Bounding the Borders: New Orleans or As The Locals Say - Norlens

Now we are into a lot of different cultures and history!

It is still cold but supposed to be a nice day for sightseeing!

A short history!

We are camped right in the middle of the city, similar to what we did in Jersey City/New York City. The campground is located right on the edge of the French Quarter so we can walk everywhere.

The Guard Shack at our campground entrance.

Our new street

Downtown views

Freeway views (and noise)

Actually a perfect location for seeing New Orleans!

We were warned not to walk home at night. Either take a cab or a car. On one side of the campground is not such a nice area and the other side is the French Quarter. We are situated right beside the freeway as it comes into town on a big ramp. The city of sirens relates to another city but I think this one could easily make a run for it. Constant sirens back and forth day and night. If you stay here bring ear plugs!

The French Quarter RV Park
campground seems secure with a cinder block wall around it and razor wire on the top of that wall. Sorta like being in prison with electric gates that the guard opens and closes for us coming and going.

On the way in I noticed several sad looking homes that apparently haven't been repaired since Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Its hard to imagine the devastation here from that event. A monumental task that is ongoing to this day, almost 9 years later.

History of New Orleans - Click Here.

This has been a very important city in history and it is a very unique city today. Viewing the old buildings and homes all tell their own story. I wish I could hear them all.

As we went out on our tour the morning after arriving we hit the pavement with good shoes and a camera. Cemetery Number One was our first stop as it is right next to the RV Park. Barb didn't want to go too far in as it is a little spooky but also has been known to have a criminal element waiting for tourists at times. I ventured in a bit further alone and here are some of the photos I was able to get.

The name says it, there are others similar to this one too.

This is a very old cemetery! Graves are also all above ground.

Some don't have anyone to look after them?

There are streets all over this cemetery and it is huge!

What can I say?

This Tomb was for the Queen of Voo Doo.
I don't believe in this stuff but as you can see some do.

Some people perform rituals at her grave.

Some people leave things in their rituals.

Her story.

You can see someone from Canada was here.

A Voo Doo doll.

There are writings all over the Tomb.

You might be wondering; why post this stuff from cemeteries?
I find it interesting both from a historical sense but also for getting a feel for the people who live or visit here now. New Orleans has it's dark side and this is a part of that. Stores selling Voo Doo supplies along with other dark sided things are not hard to find in this city.

So next we wandered into the French Quarter and let me tell you this is something to see. For us its not a place where we would come and spend a holiday but a short visit is very interesting - for sure!

The crazy and nightlife parts are on Bourbon Street

We walked and walked, it reminded me of when we toured Europe. Walking for miles and miles with the odd transit ride for a break.

French Doughnuts are a must add a Cafe Au Lait!

Careful of the Doughnut Dust - It will get you!

We had a nice little break with our doughnuts and cafe au lait. Sitting on the steps listening to one Husker playing Jazz on a Banjo and just a few steps farther down another playing my favorite on a street corner - the Sax.

Nothing like some great Blues on a sunny day!

A lil Banjo time!

After our little snack we wandered some more. The good thing about the cold weather is there are not many tourists around!

The French Quarter is approx. 13 blocks by 6 blocks in size. I think we covered every street and just about every one of them has something to see.