Keep Calm and Go To Paris, Part 1

This all began with a simple phone conversation… "Kid, where is the one place you really want to go this summer?"

The answer? Paris.

Seriously, what 15 year old doesn't want to see Paris? I should have known. Thanks to a great deal through Air BnB, we could stay for 5 whole days. The Kid was thrilled! I gotta admit, I was pretty excited too. There is so much to see and do in Paris, I don't think I'll ever check it all off my list. I already have plans to go back again in December with one of my other siblings.

Eiffel Tower view

This will be a several part series, because we saw too many things to cram into only a single post. I'll include as many links and tips as I can, of course. I scouted for this trip during a quick stop (12 hours only!) a few months ago. I decided then and there to stay in a flat versus a hotel room. I wanted The Kid to have as authentic an experience as possible.

The view from our apartment

Our apartment was a five flight walk up, but totally worth it. I figure the extra exercise made up for the pastries and macaroons we ate all week long! The great thing about an apartment is the kitchen. Eating in Paris is quite pricey, so saving on meals is huge. There was a small grocery just down the road that we stocked up at. Even in a tiny shop like that, the cheese aisle made me swoon!

Cheese aisle at French grocery store

Of course, the price of peanut butter was outrageous! We hadn't planned on buying it anyway (we stuck to local food where we could), but I had to take a picture…

Euro price for travel-sized peanut butter

That jar was tiny too!! Like, travel sized. It's crazy, I tell you, crazy!

Anyway.

We arrived in Paris by train (traveling from Kaiserslautern to Paris for 100 Euro each, round trip) and then took the metro to our apartment. The metro system is wonderful. It's simple to use, inexpensive, and can really save your feet on a trip to this city. Even with the metro, we walked miles everyday. You have a lot of ticket options, from a several day pass to purchasing individual tickets. We chose an option in between these two, and it worked out very well for us. At the ticket counters, you can purchase books of 10 metro tickets (at a discount, of course). This is less expensive than purchasing all your tickets individually. We did consider buying the unlimited pass. However, we only used the metro once or twice a day since the attractions are often close together. So the unlimited pass made no sense for us at all.

After a quick meal of sandwiches (and some people watching from our window!), we left on a great little tour of the Montmartre district. This was absolutely one of our favorite things in Paris! Actually, it's probably one of our favorite tours from the entire summer. And the price seriously can't be beat.

Lunch and people watching

The Montmartre district includes the infamous Moulin Rouge (the red windmill). You can still see shows here, of course, but they are pricey. Our tour included a walk by this site, and some of it's history. Our guide was wonderfully funny, and full of interesting facts and stories. We learned of the artists that once lived here, such as Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, Vincent Van Gogh (a personal favorite), and Amedeo Modigliani. We visited the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur, and admired the amazing mosaics inside. The tour included many helpful tips for dining out and exploring. This is a must-do!! The guides change regularly so your experience may be different than ours, but the Montmartre district will always remain one of the best places I've been.

Montmartre tour 

By this time, we were worn out! Being Paris, we enjoyed dinner at a great restaurant close to our apartment. The food here is simply amazing, I highly encourage you to try something new at every meal. We sampled an Avocado Shrimp salad that was divine. I'm still dreaming about it, actually.

Then it was off to bed… we needed rest for the busy day that awaited us the next morning! I'll be back soon with more tales of our adventure. Until next time my friends, happy travels!

Thanks for reading, everyone!

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Still My Favorite Place... NYC (Part 3, The Final Installment)

Alas, we've come to the final post (for now!) about the best place in the world, New York City... If you're entering the story a little late, be sure to catch up on the adventure before proceeding:

Still My Favorite Place... NYC (Part 1)  and  Still My Favorite Place... NYC (Part 2)

After our first long day in the City, Becky and I took a day off to visit with my family. Truth be told, this is the reason I love NY so much. The city has magic and appeal, but when you add that to a wonderful, loving family? Nothing beats it.

Being married to the military has its advantages, but one of the major drawbacks is being separated from family, be it your spouse or extended relatives. What I've noticed, though, is the separation makes reunions that much sweeter.

So despite the glamour of city lights, my best moment in NY was when my dad (who lives 8 hours away from NYC), surprised me as I stepped off the plane.

Me and my dad

Yep, I cried. You would have too, don't deny it!

So, while the visit changed my plans a bit, it was all for the better. I was able to see my dad, my grandmother, my cousins, my aunt, and (as he'll tell you) my favorite -always picks me up from the airport - uncle. A break from the hustle and bustle was just what I needed before another busy afternoon in the city.

The next day, Becky and I hopped the train back to Manhattan, but this time we had a stowaway... my dad. His train was leaving from Penn station that morning. It's never easy to say goodbye, and (you guessed it), I naturally cried all over again. After breakfast together, my dad left for home while Becky and I meandered toward the Fashion District, snapping photo after photo as we walked.

The day was overcast, with rain expected at any time. We hurried down the streets, anxious to capture what we could while we could. Billboards and advertisements caught my eye, impossible to miss.

The sheer size of these promotions will blow you away. Billboards wrap around buildings, they light up or change colors. Everything that can be done to capture the consumer's attention, it is done and done big. Half my time in NY is spent apologizing, mostly because I tend to stare up at the buildings instead of watching where my feet are going. I'm probably really lucky that no one has pushed me in front of a cab yet!

Somehow though, we managed to make our way into the famed Fashion District. I would say I am definitely not a fashion expert, but I can appreciate those who are. I mean, hey... I watch Project Runway! (Feel free to snicker, point your finger at me, and then laugh uproariously. I understand, truly).  


Ok, so I know very little about fashion, and what I do know is based on various reality TV shows. However, I absolutely loved our impromptu walking tour. The advertisements, the shops, the fun things in the windows... it's worth a quick look-see, whoever you might be, regardless of your expertise (or in my case, inexpertness).

Seeing the City on foot is (in my opinion), the only way to fly. When you take too many cab rides and subways, you miss out on the pulse, the smells... the sheer life that's moving all around you. You may see the same thing more than once, but it's always from another angle, a new perspective.

Some of the sights we wandered past were:


See, it's worth some slightly sore feet, right? We walked past most of these sights in about 45 minutes of aimless meandering. Imagine what you could do with a plan...

Actually, Becky and I did have a plan. A vague one, to be sure, but a plan nonetheless. With storm clouds threatening overhead, our first goal was to hike the Brooklyn Bridge without getting soaked!

When Becky mentioned this on her list of "must do" things, I was... surprised. No one has ever asked this of me before. Usually, everyone has the same list (if you're thinking of visiting, I bet some of them are on yours!):
          1. The Empire State Building
          2. The Statue of Liberty
          3. Rockefeller Center
          4. Central Park
          5. Broadway and a show
          6. Ground Zero
          7. St. Patrick's Cathedral
          8. The Met

There are other things on the list, and they vary some from person to person. Some of these were also on Becky's list. But no one has ever included a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, at least on their first visit.

This is one of the many reasons why I love Becky. She thinks outside the box.

Walking the Brooklyn Bridge

Despite the bit of rain falling on our heads, we loved our walk. In fact, this unusual request turned out to be my favorite part of the trip! Lesson learned.

The Brooklyn Bridge is only about 1.1 miles long, so it doesn't take very long to walk across. Residents probably make the hike in less than 25 minutes, because they mostly just want to get to the other side. Of course, a runner can cut that time down considerably. The bridge also keeps a bike path, so watch out! Don't cross the line to their side of the bridge, or you may find yourself flattened.

For the average tourist, I suggest blocking out an hour for the hike. You'll want to read the plaques, discover the history. The views from the bridge will beg you to stop for photographs. It's likely you will hail down passing strangers to take your photo in front of the skyline. Seeing the Statue of Liberty in the distance? That easily adds another 10 minutes of oohing and ahhing.

Becky and I took our time, for sure. 

Of course, the bridge itself isn't the only benefit to the hike. On the other side is the borough of Brooklyn (hence the name, doh).

Although Becky and I didn't spend too much time in Brooklyn, there are many things to see and do there. Just as you exit the bridge, you see Brooklyn Bridge Park. Some of the park is still under construction, but there are many restaurants, recreation areas, dog parks, and playgrounds available for use.

Jane's Carousel

For example, I took this photo right off the side of the bridge. The carousel was donated in 1992 by Jane and David Walentas, and it is now operated year-round. I wish we'd had time for a spin, but Becky and I were on a mission!

Yes, that's right... a mission. A very important one, at that.

We were... in search of.... lunch.

I know lunch doesn't seem like an important mission, but it is when you're looking for Grimaldi's, known for some of the best pizza EVER.

The small restaurant is located under the Brooklyn Bridge, and it habitually has a line out the door. Even in the rain, a line quickly formed behind Becky and I as we waited for the pizzeria to open. Fair warning to all who stand in line: Grimaldi's is included on many of the city's sightseeing tours. There are busloads of people (literally, buses) that have lunch at Grimaldi's as part of their tour. SO, while we waited in the rain, a tour group piled in ahead of us, with no wait at all.

Luckily, there was still space for us! We took our seats at a table meant for four, but we weren't alone for long. Be prepared to share your table space with whomever was in line behind you! Grimaldi's packs them in, for good reason. The flow of people didn't cease whilst we were there.

But oh.... oh MY... the smell inside was heavenly. Tomatoes and basil, sausage and pepperoni... nom nom nom.You can watch your pie being made (translation for all the currently clueless: pie = pizza), or you can simply plop at your table and wait.

Becky and I were the plopping type. The rain soaked up some of our energy, and we were ready for a break. The pie didn't take long to be delivered, which was especially nice after waiting outside for the doors to open.

Our pie

Fresh mozzarella! Crispy crust! Chunky tomatoes!

I just wiped away a little bit of drool, seriously. You have no idea.

The pizza is hot, fresh, and yummily. Trust me here. If you happen to stop by this NY landmark, don't forget to carry cash... Grimaldi's doesn't accept cards. There was an ATM available for those who forgot, but you've been forewarned now. Try not to act like a tourist!

So, the pizza went a long way to revive mine and Becky's spirits. However, the rain was coming down all the harder as we stepped outside. Rather than risk pneumonia by hiking our way back across the bridge, we caught a cab. In this situation, catching a cab (if you can find one) is perfectly acceptable. I wouldn't lie to you.

What does anyone do after they've just eaten some of the best pizza New York City has to offer? They have dessert, of course!

THIS... this is one of my absolute favorite places in New York. Whether it had been on Becky's list or not, we were going. I never, ever miss a chance to eat in Little Italy. If I could, I would do nothing but eat here all day long. Awesome for my taste buds, not so great for my hips.

Another good reason not to take a taxi cab everywhere you go? The walking is good justification to eat whatever you want. At least, that's the reasoning I use!

Since we'd already eaten lunch, Becky and I stopped for something sweet. You'd be hard pressed to find bad food in Little Italy, so don't worry too much about what restaurant you're stepping into. Just follow your nose. For us, I really wanted to show Becky one of my favorite places for dessert and coffee, Ferrara's. Normally, I would sit outside and watch all the people wander by, but as a nod to the rain we wandered into the quiet interior.

A more traditional dessert might be tiramisu or cannoli (delish!), but I opted for carrot cake and a mocha cappuccino. My reasoning? The Hubs won't eat carrot cake, so I try to order it whenever he's not around. Sweet, right?

Well, whatever my justifications, that cake was worth it!

Once you've had your cake and coffee, take some time to wander the shops. They are total tourist traps, but you can find all of your 'I Heart New York' paraphernalia here for fairly decent prices. I usually pick up an item or two for whomever I've left at home.

From there, take a stroll around Chinatown... it's only a few blocks over.

Chinatown, NYC

Here, you can find more tourist shops with everything from traditional trinkets to watches and chopsticks. Don't be afraid to bargain! It's expected, and you can always get a lower price. If the shopkeeper won't budge, just head on down to the next shop. They will likely carry the exact same items, and may be willing to do a better deal.

Also be prepared for strange people to approach you on the street, whispering the names of fashionable designers in your ear... Prada, Gucci? You can find plenty of knockoffs on these streets. If you show an interest, you'll be led to a 'secret' place where you can peruse the wares. But be warned! I'm pretty sure it's illegal. Otherwise, why the secrecy?

If you haven't been arrested by this time, there are plenty of other sights to see in the City. Sadly for Becky and I, the rain continued to pour. After a bit of indecision, we snatched another cab and headed uptown toward the Museum of Natural History.

This museum is definitely worth a visit, rain or no. Anyone out there remember the movie, Night at the Museum, with Ben Stiller? This is the place. Oddly enough, the movie doesn't always resemble the museum, but there are some things that remain the same.

Remember this guy? He's still there. Along with dino-things, there are many other interesting exhibits. Of course, on a rainy day, everyone else has the same idea, so be prepared for some of the special exhibits to be sold out. If you arrive early in the day though, you shouldn't have a problem getting your tickets.

It seems an odd note to end our vacation on, but that was the end of our last day in NYC. Of course, Becky and I were off to Ireland the next day, so the adventure continued! No worries, I'll be getting around to that trip soon enough...

For now, though, I'd like to leave you with a few basic tips for your NYC experience:

1. It's always harder to catch a cab in the rain... take the subway if you can.

2. Eat in local restaurants... I know I've visited more than a few tourist traps on this particular trip, but venture outside of your comfort zone. It will be worth it, I promise.

3. When you're hailing a cab, be sure to look for the 'On Duty' light. Otherwise you're just wasting your time.

4. Don't try to do it all. Totally impossible, and you'll only get frustrated. Pick your top few spots, get to those, and be willing to explore a little.

5.  Your camera may not brand you as a tourist, BUT stopping in the middle of the sidewalk to take a picture will. Step to the side if you can.

6. Be smart... the city is not a hotbed of crime like some would have you think, but stay smart like you would in any other city. Don't flash a lot of cash, and don't let your purse strap dangle from your arm. I mean, really?

7. The natives aren't going to eat you. For some reason, people seem to think New Yorkers are mean/rude. This is simply not so. If you need directions, ask for them. 99% of the people are happy to help.

8. New York is more expensive than your home town. There is not a Walmart on every street corner. Deal with it, and try to avoid sticker-shock.

9.  Follow sidewalk etiquette... it's just like driving a car. Slower traffic stays on the right, and try to only walk two by two. Stay in your lane!

10. Pack your sneakers, get out and WALK! It's truly the best way to see this great city.

Walking down Broadway 

Have you ever visited NYC before? What did you think? If you haven't, what's on your list of must-see places?

Happy travels!!

Still My Favorite Place... NYC (Part 2)

So, where were we?

Oh yes... the best city in the entire world, New York City!

If you haven't read the first half of this post, you can find it here: Still My Favorite Place... NYC (Part 1). For those of you who have read the post, you're just more awesome than most.

I left you somewhere in F.A.O. Schwarz, perhaps playing on the Big Piano or wandering among the stuffed animals. As for Becky and I, we spent a glorious 15 minutes in the Schweetz Shop, gathering our favorite confections. With a bag full of candy, we left the greatest toy store in the world to wander Central Park, munching on swedish fish and M&Ms.

Central Park
       

Central Park is one of my favorite places to see whilst in the city. I love how two worlds seemingly collide, lush grounds surrounded by towering skyscrapers. Even if you've never been, Central Park is featured in so many television shows and movies that it's a familiar sight to most.

The Park is 843 acres of trees, lakes, and lawns. Around each corner is a new experience; and for someone like me, a new photograph. I love spending an afternoon just moseying along (that's right, I said mosey!), stopping for a hot dog at lunch, or taking a ride on the carousel when the mood strikes me.

Unfortunately, for first time visitors, there usually isn't enough time to simply wander the paths. The park is so large, it's impossible to see it all in one visit. Unless, of course, that is your only goal. However, Becky and I were primed to see the Met (The Metropolitan Museum of Art), so we picked a few key spots to see as we walked in the general direction of the museum.

One of those key spots was Bow Bridge, featured in many, many movies. Not only a beautiful spot, but also a very romantic one. So, if you happen to be in Central Park with your Hubs, be sure to stroll by! As for Becky and I, we spent our time with our cameras, the other great love in our lives.      

Bow Bridge

Another romantic thing to do in the park, and one I've done before (with the Hubs, not Becky!), is enjoy a carriage ride. Just outside the park, near the Plaza Hotel, horse and buggies await you. The prices are fair, the drivers are knowledgable and funny, and any opportunity to snuggle with your love is a good one. Naturally, Becky and I did not snuggle up together (sorry to disappoint you)... BUT, we did take photos!  

Horse and buggy outside Central Park

There are many, many, many, many things to see in the park. A buggy ride gives you the opportunity to see some of them without wearing out your legs, and it also puts a time limit on your visit through the park. Otherwise, you could wind up like Becky and I, spending hours wandering around. Of course, that was mostly because we lost our way a few times, but still.  

Eventually we stumbled upon the Met. 

The museum is yet another spot where you could literally spend days. For the art lover, NYC is chock full of experiences just waiting to happen. Because we were already a little tired (all that wandering around Central Park!), Becky and I chose a few key exhibits that we wanted to see. 

Of course, once you start down the hall looking for one exhibit, you also start looking at the others you pass. Then, before you know it, 3 or 4 hours have gone by, and you're not even halfway through your visit. The Met boasts works from Monet, Rembrandt, Picasso, O'Keeffe, Tiffany, and Seurat. It's nearly impossible to walk by and not stop for a few minutes at each display. 

Somehow, we managed to limit our time. This was mostly due to our grumbling stomachs, but you gotta go with whatever works. 

After an incredibly risky cab ride, in which my life passed before my eyes several times, we arrived in Times Square.

Times Square

Times Square... the name conjures up images of New Year's Eve, screaming crowds, and confetti. I've been once to see the ball drop at midnight, and it was truly an unforgettable experience.

Luckily, Times Square isn't just about New Year's Eve. The bustle and the lights, the noise and the crowds... those are there all year round. I love to see the city after dark, when the lights are so bright it feels as if the day never ended. 

Dinner at Hard Rock Cafe, New York was the perfect ending to our first day in NYC...

 ... or so I thought, UNTIL we saw this on our walk back to Grand Central Station:

 The Empire State Building lit up the night, surprising us as we turned the corner. The colors of the building change, based on what's happening at that time: 

When the Giants won the Superbowl (woot!), the building was blue, blue, and blue. 

For Valentines Day, the colors became red, pink, and white. 

As Becky and I crossed 5th Avenue the evening of April 20th, the green, green, green shone into the night in honor of Earth Day. 

The day was a long one, but well worth it. After all, it required two posts just to talk about it! We managed one more great day in NYC before embarking on our next adventure... but that's a story for another night, as it's now my bedtime. I hope you're enjoying the ride so far! 

  

The Big Easy, Christmas Leave Part 2

I AM A SLACKER.

There, I've admitted it! It's true! I am a slacker. Whew, I feel so much better getting that off my chest.

Now that you know the truth about me, you understand why in the month of March, I am finally posting about the second half of our Christmas leave. (If you don't remember what 'leave' is, or you want a refresher because it's been sooooo long since Part 1 of this post, check it out here: Speaking Civilian and Christmas Leave, Part 1)

All caught up now? Good.

After visiting with family for a bit in Dallas, the Hubs and I took advantage of our location and decided to drive 9 hours to the wonderful city of New Orleans. I've heard mixed reviews about the city. Some say it's just for party people and Mardi Gras. Others talk of the amazing food. Still others think the city is dirty, while some adore the unique atmosphere. We chose to make the decision for ourselves. A new adventure begins!

The Mississippi 

Of course, if you know me at all, you know vacation is not a simple thing. I need reams of data, maps, plans, and back-up plans. I like to be prepared (ahem, understatement of the century). Shockingly, I was not as well-planned as expected. While we had a list, as in a singular list, we left many things up to chance. New adventure indeed...

What we discovered is this: New Orleans is a colorful city, full of amazing people. The opportunities for an amateur photographer like myself are plentiful. Music and artwork take over every street corner, while the scent of Cajun food fills the air. The city's history is rich and unique. Museums and attractions abound. A simple walk through downtown is enough to overload the senses and leave you in a euphoric frame of mind.

Or maybe that's just me.

Regardless, we loved our visit there, and we can't wait to go back again. As much as we accomplished, there were many, many things that didn't fit into our schedule. If you have time for a visit, you won't run out of things to do, that's for sure!

One of the first attractions we decided to visit was Mardi Gras World. Inside an enormous warehouse, the crew diligently works to produce the floats that grace New Orleans' city streets during the annual festival. The tour begins with a brief video and explanation of Mardi Gras, then all guests are served slices of the traditional 'king cake'. King cake is baked with a small plastic baby inside of it. Whoever receives the baby in their slice of cake is required to host the next party... loving this fun idea, I might have to steal it for my next party!

The process of creating a float may seem boring to some, but this turned out to be one of our favorite afternoons. After a guided tour of the warehouse, guests are allowed to wander on their own. It was so much fun to see this year's floats before they made their debut in the parade! Check out the slideshow for a quick peak inside the magic at Mardi Gras World:





My second favorite place to visit was not a specific location. Downtown New Orleans, including the infamous Bourbon Street, was a real pleasure to wander around. The Hubs and I spent an entire day walking the streets, stopping anyplace that caught our fancy. We started the morning in a cafe that no one should miss, Cafe Du Monde. Famous for their coffee and beignets, this early breakfast kick-started a wonderful afternoon.

Can you say YUM?! 

Although it might not be for everyone, I was fascinated with the quaint buildings and architecture of downtown. The balconies, courtyards, and hidden doorways called out to me and my camera:



As we wandered the streets, artists and musicians clustered in the courtyards and on every street corner. Jazz music drifted on the air, seemingly from nowhere and everywhere at the same time. Guitar cases were open, prepared to collect change and bills, as people gathered 'round. The Hubs and I stopped for every performance. The energy of the crowd and the lively music made stopping impossible to resist. Although this isn't a long clip, it can give you a taste of what the street music was like (and please excuse the quality of the picture, just listen to the music!):

Besides musicians, there were other street performers as well, like this gentleman here: 

With so many sights and sounds, we wandered for hours, completely losing track of time. UNTIL.... the Hubs' stomach rumbled. We all know what that means. Either the Hubs eats or there will be mutiny.

New Orleans cuisine was something greatly anticipated with us. We had a long list of items that were an absolute must. Shrimp Po'Boy, Crawfish Etouffee, Beignets (already consumed at Cafe Du Monde!), Gumbo, Jambalaya, and many, many more. The Big Easy is well-known for it's cajun flair, and we were eager to try everything.




Of course, we didn't eat all that in a single afternoon. Our New Orleans adventure spanned five fabulous days. We tried at least one new thing each day, a fun policy that has never failed us before on any vacation.

Among the many places we visited, the National World War II Museum was at the top of the list for the Hubs. We found the museum to be quite crowded, but the displays were interesting and the staff quite knowledgable. We especially appreciated one demonstration where several people took up positions as servicemen on an aircraft carrier, then acted out their duties. I love the hands-on approach; it kept us interested for sure. However, the best thing about the museum was one tiny detail from  the gift shop:

Seriously?? Thanks for the tip, as well.... remember folks, don't take grenades on your next flight!

The Hubs may have favored the museum, but my chosen activity was a little.... shall we say, different? For those of you out there who love a good scare, New Orleans is the place for you. Graveyard tours are offered everywhere, along with several ghost tours. For the adventurous, you can visit the grave of Marie Louveau, famous voodoo priestess, at the stroke of midnight. Or take a tour of the Voodoo Museum . Recently, New Orleans is the featured city in several vampire book series, including Charlaine Harris's Sookie Stackhouse books (the inspiration for HBO's "True Blood").

But what I really loved were the graveyards themselves. Much of the city is below sea level, necessitating a need for above-ground burials. For me (and my camera), the graveyards were a place of savage beauty. We toured several over our stay, including Saint Louis Cemetery #1, reputedly the final resting place of Marie Louveau.



The darker side of New Orleans appeals to many, but if that's not your cup of tea, don't worry! There are many, many sites to see that don't involve voodoo or ghosts or vampires (although you may want to be tucked into bed after dark!).

Just a short drive from downtown is Longue Vue House and Gardens, a spectacular home and garden that offers daily tours. Our tour guide was not only knowledgable about the history of the house, but she also knew the family personally, and was able to provide many interesting insights. The tour was a nice diversion and break from the city life.

Longue Vue House and Gardens

Also outside the city, we took a fun tour of the New Orleans Rum Distillery. The rum is sold only locally, hence a smaller operation. We had a slightly difficult time finding the building, but it was worth the effort. Again, our guide was amazing. And the free shots of rum didn't hurt either! 

If you're in the area, I would also check out Laffitte's Blacksmith Shop, traditionally considered the oldest bar in the United States. Or the LaLaurie Mansion, reputed to be extremely haunted. Take an evening stroll through the Garden District, or visit the aquarium. On our next visit, we plan to enjoy a river cruise! 

With so much to see and do in New Orleans, we didn't even scratch the surface. On our last evening there, we took time to see the Celebration in the Oaks, an amazing display of Christmas lights. This is a seasonal attraction; we were so glad we didn't miss the opportunity! 

No matter what your interests, New Orleans has something to offer every visitor. We loved our mini-vacation to this great city. Someday, we'll be back and adding to our list of experiences. If you've never been, I hope our visit offers you some ideas. If you've visited the city before, I hope this post brought back good memories. Feel free to share your favorite places and the items that would make your must-see list.

For now, I'm trying my hardest to stop being a slacker. I promise. More coming soon to a blog near you!