Laissez le Bon temp rouler!

Let the Good Times Roll!! We arrived in New Orleans' French Quarter about 3:00 p.m., after navigating a maze of freeways clogged with traffic. Luck was with us, as the RV resort gave us a site as far away from the freeway as possible, so

traffic noise is not a problem. (The resort is located right next to I – 10.) This is definitely an urban setting, surrounded by high cinder block fences topped with sharp spikes, along with code-controlled gates. The resort itself is quite nice with a great pool area. Tomorrow, we will explore the French Quarter and the Garden District. We made Saturday dinner reservations at Herbsaint Restaurant, which Kevin and Laura highly recommend. We will also do a Sunday Jazz brunch at Mr. B's Bistro.

April 2: The French Quarter in the morning was practically deserted.

The remnants of last night's revelry were being washed into the street and the aromas of stale beer and bleach disinfectant hung in the air. Some bars were already open (perhaps, had never closed), and had many customers already. We wandered through block after block of Antebellum buildings, many dating to the mid 18^th century. Nearly all have ornamental ironwork balconies. Many had plaques describing their histories. As the hours passed, the area gradually filled with bustling tourists.

The area is an amalgamation of high-end antique stores, restaurants, and tourist emporiums. One shop features 18^th century furnishings in the ornate, gold-encrusted style found in Versailles Palace. All are said to be originals, and appear to be of museum quality. There are tourist trinket emporiums stocked with voodoo novelties and Mardi Gras paraphernalia, along with well known restaurants such as Brennans.

St. Louis Cathedral is situated on beautifully landscaped Jackson Square. Horse drawn carriages are parked in front of the square, and can be seen carrying tourists throughout the French Quarter.

We had dinner at Herbsaint, which specializes in French - influenced Creole cuisine. This was a culinary adventure that started with frog legs with pickeled carrots, then a gumbo of andouille sausage and chicken. Next came the main courses: Donna had sauteed shrimp with pancetta and kumquats, accompanied by a croquette of cauliflower; I had confit of duck leg served with "dirty rice", and roasted, crispy brussels sprouts. We shared a slice of the most decadent coconut cream pie ever. Altogether an excellent meal.

To work off the calories, we walked the length of Bourbon Street, passing myriad jazz clubs, bars, and strip joints. It was a musical and visual kaleidoscope with loud, blaring music erupting from nearly every doorway, mobs of people of every description, and gyrating young women who were literally shaking their nearly bare behinds at the crowd. (They were holding what looked like racks of test tubes of different colored liquids, which we assumed contained some kind of alchoholic concoction.) Cops were everywhere, on foot, in cars, and even on segways. We have never in our lives experienced anything like it! It was nuts and fun, and it was early - the party was barely getting started since it was only 7:45 p.m.!