Before we left Paxton had a good time playing with our suitcases.
We began our trip in Panama City,FL, visiting my sister, Cathy.
New Orleans
We spent most of our time in New Orleans, six hours west of Panama City. We stayed at the Chateau Hotel in the French Quarter. Most of the buildings in this historic area were built in the 17 and 1800's.
This is a typical house in the quarter. It's called a double shotgun because all of the rooms are in a row, you can see out the back door from the front door. Years ago this would have been two homes, but as it now has only one address, it is probably a single family home. I noticed almost all of buildings in the French Quarter are symetrical.
The balconies are cast iron.
All buildings have workable shutters for privacy and hurricanes.
Brad and Angelina have a house in the French Quarter, just around the block from our hotel.
Through out the narrow streets you see these tour mule carts. Many decorations from Mardi Gras were still hanging from balconies.
Interesting graffiti on a door.
Many of the Bourbon Street signs were missing. They must be a popular souvenir!
Beer, anyone?
The sidewalks are terrible and dirty. You really have to watch your step.
All of the streets are very narrow and are one way. It is much easier to walk, especially since there is vitually no parking in the French Quarter.
The cemeteries in New Orleans are unique as they use above ground family tombs because of the high water table. The deceased person is placed in the tomb for 101 days and then their remains are added to the others down a shaft at the back of the tomb. When the name plaque is full, they attach it to the side and put a new plaque on the front. Many generations of family members are entombed together.
Our bus tour took us through areas of New Orleans that were affected by Hurricane Katrina. Six years later and you still see abandoned houses. These notes were spray painted by the National Guard after the home was checked for survivors.
Musicians Row, a housing project for New Orleans musicians, is a collaboration with Habitat for Humanity and Harry Connick, Jr. and Branford Marsalis. The large blue building in the back is a community center for youth music.
Back to Jackson Square, the center of the French Quarter.
Some strange people hang out here.
A couple getting married in the park. Note her shorts and his t-shirt, it must be an informal wedding!
After 17 days traveling the gulf coast, this is what we came home to, with a weather storm forcast of 12-18 inches of snow!
