Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler

Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler- "Let The Good Times Roll"....This past July was a month like no other in New Orleans, Louisiana, commonly referred to as NOLA.  A tropical storm that is often reserved for the fall season erupted in the area, and was determined to spoil our Washington Family Reunion.  However, despite the dozen or so family members unable to make it, and multiple airline delays for those coming from the Northeast, we had more than 60 family members from SC, NC, TX, and NJ show up and show out.  Many of our planned activities were cancelled, yet the hotel was very accommodating with food and beverage services, as well as a few restaurants near our centrally located hotel.  We also found out that the Casino never closes, even during a storm. LOL!!

Despite the approaching storm, we found plenty of local attractions near Hotel Indigo on St. Charles St, our home abode for 5 days.  We got in early to NOLA and found a cute dining spot near the hotel, Avenue Cafe, where we ate smoked salmon on a bagel, and a mimosa for a drink.  The remainder of the day was family arrivals.  We immediately jumped on the phone the next day seeking a tour company willing to accommodate not only our group, but one that wasn't closed because of the impending storm, as our original tour group company cancelled our reservations.  We found Aventures Tours, and William was nice enough to accommodate our family on two vans as we ventured through the city.  Even with the darken skies, NOLA is a magnificent place to visit with it's extraordinary history.  Make sure to view our pictures below for some the sights including a wall that was put up to keep the river water from coming into the city; the infamous Cafe Du Monde; and a statute of Mother Teresa placed in one of a dozen or more cemeteries that we passed by during our tour.  We ended our first full day with a Cajun meal at Please U Restaurant near our hotel.  We were thankful that they were able to accommodate such a large group.

The remainder of our days were spent near the hotel getting reacquainted with family members and watching Madea movies, although a few family members found the doors of Harrah's Casino opened when everything was closing down.  Some even got lucky!! A few of us walked along St. Charles, and found out we were a mere mile from Beyonce and J-Z's New Orleans home (pic below). And the late night owls found a bar nearby with karaoke.  Most of the family that were driving departed early on day 4, and those that remained got to venture back out to the city for another beignet at Cafe Du Monde and lunch at Cajun Seafood.  Unfortunately, a few stayed in NOLA because of a late airline cancellation back to to the Northeast, but as family do, we welcomed them into our hotel room overnight for the ultimate family sleepover. 

It was on our very last day that we were able to finally go to Mardi Gras World.  We found a discounted coupon code on Groupon, and after a short trolly ride, we found the location.  We were simply amazed at the artistry that went into the float designs, and the size of the structures. Check out the King-Kong and Fiery Furnace displays in the images below. 

Have you ever went to a destination and was caught up in a natural disaster?

Rhonda and Sharee