Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Adventures of New-Orleans



After the Canal De panama escapade, our next fixed voyage was Mississippi -New Orleans –Louisiana. To reach the historic port of call New Orleans, one needs to transit the famous Mississippi road river. It’s a total of 22 hours course which bestow the ultimate experience of enchanting Mississippi heritage. The river provides a true slice of Americana- serene landscapes, green panoramic views, quaint towns, bustling ports and massive ship traffic. Known to be the fourth longest river of the world, it passes through 10 different states of America. Round the year, the illustrious river is bustling with tourist hopped in state of the art Ocean going Cruisers.




Past the two day long stream, we anchored in New Orleans-a major United States port and metropolitan area in the province of Louisiana. “NOLA” as they call evolves around the holy trinity, jazz, food and entertainment. Everybody on the ship was first timers to visit the place. So after browsing through net we rounded few sites to explore through out the day. Our first destination was the famous “French Quarters”-the heart and cultural center of the city. I was totally enthralled by my first overview of the place. High-energy, vibrant surroundings, musical streets, aromatic air and mounts of exuberance. 


 















Heart and soul of the French quarters is the Bourbon Street. It’s the most happening and wildest thoroughfare of the quarters with sounds of jazz music, country western, colorful decked-up girls and Mardi grass beads. The street gets the peak of its liveliness in the evening and it feels like you are a part of a carnival. We even gotta chance to relish a limousine ride all around the place. Beware the street is prohibited for kids as it jammed up with strip clubs, free flowing spirits and some adult stuff.




From there we rented a three wheeler rickshaw paddled by a girl. She took us to the famous “Jackson square”. The street was meandering with beautiful artwork from the super talented artist. It was one of my favourite place to walk through due to the different displays of artcrafts hanging on fence by artist to sell. The place was brimming with musician’s, street performers, Crazy costumes, fortune tellers and even voodoo specialist. The square is also famous for St Louis Cathedral and the Andrew Jackson monument.







After strolling for few hours and due to my hunger pangs, we took a cab to Magazine Street for our much anticipated Indian cuisine. The buffet was mouth watering and we hogged like beggars. 



Loaded with food we went to Wal-Mart for some retail therapy .But my expectations doomed as most of the merchandise was of inferior quality. Halfheartedly we did some cosmetic shopping, souvenirs for family and friends and a nice handbag for myself.



We still had a couple of hours remaining before heading back towards our cocoon. Being an animal lover, I always loved visiting zoos and Aquariums. Audubon Aquarium of Americas is one family friendly activity in the city. Best display was the underwater tunnel, the Amazon rain forest and an open ocean tank. Life size aquariums, whales, penguins and white alligator, the place is a must visit for animal enthusiasts. 



With heart full of unparalleled memories of one of the most phenomenal place, we reluctantly trudged en-route to our vessel.

25 comments:

  1. Nice Snaps Anu!! Is that from your recent trip?

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  2. Wonderful pictures.
    That third picture (on the left) is what my wife is striving to achieve with our terrace garden.
    By the way the chauffeur is waiting for you to be seated in the stretch limousine.

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  3. Wow, stretch limo and all. ;)

    I hope some day I get to see this carnival destination. I bet it has an energy of its own. :)

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  4. Super cool, Anu! The snaps are fantastic especially the first one. You are having such a fantastic time and it shows. Hey, I love your yellow handbag :). Is this an around-the-world cruise?

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  5. Loved the pics, especially the first one. YOur post makes me realize that I want to travel :(

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  6. Enjoy this, for me, virtual voyage Anu and the interludes. Keep them coming

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  7. Wow beautiful...lovely pics. 1st and 3rd are my fav. I would like to know too that is it a around the world cruise?

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  8. Hi, You make it come alive for us. You make me feel like travelling. Somewhere, anywhere :) And the snaps are also great. I loved the one of the meandering river and the limousine. You are also looking very nice especially in the snaps dressed in white and black with the yellow bag ::)

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  9. Looks like you had a great time Anu :) enjoy your travels .

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  10. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  11. Beautiful place, very interesting travelogue and lovely clicks! Thanks for the virtual tour :)

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  12. That was a virtual tour. Thanks Anu. And beautiful pics too :)

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  13. Hey Anu.. I totally enjoyed it. I just wish you post slightly bigger pictures. I enjoy looking at your pics! :D Very well.. feels I know a lot abt Orleans now..

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  14. Very awesome journey which took me along with you .! Pics are fantastic. I did'nt know that cycle rickshaws are also popular there.

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  15. Drop dead gorgeous pics, Anu and looks you are having awesome fun, in Anu-ism style:)

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  16. Superb write up and nice pics !

    Please accept the liebster from my blog :) Have been reading your blog :) Nice blog you have here !

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  18. Wonderful Anu...I always wanted to visit the city! Love the pictures as well...

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  19. This was a lovely post and enjoyed every bit, the description and pictures! Would love to read more of your experiences!

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