Believe it or not, it’s been ten years since I last taught French. How time flies!
When I taught French, we always celebrated Mardi Gras with food, decorations, music, and fun. Today in my junior high English classes, I wore my Mardi Gras scarf and a few stands of beads. None of them even noticed–I’m not sure if they even know what Mardi Gras is or how it has seeped into the culture of New Orleans.
Dennis and I took a road trip two years ago–eleven states in ten days. It was the week between Christmas and New Year’s. I was planning to teach the book A Mighty Long Way by Carlotta Walls Lanier, one of the Little Rock Nine, and wanted to visit the Little Rock Central National Historic Site. You’ve heard about my goal to visit all fifty states by the time I turn fifty, I assume? Well, road trip was going to help me add a few states to my total, namely Missouri Arkansas, and Alabama. Well, when Dennis saw the itinerary, he suggested we go to New Orleans, and a new plan was born. I’d taught French for twelve years, been to Quebec and France (multiple times), but had never visited New Orleans.
We left Northeast Ohio on Christmas Day and spent the night with Meghan, Joe, and J.R. in Hamilton, Ohio, before heading to St. Louis on the 26th. Our second stop was Little Rock where we visited Central High School and the William Clinton Presidential Library. Next, we journeyed south to New Orleans, arriving on December 28, 2015, and checking out on December 31.
Our hotel in New Orleans was in the heart of the French Quarter, and I swear it was haunted. It was a great location–a few steps from Jackson Square and less than two blocks from Bourbon Street. The hotel consists of restored buildings from the 18th and 19th century surrounding a charming courtyard.
There is no room to park on the street, nor are there any parking decks or lots nearby. Luckily, the Place d’Armes Hotel offers valet parking–above their minuscule garage. Our truck took a little elevator ride up to its well-deserved resting spot, and we hit the streets.
Because the hotel consists of several old buildings, there are many interior rooms that don’t have windows. These are considerably cheaper, and that’s what I booked. Since the parking was almost $40 a night, I had to save money somewhere. Our room was fine. Everything was old, but what do you expect from a building that’s been around since the 1700s? It was a little freaky at night, even though we left the bathroom light on. I don’t have any proof of paranormal activity, but since this hotel is featured on the local ghost tours, I was a little jumpy.
We went on a mini- bus tour of the city (highly recommended) and walking tours of the Garden District and St. Louis Cemetery No. 1. The food was amazing and the atmosphere was fun, with live music all around.
I’d love to visit New Orleans again some day. Until then, laissez les bons temps rouler, mes amis!
Watch for the Nashville entry (coming soon), if you’d like to know how this trip ended!
What a fun trip for you and your husband! I would go just for the food! Lol. Chef Aarón Sánchez has his restaurant there, and that has been on my list of places to visit for a while. I’m excited to hear about your visit to Nashville too. The food scene there is definitely improving and really blooming. Notice I am always thinking about food when deciding on places to visit.
Wow… This sounds so much fun! I like to visit places like these! And all the shots are amazing! I am definitely adding this into my bucket list!
New Orleans is a place I have never visited but hope to visit someday. I’m not sure I would have slept a wink in a hotel I thought was haunted! It sounds like you got a wonderful overview of the city with the tour bus and went back to your french roots by staying in the french quarter.
Wow New Orleans looks and sounds amazing! I would have loved to stay in that old of a hotel, albeit I’d be sleeping with the bathroom light on too probably!!
I’ve always wanted to experience Mardi Gras, it looks like it would be an experienced of a lifetime!
I’d love to visit New Orleans – one day, I’m sure. This was a lovely view of some of the city.
New Orleans has a fabulous reputation as a great city to visit when on holiday. It really looks like you were very central in your choice of hotel, even if there was a chance of seeing a ghost! At least staying in a place with history, it would have had loads of character. Walking tours are also great as you generally get to learn quite a lot more about the locale. Looking forward to visiting myself one day.
New Orleans is such a fun city with so much to do. I’ve been down there many times for trade shows and have been lucky to see more than just Bourbon Street. The city is full of so much good food it’s incredible. I’m also a fan of live music and you can find that pretty much everywhere in the city. If you’re lucky you might even catch a parade or two. And always stop for Beignets at Cafe DuMonde if you get the chance.
Our hotel was close to Cafe Du Monde, so we had the beignets a time or two. They were excellent!
Wow! What a great place to visit. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Always wanted to go to Mardi Gras. Very informatics article
I would absolutely love to visit New Orleans! It seems like the most amazing city. Experiencing Mardi Gras must be so fun! x