a quick trip to New Orleans

Last week I went to New Orleans for a couple of days for a conference. Unfortunately a 4-hour delay on the way there Thursday meant I missed about half of the journal-related meetings I was making the trip for - but at least it didn't cut into the free afternoon I had on Friday to do some sightseeing...

I mostly stuck to the French Quarter, since it was in walking distance from my hotel - so I'd love to go back sometime to see more of the city and have some time to actually get inside museums. The history and atmosphere and architecture are all quite something. As is Bourbon Street (it seemed like it fit the partying stereotype, and then I realized that's because they have no law against open containers; there were a lot of beers and margaritas walking around already at 11am). Also, when I looked up "must do" things for NOLA, I mostly came across things/places to eat - so I made sure to fit some of that in too!

wandered around the French Quarter, including a walking tour to learn more history | found an interesting juxtaposition of French Quarter buildings and modern skyscrapers

stopped right away at the first must-eat location: Cafe Du Monde | ordered (and polished off quickly) for my pre-lunch: an order of delicious beignets (for only $2.45!) 

later had an afternoon lunch at the Napoleon House, the building where sympathizers actually planned to bring Napoleon out of exile (he died before they could fetch him) | sat at a lovely table overlooking the street and enjoyed another must eat: a muffuletta sandwich and a Pimm's cup

stayed in a hotel on the Mississippi and saw this cruise ship (that looks deceivingly like it's not going to fit) and sunrise on the river

sunburnt myself a little on a hot, hot afternoon | did a couple early morning runs along the Riverwalk | found interesting historic markers everywhere

popped into the oldest cathedral in the US | rode the streetcar to the Garden District to see some different architecture (and rest my feet)