After 9 days in New Orleans I feel richer in so many ways. Hard pressed to say what's best about this rich old city, our guide Katherine Engen wasted no time in showing us (once again), the greatest places to eat, drink and see art. I arrived early for the workshop with Michael deMeng so I could settle in and tour at my own pace. The hotel was right on Bourbon Street in the French Quarter where the streets are packed, especially on weekend nights, with party people. Street signs advertise "Huge Ass Beers" , hand grenades, jello shots, etc.... It's the town of extreme indulgence. But oh, there's so much more!
Jackson Square is the historic park where the St. Louis Cathedral sits, surrounded by the oldest apartments in the country.
Little shops surround the square where I fell in love with this mask, but alas it was $395. From France, the little gems are Swarovski, hence the price.
A few Mardi Gras decorations were still up, blending in with the incredible architecture and tropical plants.
New Orleans is in zone 8b for gardening which means it may go as low as 15 degrees, which I find hard to believe since the gardens were filled with philodendrons, dracaenas and other tropicals.
Russelia equisetiformis or firecracker plant, one of my very favorite tender plants.
Almost every morning I walked to Camellia Grill for breakfast.
The entire staff puts on a show, you can't help but fall in love with Camellia Grill where you're entertained as you eat.
In the wee hours of the morning street cleaning machines wash and vacuum up the previous nights party debris. One particular morning it took awhile for Bourbon Street to be cleared. Some poor woman lost her shoe and I assume had to limp back. Yuk!
Signs in the bars ask patrons not to carry glass bottles out and leave plastic cups on the bar for those that want to leave with a drink. It's all very laid back. One year I was with this same group for a workshop and we asked a policeman what was the best way to get to the parade route for Krewe du vieux, he asked us if we were going to drink and then politely suggested that we put our name and address on a paper and keep it in a pocket.
I will be posting about some of the great art galleries in town as well as the music and food.
Thanks for the virtual tour. It is an amazing city.
Posted by: Carolyn @ Carolyns Shade Gardens | 02/28/2013 at 07:08 PM
Karen, Enjoyed this so much! Your pictures are exquisite, I loved the details about the plants...you are a terrific writer as well as artist. Thnak you so much for sharing this with us. kp
Posted by: Kathy Pinkerton | 03/02/2013 at 10:24 AM
Kathy I am just getting started on the NOLA thing. Been busy as all get out since getting home but stay tuned. It was so good to meet you and I hope you return next year for Michael's workshop.
Posted by: Karen | 03/02/2013 at 09:32 PM