Roadtrip to New Orleans, Louisiana | Part II | San Diego Photographer

Contrary to how it may seem from my previous blog post, we didn’t spend all five days in New Orleans sampling shrimp po’ boys wherever we went and indulging in delicious alcoholic beverages.  A healthy portion of our trip was also spent exploring the swamps and immersing ourselves in the New Orleans Jazz culture.

(Foodie Alert: for a delicious, full 12 inch po’ boys made with love, go to this tiny, hole-in-the-wall mom and pop’s store that sells hearty, inexpensive sandwiches and down-home-cookin’ food to go: Verti Marte on Royal St. They deliver 24 hours!)

We spent an afternoon “hiking” through the swamps in the outskirts of New Orleans. We hopped on the freeway and drove about thirty minutes out to Jean Lafitte Bayou Preserve for a two mile trek through the swamps. There were several different trails to choose from, varying in difficulty.  Two steps into the trail, I noticed a huge spider sprawled inbetween two trees. I packed light for the hike and only brought my 35mm lens with me. I had to get up close and personal for this. I liked how it spun its web, a zig-zag stitched straight down the middle.

It seemed that the deeper we walked into the bayou, the larger the spiders and critters became.  As we walked, dragonflies in various exotic colors darted between glides. We also came across two grasshoppers who were clearly in love and didn’t care who knew it.

It was ridiculously muggy and downright uncomfortable during our easy hike. My sweat was sweating.  After the first day in New Orleans, Rex learned quickly that carrying a towel around everywhere we went was a must. I wish I had followed his lead.

As we approached a small wooden bridge, Rex motioned for me to look down. There it was, my dinner just a day ago. It was a lazy alligator wading in the shallow water. It kept to itself as we squatted down to take a picture of it. I was pleased. I wanted to see at least one live alligator during our trip and glad that I got to cross it off the list.  It was actually quite anti-climactic, since the alligator was camera shy and kept its face hidden under the bridge.

We continued to walk through the swamp. At first glance, we thought we saw more alligators, but it was actually just tree stumps resembling alligator noses.

Later that afternoon, we went to enjoy the Satchmo SummerFest a few blocks from our hotel. The city had closed off a block or two in the French Quarter, well known for its great jazz bars. It seemed like all of the locals were out having a good time, dancing in the street, and on their balcony, enjoying the live jazz music on stage.

We fell in line for some cherry-flavored shaved ice, which I wanted to swim in. Again, I can’t emphasize how hot and humid it was. We also shared a fried chicken plate from the Praline Company. I’ll spare you the pictures since me enjoying that was messy (it was equally delicious).

After the sunset, we strolled through the streets and LOVED the first bar that we walked into: The Spotted Cat Music Club. From outside, I could hear the lively music and the voice of a woman singing above the horns… it was really inviting. Kristina Morales and the Bayou Shuffles were playing their hearts out up there. Rex and I ended up buying the band’s CD.

After enjoying several songs, we continued to walk down Frenchmen Street and noticed a band of young men on the corner. These guys were amazing to watch. They were intense. Mismatched in clothing, but in total harmony, this jazz band put on an impromptu performance in the middle of the street. At first, only a few passersby stopped to enjoy their music. In a matter of minutes, the trombonist had to cease playing to direct traffic. The audience had grown and stopped traffic! It was incredible. People were dancing in the street, smiling, applauding, recording pictures and videos with their phones, and encouraging the band to keep playing with each dollar dropped into their official collection box–an empty carton of Modelo beer.

New Orleans, despite your humid temperatures and your occasional stench, you were a joy to live in for the brief five days. I loved it: the food, the drinks, the sights, and all that jazz! For a few days you made me forget that I had to fly back to San Diego and leave my heart behind… Until we see each other again…

XO,

Kristine

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