“Laissez les bons temps rouler”; the French phrase translates literally to “let the good times roll” and if it isn’t the official slogan for New Orleans, it should be. My sister and I spent a perfect weekend in the city, enjoying all of the good times it had to offer.
For most of the morning, thick black-out curtains kept sunlight out of our hotel room. I considered opening them fully, but when I rolled over to check on my sister, she was partially buried (just as I was) under the cotton-soft duvet, her phone in her hand the only sign she was awake. A set of eyes peeked up at me for a second before looking back down. Neither of us was ready to get up.
French Quarter
When we finally peeled ourselves away from our beds, it was to take an afternoon stroll around the French Quarter–a historic neighborhood in New Orleans filled with colorful building facades and wrought-iron balconies. Unsurprisingly, the streets were sparse, as the heavy August heat settled over town.
Just as we were about to leave the stretch of buildings and head into Armstrong Park, I ran into Feyikoya, a fellow travel blogger I had connected with online but never met in person. We hugged as if there were years of friendship between us.
New Orleans Museum of Art – Sculpture Gardens
We spent a stormy day in the quiet NOMA sculpture gardens, photographing the installations and each other, and easing into the pace of the day—which was really the pace of the entire trip: slow and easy-going.
Bourbon Street
At night, we attempted the always lively Bourbon Street and decided we might be better off away from its crowds, especially after my arm met the burning end of a carelessly held cigarette.
Just off Bourbon, in a hole-in-the-wall bar, we drank cocktails stronger than anything we were used to, ice-cold glasses of Sazerac, a classic New Orleans drink. “Oh, you must be new to New Orleans”, a bartender said after we commented on the potent drinks. “We don’t shy away from the liquor”.
Until “last call” at 2 am, we passed the time with easy conversation, laughing at anecdotes only we would find funny, as music we weren’t listening to drowned in the background.
Eating around New Orleans
We let the good times roll indeed. Over shared beignets at Café Du Monde, honey-soaked cornbread at Willa Jean, over Luke’s shrimp and grits and chicken and waffles with spicy jelly, over late-night peanut butter and jelly sandwiches–a nightly tradition, courtesy of our hotel.
Time passed slowly in New Orleans, as if the city was encouraging me to pause and notice the good things. To appreciate not just the time I had been given, but the place I was in and the person I was with.
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Good to know
Where we stayed: Le Pavillon Hotel. We enjoyed their midnight peanut butter and jelly buffet, featuring varied jelly and peanut butter flavors and warm milk.
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As always,
Thank you for reading
All photos shot and edited on iPhone 8+
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