Taking Nawlins by an Eastern Europe Storm

It took less than four hours for Nick to organize this New Orleans adventure for eight travelers who met some four years ago during a Rick Steves Eastern Europe tour, including a guide in training at the time whose home is in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The group: Nick from Chicago, Illinois; Deb from Chicago; Jennie and Luis from Austin, Texas; Becky and Russ from Mahtomedi, Minnesota; Sanel from Stolac, Bosnia and Herzegovina and me from Dallas, Texas.

I lived in New Orleans, Louisiana, several times during my life. The first time, I moved there from New York with my parents when I was nine; as a teenager for a year or so while my Dad was between jobs and again as a 20-something year old adult working at WYLD radio station trying to find her way with a young child in tow.

I’ve also been back to New Orleans several times as a visitor to see a childhood friend. But the last time I was there, it was a couple of years after Katrina and I felt disconnected from the city like it had lost its soul because the people were no longer there.

I had not been back since this most recent 5-day/4-night stay. And this time was so very different. Both the city and I had changed. It had gotten some of its soul back and I had gotten, older, a little wiser with a little more change in my pocket to spend. Plus, I was joining a group of incredibly fun people to enjoy and share in the fun and exploration.

Even though I am familiar with New Orleans, it is not my home but it was and is a place I found enjoyment, employment and a soulful connection to. Couple that with a fun group of people and we had the makings of a pretty dang good time.

Thank you Nick for putting the word out there for us to meet in New Orleans. It didn’t take much convincing for the group of us to all say yes rather immediately! And the timing was perfect for me. A perfect get away to reunite with travelers from a Rick Steves Eastern Europe trip we took together some four years ago. That trip was part of my 60-days of travel to celebrate both turning 60 and retiring from 28-years of service with the U.S. Department of Labor.

The heart of New Orleans, situated on the bend of the Mississippi River, is the French Quarter, where our hotel, the Madison Dupuy is located. The land on which the French Quarter sits was traversed by Native peoples long before the arrival of Europeans and Africans in the early 18th century.

Let’s get on to enjoying great company in a the fun city of New Orleans. Or, Nawlins.

Day One – Bourbon Street, Jackson Square, French Market & Cafe Du Monde

At Cafe du Monde during my first night in New Orleans with Luis, Jennie, Deb and Nick. Still to come are Becky, Russ and Sanel! Cafe Du Monde is a well-know, well-established open-air coffee shop on Decatur Street in New Orleans selling café au lait and beignets since 1862. Beignets are squared pieces of dough with no hole in the middle covered with powdered sugar. (Jan. 15, 2020)

Even before Cafe du Monde, I arrived about 10:00 am to a jazz band reception at the brand new Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport Wednesday morning and took a Lyft to my hotel in the French Quarter, the Maison Dupuy Hotel on Toulouse. (Jan. 15, 2020)

The exterior of the Madison Dupuy Hotel in the French Quarter on Toulouse Street in New Orleans. (Jan. 15, 2020)

My rather roomy and comfortable shelter for my 5-day/4-night stay in Room 459 at the Maison Dupuy Hotel in Toulouse Street in New Orleans. (Jan. 15, 2020)

Love the tile street names on the street corners of the French Quarter in New Orleans. (Jan. 15, 2020)

Views of the beautiful architecture on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. (Jan. 15, 2020)

Views of the beautiful architecture on St. Peter’s Street in New Orleans. (Jan. 15, 2020)

Views of the beautiful architecture on Royal Street in New Orleans. (Jan. 15, 2020)

Views of the beautiful architecture on Domaine Royal Street in New Orleans. (Jan. 15, 2020)

The shops and restaurants around Jackson Square in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana. (Jan. 15, 2020)

The iconic Cathedral-Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France, also called the St. Louis Cathedral to the right and the Cabildo Museum to the left at Jackson Square in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Cabildo was built under Spanish rule between 1795 and 1799, following the Great New Orleans Fire of 1788 that completely destroyed the structure that stood on the property. (Jan. 15, 2020)

The Cabildo Museum, to the left of the St. Louis Cathedral, was built under Spanish rule between 1795 and 1799, following the Great New Orleans Fire of 1788 that completely destroyed the structure that stood on the property. (Jan. 15, 2020)

The beautiful wrought iron fences surrounding Jackson Square park in New Orleans. (Jan. 15, 2020

The park inside the wrought iron gate of Jackson Square in New Orleans. (Jan. 15, 2020)

The French Market on Ursuline Avenue in the French Quarter area of New Orleans. (Jan. 15, 2020)

Inside the French Market on Ursuline Avenue in the French Quarter area of New Orleans. (Jan. 15, 2020)

The Cafe du Monde on Decatur in New Orleans is the original coffee stand established in 1862 in the New Orleans French Market. The Cafe is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It’s menu has long included dark roasted Coffee and Chicory along with Beignets. The coffee is served Black or Au Lait. Au Lait means that it is mixed half and half with hot milk. Beignets are square French -style doughnuts, lavishly covered with powdered sugar. (Jan. 15, 2020)

We couldn’t see the Mississippi River, while standing at the Washington Artillery Park area in New Orleans, because of the fog. (Jan. 15, 2020)

Enjoying a night walk and the views from the Washington Artillery Park between Jackson Square and the Mississippi River in New Orleans; me, Jennie and Deb. (Jan. 15, 2020)

I thought this sign about the Transatlantic Slave Trade, by the Mississippi River at the Washington Artillery Park in New Orleans, provided important historical information:

(Continued on the other side)
Greater Senegambia, the Gold Coast, the Bight of Benin, West Central and Southeast Africa. Their skills and cultural practices were foundational to the development of Louisiana. Their Middle Passage averaged more than sixty days, and thousands perished from causes ranging from malnutrition, scurvy and other diseases to the violent suppression of onboard rebellion. Those who did survive were often unloaded here along the banks of the Mississippi River. In 1808, the United States banned the international salve trade, though illegal shipments of Africans to Louisiana continued, with the last documented slave ship, the Fenix, arriving in New Orleans in 1830.” The sign is by the New Orleans Committee to erect markers on the Slave Trade. (Jan. 15, 2020)

An evening view from the Washington Artillery Park area overlooking Jackson Square in New Orleans. (Jan. 15, 2020)

Day Two – Jackson Square, Central Grocery Co., Shotgun houses & Barhopping

Our group inside the Jackson Square park with the equestrian sculpture of Andrew Jackson behind us. Sculpted by Clark Mills and erected in 1856, Jackson was a hero of the Battle of New Orleans and the 7th President of the United States from 1829 to 1837. From left, Luis, Jennie, Deb, Nick, me and Sanel. (Jan. 16, 2020)

The Cathedral-Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France, also called St. Louis Cathedral at Jackson Square in New Orleans, was dedicated to King Louis IX of France. It is considered to be the oldest cathedral in what would become the United States. (Jan. 16, 2020)

Standing by a historical marker in the French Quarter are Luis, Sanel and Nick. The sign states: “First sighted as Indian portage to Lake Pontchartrain and Gulf in 1699 by Bienville and Iberville. Founded by Bienville in 1718. Called the Crescent City because of its location in the bend of the Mississippi.” (Jan. 16, 2020)

We ventured into the Central Grocery Co. on Decatur Street in French Quarter in New Orleans. It is considered the “Home of the Original Muffuletta,” and is where we stopped to enjoy one of their incredibly delicious muffulettas, sandwiches on large pieces of Italian bread, cut down the middle where an olive salad blend is spread on the bread followed by layers of thin slice smoked ham, Genoa salami and provolone or fontina cheeses. Thanks Nick for the photo.

Inside Central Grocery and Deli store on Decatur Street in the French Quarter in New Orleans is considered the “Home of the Original Muffuletta,” where we stopped to enjoy one of their incredibly delicious muffulettas. Luis, Jennie and Deb. (Jan. 16, 2020)

Our group shoveling down the delicious muffuletta at the Central Grocery Co. in the French Quarter on Decatur Street in New Orleans. Thanks Sanel for the photo…Sanel, Nick, Jennie, Luis and Deb. (Jan. 16, 2020)

The vegetarian muffuletta at the Central Grocery Co. in the French Quarter on Decatur Street in New Orleans. Thanks Sanel for the photo. (Jan. 16, 2020)

The gilded bronze equestrian Joan of Arc Monument at a little pocket park on Decatur Street in the New Orleans French Quarter. Joan of Arc, nicknamed “The Maid of Orléans,” was born in France in 1412. At age 18 she led the French army to victory over the English at Orléans. Captured a year later, Joan was burned at the stake as a heretic by the English and their French collaborators. She was canonized as a Roman Catholic saint more than 500 years later, on May 16, 1920. Although the monument initially made its appearance in 1958 on consignment, the statue was eventually gifted to the city in 1964. (Jan. 16, 2020)

Sanel and Nick modeling colorful hats from a hat shop on Decatur Street in the French Quarter of New Orleans. (Jan. 16, 2020)

Double shotgun houses on Ursuline Street in New Orleans. Shotgun houses are defined as a narrow rectangular domestic residence with rooms arranged one behind the other and a door is at each end of the house. According to realtor.com, shotgun houses were brought to the United States in the 18th and 19th century, as islanders in Haiti and the West Indies started settling in New Orleans, bringing this African architectural style with them. (Jan. 16, 2020)

More double shotgun houses on Ursuline Street in New Orleans. (Jan. 16, 2020)

Horse and carriage rides are available throughout the French Quarter in New Orleans. (Jan. 16, 2020)

Spent the afternoon bar hopping in the French Quarter with time here at the iconic Pat OBrien’s. We enjoyed their signature Hurricane drinks served in a curvy tall glass and made with light rum, dark rum, lemon juice, passion fruit syrup and probably much more. All I know is that it goes down easy and packs a punch. And, thanks to Nick, our extraordinary Bar Hopping Guide. Me, Sanel, Nick, Jennie and Deb. (Jan. 16, 2020)

Here we are at the Napoleon House in the French Quarter with Russ and Becky completing our tour group. (Jan. 16, 2020)

Nick grandly performing his version of “Mack the Knife,” made famous by Bobby Darin, at the Cat’s Meow Karaoke Bar on Bourbon Street in the French Quarter in New Orleans. (Jan. 16, 2020)

Dinner at Mulate’s, the Original Cajun Restaurant on Julia Street, with Sanel getting his first taste of alligator, fried alligator. (July 16, 2020)

Russ and Becky hitting the dance floor at Mulate’s, the Original Cajun Restaurant on Julia Street in New Orleans, where we enjoyed a group dinner. (July 16, 2020)

Day Three – St. Louis Cemetery #1, Inside the St. Louis Cathedral, Preservation Hall & a Night Walk

Me, standing by the above ground vault of Homer Adolph Plessy (1862-1925) at the St. Louis Cemetery #1 Catholic Cemetery. On June 7, 1892, Plessy defied a Louisiana law that segregated railroad trains on the basis of race. He was arrested and became the defendant in the May 1, 1896 U.S. Supreme Court decision of Plessy vs. Ferguson, which condoned ‘Separate but Equal’ facilities in the U.S.” (Jan. 17, 2020)

Our group took the “Save Our Cemeteries” tour of the St. Louis Cemetery #1 on Basin Street in New Orleans. According to tour guide, Fran, this Greek revival tomb is the burial place of the widely known Marie Laveau, the “Queen of Voodoo.” Voodoo, a mystic cult of African origin, was brought to the city from Santo Domingo and flourished in the 19th Century. (Jan. 17, 2020)

In New Orleans cemeteries bodies are usually placed inside the walls of the tombs and because of the heat, the body to decompose rapidly. Within about a year, only bones are left and those bones are put aside or in container so the tomb can be opened and used for another family member. (Jan. 17, 2020)

The St. Louis Cemetery #1 is from 1789 and considered the oldest cemetery in the city. (Jan. 17, 2020)

The vaults at the St. Louis Cemetery are above-ground graves for individual families. The water table is high so digging a few feet means hitting water. (Jan. 17, 2020)

Fern, our tour guide showing us the before photo of the renovated tomb behind her inside the St. Louis Cemetery #1. The tomb was renovated by the “Save Our Cemeteries,” non-profit group. (Jan. 17, 2020)

This pyramid inside the St. Louis Cemetery #1 Catholic Cemetery in New Orleans is the future tomb of actor Nicolas Cage. Talk about thinking ahead. (Jan 17, 2019)

Inside the St. Louis Cemetery #1 was opened in 1789 to replace the city’s older St. Peter Cemetery. (Jan. 17, 2020)

The Saint Jude statue in the Peace Garden in the exterior courtyard of Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel—International Shrine of St. Jude in New Orleans. One of the 12 apostles, St. Jude is the patron saint of impossible cases. (Jan. 17, 2020)

Inside Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel—International Shrine of St. Jude Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in New Orleans. The Roman Catholic church, built in 1826, is located across the street from the St. Louis Cemetery #1 and was the burial church for the victims of yellow fever. (Jan. 17, 2020)

A side chapel to the left of the altar of Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel—International Shrine of St. Jude in New Orleans contains another statue of St. Jude and this incredible mosaic of Jesus Christ and St. Jude. (Jan. 17, 2020)

A close-up of the mosaic Jesus Christ and St. Jude in a side chapel of Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel—International Shrine of St. Jude in New Orleans. (Jan. 17, 2020)

Views of the beautiful architecture on St. Peter’s Street in New Orleans. (Jan. 17, 2020)

Back to Jackson Square on a rather busy Friday afternoon with artists displaying their works musicians singing and dancing, card readers ready to tell a person’s future and other acts like magicians and jugglers. After our cemetery tour we all wandered off in different directions and one direction I wanted to go too was Jackson Square to finally go into St. Louis Cathedral. Following the Great New Orleans Fire of 1788, the Spanish officials rebuilt the St. Louis Church (elevated to cathedral in 1793) in 1789 and the town hall (known as the Cabildo to the left of the cathedral) in 1795. (Jan. 17, 2020)

Inside the rather beautiful St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square in New Orleans. After the Great New Orleans Fire of 1788, the Spanish officials rebuilt the St. Louis Church (elevated to cathedral in 1793) in 1789. (Jan. 17, 2020)

The altar or sanctuary inside St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square in New Orleans. (Jan. 17, 2020)

The ceiling inside St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square in New Orleans. (Jan. 17, 2020)

A close-up of the ceiling inside St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square in New Orleans. (Jan. 17, 2020)

This little alleyway is Exchange Place in the French Quarter between Bienville and Conti Streets where our group had dinner at the Pelican Club before enjoying jazz music at the legendary Preservation Hall in New Orleans. we went to the Pelican Club for dinner. (Jan. 17, 2020)

Dinner at the Pelican Club on Exchange Place in the French Quarter between Bienville and Conti Streets in New Orleans. (Jan. 17, 2020)

I had a pretty delicious bowl of the Shrimp & Andouille Gumbo at the Pelican Club on Exchange Place in New Orleans. (Jan. 17, 2020)

Standing in line to get our VIP seats, thanks to Nick, at the Preservation Hall for Live New Orleans Jazz. Since 1961 the Preservation Hall, in the heart of the French Quarter on St. Peter Street, has provided nightly performances featuring the finest Crescent City musicians playing Traditional New Orleans Jazz. From left, Jennie, Deb, Becky, Russ, Luis, Nick me and Sanel. Thanks Sanel for the photo. (Jan. 17, 2020)

People waiting to enter Preservation Hall on St. Peter Street in New Orleans. (Jan. 17, 2020)

Inside the Preservation Hall, in the heart of the French Quarter on St. Peter Street, in New Orleans. (Jan. 17, 2020)

Walking around the French Quarter after the Preservation Hall concert passing Rev Zombie’s Voodoo Shop on St. Peter’s Street in New Orleans. (Jan. 17, 2020)

A quick look inside Rev Zombie’s Voodoo Shop on St. Peter’s Street in New Orleans. (Jan. 17, 2020)

Zombie’s Cigars on St. Peter’s Street in New Orleans. (Jan. 17, 2020)

A quick look inside Zombie’s Cigars on St. Peter’s Street in New Orleans. (Jan. 17, 2020)

A mask shop on Royal Street in New Orleans. (Jan. 17, 2020)

A peek into George Rodrigue’s Art Gallery on Royal Street in the New Orleans French Quarter where is paintings, prints & other works starring his iconic blue dogs are sold. (Jan. 17, 2020)

A night view of the backside or rear of the St. Louis Cathedral from Royal Street in the New Orleans French Quarter. (Jan. 17, 2020)

A hotel on Royal Street with its beautiful wrought iron fence in New Orleans (Jan. 17, 2020)

A night walk around Frenchman Street in New Orleans. (Jan. 17, 2020)

Day Four – Canal Street, St. Charles Street trolley ride & Commanders Palace

The statue of Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville on Decatur Avenue in New Orleans was baptized Feb. 23, 1680 in Montreal, New France [now in Canada] and died March 7, 1767 in Paris, France. The French explorer was colonial governor of Louisiana and the founded New Orleans in 1717. (Jan. 18, 2020)

The other side of the statue of Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville on Decatur Avenue in New Orleans. He founded the City of New Orleans in 1717. Standing with his back to Bienville is Father Athanase, a Recollect monk. Slouched at Bienville’s feet is a generic, nearly-nude Indian, listlessly holding a peace pipe. (Jan. 18, 2020)

My Can Street feet selfie in New Orleans. (Jan. 18, 2020)

Canal Street in New Orleans. (Jan. 18, 2020)

The Streetcar along Canal Street in New Orleans. Streetcars have been a vital part of life in New Orleans since 1833, when the Louisiana legislature approved the charter of the city’s first streetcar company, the New Orleans and Carrollton Railroad Company. (Jan. 18, 2020)

All aboard the trolley off of Canal Street to St. Charles Street and the Garden District in New Orleans. (Jan. 18, 2020)

A few of our group members on the trolley along St. Charles Street in New Orleans….Jennie, Luis, Sanel and Nick. Street cars have been a vital part of life in New Orleans since 1833. We met the rest of our group at Commander’s Palace for their Jazz Brunch. (Jan. 18, 2020)

On the Streetcar overlooking Canal Street in New Orleans. (Jan. 18, 2020)

Inside the St. Charles Streetcar on our way through the Garden District in New Orleans. (Jan. 18, 2020)

The Garden District homes along St. Charles Street in New Orleans. (Jan. 18, 2020)

Meeting up with another Streetcar along the St. Charles line in New Orleans. (Jan. 18, 2020)

We decided to take the St. Charles Streetcar from Canal Street to the end at Audubon Park about 13.2 miles long. Stopping at on the way back to meet the remaining group at the Commander’s Palace for a late brunch/lunch. (Jan. 18, 2020)

Just riding on the streetcar along St. Charles Street to our exit for Commander’s Palace on Washington Street. (Jan. 18, 2020)

Enjoying our Jazz Brunch desserts at Commander’s Palace. From left, Deb, Sanel, Luis, Jennie, me, Becky, Russ and Nic. (Jan. 18, 2020)

My meal at Commander’s Palace Jazz Brunch, the Des Alemanes Catfish described as a crispy fried Louisiana catfish over crab boiled new potato boulangere with local heirloom tomatoes, grilled trinity, saffron courtbouillon broth and crab fat rouille. (Jan. 18, 2020)

And for desert at the Commander’s Palace Jazz Brunch, I had the most delicious, most rich Creole Bread Budding Soufflé, ordered in advance. It is described as “all the richness of Creole bread pudding whipped up into a light fluffy soufflé with warm whiskey sauce added on the table once it’s been served. (Jan. 18, 2020)

The Giving Tree Gallery, a shop on Magazine Street in New Orleans, where these two sculptures can be seen through the window. (Jan. 18, 2020)

The Giving Tree Gallery, a shop on Magazine Street where Houston Llew’s Spiritiles caught my eye. As a quilter, I saw little pieces of art quilts from small traditional quilt blocks. (Jan. 18, 2020)

We all decided to get this shirt as a souvenir of our 2020 trip to New Orleans. (Jan. 17, 2020)

The back view of our group Road Trip t-shirt photo op: Luis, me, Sanel, Jennie, Becky, Nick, Deb and Russ in the lobby of our hotel the Madison Dupuy Hotel on Toulouse in New Orleans. Thanks Becky for the photo. (Jan. 18, 2020)

The front view of our group Road Trip t-shirt photo op: Luis, me, Sanel, Jennie, Becky, Nick, Deb and Russ in the lobby of our hotel the Madison Dupuy Hotel on Toulouse in New Orleans. (Jan. 18, 2020)

Our last full night together with a final stop at one of the best watering holes in New Orleans, Pat O’Brien’s Hurricane drinks. From left: Sanel, Luis, Jennie, Russ, Becky, me, Deb and Nick. Thanks Sanel for the photo. (Jan. 18, 2020)

After our last Hurricane at Pat O’Brien’s, we needed a late night snack so we made our way back to the Pelican Club on Exchange Place in the French Quarter and ended up eating at the bar. I had two more bowls of gumbo. (Jan. 18, 2020)

Wrapping up a fun time in New Orleans at the Pelican Club in New Orleans. Me, Becky, Russ, Nic, Luis, Sanel and Jennie. (Jan. 18, 2020)

Day Five – The last day in Nawlins; Louis Armstrong Park and the new Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport

At the white arched entrance to the Louis Armstrong Park, just steps away from the French Quarter, on our last full New Orleans day with Jennie and Luis. This public park honors the late great trumpeter, composer, vocalist, and actor who was among the most influential figures in jazz. Affectionately called Satchmo, his career spanned five decades, from the 1920s to the 1960s, and different eras in the history of jazz. The park also features Congo Square (a historic meeting place for slaves in the 1800s), a Sculpture Promenade, Louis Armstrong Sculpture Garden, Jazz Compound, Rose Garden, and a lagoon in the center of the park. Although it was a beautiful Sunday morning, it was rather cool and breezy but a nice way to bid this city good-bye…for now. (Jan. 19, 2020)

Inside the Louis Armstrong Park features a number of monuments including this sculpture of jazz musicians to a statue of the great jazz trumpeter himself, Louis Armstrong. (Jan. 19, 2020)

Jazz band sculpture at the arched entrance to the Louis Armstrong Park off Rampart Street and across from the French Quarter. (Jan. 19, 2020)

The Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts at the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park.
Mahalia was known as “the world’s greatest gospel singer” and was one of the many famous entertainers who came from New Orleans. She was also involved in the Civil Rights movement, singing alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the March on Washington. She was later invited to sing at King’s funeral. (Jan. 19, 2020)

The sculptures, bridges and water gardens inside the 32-acre Louis Armstrong Park located in the Tremé neighborhood across Rampart Street from the French Quarter. (Jan. 19, 2020)

The man himself, New Orleans native, Louis Daniel Armstrong (1901-1971) fondly nicknamed “Satchmo” was an American trumpeter, composer, vocalist, and actor who was among the most influential figures in jazz. His career spanned five decades, from the 1920s to the 1960s, and different eras in the history of jazz
The 12-foot statue is by Elizabeth Catlett (1915-2012), an American and Mexican graphic artist and sculptor best known for her depictions of the African-American experience in the 20th century. Catlett was born and raised in Washington, D.C., to parents who worked in education and was the grandchild of freed slaves. She received a bachelors degree from Howard University and a master’s degree of fine art from the University of Iowa. Her long relationship with New Orleans began in 1939, when she became head of the Dillard University art department. (Jan. 19, 2020)

The sculptures, bridges and water gardens inside the 32-acre Louis Armstrong Park, located in the Tremé neighborhood of New Orleans, Louisiana, is just across Rampart Street from the French Quarter. (Jan. 19, 2020)

The Charles Joseph “Buddy” Bolden (1877-1931), sculpture at the Louis Armstrong Park in New Orleans is known as the first “King” of cornet from 1900-1907. He is said to be portrayed as three persons in motion, possibly reflecting his difficult mental health. (Jan. 19, 2020)

The sculptures, bridges and water gardens inside the 32-acre Louis Armstrong Park located in the Tremé neighborhood of New Orleans, Louisiana, just across Rampart Street from the French Quarter. (Jan. 19, 2020)

Inside the Louis Armstrong Park is Congo Square. “Congo Square is in the ‘vicinity’ of a sport which Houmas Indians used before the arrival of the French for celebrating their annual corn harvest and was considered sacred ground. The gathering of enslaved African vendors in Congo Square originated as early as the late 1740’s during Louisiana’s French colonial period and continued during the Spanish colonial era as one of the city’s public markets. By 1803, Congo Square had become famous for the gatherings of enslaved Africans who drummed, danced, sang and traded on Sunday afternoons. These African cultural expressions gradually developed into Mardi Gras Indian traditions, the Second line and eventually New Orleans jazz, and rhythm and blues. (Jan. 19, 2020)

A part of Congo Square, inside the Louis Armstrong Park in New Orleans, is considered one of the most important places in the history of music. Congo Square was the place where black slaves could once again be Africans, even if for just one afternoon a week. They would bring drums, bells, and other musical instruments to the square and gather, roughly by tribe, to play music, sing, and dance. (Jan. 19, 2020)

Me at this gorgeous carved Congo Square high relief sculpture depicting a woman dancing in the center with a man while a man to the right plays a drum and another to the left plays a tambourine and people gathered in the background to enjoy the dancing and music. The plaque reads:
“Congo Square: During the late 17th and well into the 18th centuries, slaves gathered at Congo Square on Sundays and sang, danced and drummed in authentic West African style. This rich legacy of African celebration is the foundation of New Orleans’ unique musical traditions, including jazz.” Sculptor: Adewale S. Adenle. Dedicated April 2010. (Jan. 19, 2020)

Back at the new Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport in Kenner, Louisiana. The former terminal of Louis Armstrong International is situated on the south side of the airfield; it closed in November 2019 when this new terminal on the north side of the airfield opened. (Jan. 19, 2020)

Inside the new Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, Kenner, Louisiana. Au revoir or Goodbye for now New Orleans. (Jan. 19, 2020)

The Mardi Gras Indian “Chief Tootie Montana” sculpture by Sheleen Jones-Adenle at the Louis Armstrong Park in New Orleans. (Jan. 19, 2020)

A Mardi Gras decorated house on Burgundy Street in New Orleans. (Jan. 19, 2020)

5Comments

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1

Nick on February 6, 2020 at 2:13 pm

Fantastic! What a great time
- 2
  
  Diana Petterson on February 6, 2020 at 6:52 pm
  
  Yes, an absolutely great time! Thanks so much Nick for getting us together.
3

Deb on February 6, 2020 at 6:25 pm

Well done! You really captured a memorable weekend with wonderful friends.
- 4
  
  Diana Petterson on February 6, 2020 at 6:54 pm
  
  Thanks so much Deb! Even though we got to enjoy the New Orleans French Quarter, this was all about having a great time with a great group of people.
5

Russ and Becky Bierbaum on February 6, 2020 at 6:46 pm

Diana,

Thank you for your great effort of documenting our wonderful time together in NOLA. You did a fantastic job! Looking forward to our next trip together.

Russ and Becky