“Not all those who wander are lost.” – J. R. R. Tolkien

Tina at Picstory challenges us to show trees on our Tuesday blog post. And to keep the continuing 'saga' going with Louisiana...here are photos of holiday trees I found along the way---


We arrived in New Orleans early in the evening, just as dusk approached the city. I made sure we were in the 'heart' of the French Quarter with our hotel, or at least a bit centralized to where and what we wanted to see on this trip. The hotel, once a girls' school and then an outdoor theater, it was purchased and renovated into a 3 story hotel. And, within walking distance to the famous Bourbon Street, Congo Square, Louis Armstrong Park, the oldest cemetery in the city, Jackson Square and the Mississippi River....all within minutes of walking. If you've never been to the old historical part of this city, trust me, driving and finding somewhere to park isn't the easiest thing to do. Stressful, and narrow streets and not to mention tourists walking on the sidewalks AND in the streets...cabs, horse carriages---it's just easier to leave your car at the hotel if you're lucky enough to get a place to stay....AND WALK!! So, settling in with the prearranged reservations for 3 days, and the help of GPS we had no problems finding the place. Erik was driving so I took photos as we drove up to the parking garage...he dropped me off and then Bud and Erik found our reserved parking space within the hotel's area [also, if you ever go there...you most certainly want to park at the hotel...it's gated and surrounded by security cameras and an 'on the grounds' guard ---there is a LOT of corruption in this city...including a corrupt police force; if you've ever paid attention to the news any.] Once in the lobby of the hotel, I got our room key and met the two guys out in the parking garage to help 'em unpack the trunk and get us all up into the room and settle down a bit before we hit the streets and getting to the famous, legendary, Broubon Street and the nightlife!! We all unpacked and showered to get ourselves a bit relaxed and ready to hit the streets, stretch a bit before beginning our walking. When we arrived, the weather couldn't have been more perfect...balmy, not hot nor cold....perfect. Tho, the forecast was for rain hitting the city the following day. I came prepared for that too...brought three umbrellas. Along the coast, and near the river, when there is a threat of rain, it's not just going to be a sprinkle here and there - it'll no doubt be a downpour. By the time we were all ready and had a change of clothes, we left the hotel through the backside and came upon the hotel's courtyard. It was dark o'thirty by then, and the courtyard with the pool and tree-lined fountain and patio was dramatic and very stylish. The three of us were pleased with my choice of hotels so far. What will be the ticker was the following morning...the continental 'full breakfast' lay in store and we are picky eaters. LOL



[The Hotel Courtyard]




This tree, just covered with the Louisiana Fluer-de-lis I found at the huge Riverwalk complex along the Mississippi River in New Orleans -taken the 2nd day we were there. The Fluer-de-lis [flower {fluer} -lily {lis}] is the Louisiana State Symbol. And today, especially after the devastating hurricane Katrina, the symbol represents the recovery and New Orleans' grassroots. You find it everywhere...the professional football team has it as its team logo, it's part of religions, art, even some automobile models have it in their use. It's heraldic.



Tomorrow....hopefully, a beautiful Park and historical Square/