Night!!
 |
| Amazing re-structuring from Hurricane Katrina. You'd never know that these places were under 8 feet of water. They are doing a wonderful job of restoring the French Quarter. We met a couple who were in the process of selling their property in Seattle and buying a 'condo' in the French Quarter....They certainly have the New Orleans Itch! |
 |
| Saint Louis Cemetery is the name of three Roman Catholic Cemeteries in New Orleans. All of these graves are above ground vaults; most were constructed in the 18th century and 19th century. St. Louis Cemetery #1 is the oldest and most famous. It was opened in 1789, replacing the city's older St. Peter Cemetery (no longer in existence) as the main burial ground when the city was redesigned after a fire in 1788. The custom of above-ground burial in New Orleans is a mixture of folklore and fact. The vaults are in fact more due to French and Spanish tradition than they are to water table problems. The cemetery spans just one square block but is the resting place of many thousands |
The Garden District
A trip to New Orleans just wouldn't be complete without a visit to the Garden District. The Garden District is a neighbourhood of the city of New Orleans. The whole area was once a number of plantations. It was sold off to wealthy Americans who did not want to live in the French Quarter with the Creoles.
The area was originally developed between 1832 and 1900 and is considered one of the best-preserved collections of historic southern mansions in the United States. Originally the area was developed with only a couple of houses per block, each surrounded by a large garden, giving the district its name. In the late 19th century some of these large lots were subdivided as Uptown as New Orleans became more urban.
This has produced a pattern for much of the neighborhood of any given block having a couple of early 19th century mansions surrounded by "gingerbread" decorated late Victorian houses. Thus the "Garden District" is now known for its architecture more than gardens per se.
This area was basically untouched by Hurricane Katrina.
Bourbon Street at night
Bourbon Street is a street in the heart of New Orleans' oldest neighbourhood 'The French Quarter.' It extends 13 blocks. It is now primarily known for its nightclubs, bars and strip clubs. This is a Cajun Bar, where we enjoyed the music of this French band playing rockin' Cajun!
Just down the block, is the home of Maison Bourbon, a bar dedicated to Jazz and Blues.
There is something for everyone. To say there is a bar on every corner is a vast understatement. They are lined up and down the street. And not only Bourbon Street - EVERY street....
And let's not forget the souvenier shops. They are everywhere as well.
Lots to see, lots to do, places to eat everywhere
 |
| Michel with his new friend! lol |
We left Houston, knowing full well that we didn't want to stay there for too long - too big - too busy! So after church at Lakewood we headed north to Oklahoma. Who knew we'd happen upon the LARGEST Casino in the United States. 
The WinStar World Casino is the second largest in the world - second only to the Venetian, in Macau, China. But they are working on being the largest in the world, with the new 'additions'. As it is right now, it is one mile long from one end to the other. It is owned by the Chickasaw Nation Indian Band of Oklahoma. And it is located in Thackerville, Oklahoma, a small town of 450 people, just across the Texas borderline. Who knew??? They employ 6,000 people. There are 6,700 slot machines. They have a FREE breakfast for seniors (55+) every Wednesday and Thursday morning from 7:30 to 11:00. What a spread that is.... they must feed 10,000 people in that time. They use the Bingo Hall as a dining room for that event and it in itself seats 2100 people. There was a live band and a huge first-class buffet. (Needless to say, Michel wants to go again tomorrow!) 
