First day in New Orleans!

Even though we have been here twice before, 2013 and 2018, it's still so exciting to be here. 

Lu is off to Doggie Daycare not far from the French Quarter so we are free as can be today!

In 2018 we were here about the same time of year, but this time it seems quieter. I think a combination of less visitors and less activity in general from street performers/musicians and I am thinking some of the stores & restaurants/bars just didn't survive covid.

Anyone who has ever been here knows the scent of New Orleans! Its a little musty, a little stinky, a little muggy, sweet smelling of beignets and pralines all mixed up with some beer and smokes and good spicy  food.....it's like every turn of your head gives you a new combination of smells!

Pretty much every place has metal gates on the doorways!

They also have extra metal security bars/hooks to prevent anyone from climbing up to the second floor.

And we have been dreaming of beignets and coffee since our last trip. We knew the perfect spot from last time but took a bit to find it.....I had the Google maps on "car mode" so with all the one way roads it had us going all over the place! But we made it... and they were as good as we both remembered.

Stopped to enjoy some music and a cold one...a few times along the way.

Our favorite place where we enjoyed the "Daywalkers" ( An alternative roots band) the last 2 times looks like it maybe did not survive covid. The last 2 times many of the bars had bands playing early in the day but it's looking like many are opening later. 

Cheers!