Tuesday 7 May 2019
Traveling on eMpTy: Saints �� & Sinners ��
Traveling on eMpTy: Saints �� & Sinners ��: My brother Gerry made it to the Big 5-0 so we took a trip to New Orleans to celebrate. My sisters and I have all been before but it was Gerr...
Saints 👼 & Sinners 😈
My brother Gerry made it to the Big 5-0 so we took a trip to New Orleans to celebrate. My sisters and I have all been before but it was Gerry's first time. My cousin Kenny flew from Vancouver to meet us. We chose the Prince Conti hotel, located in the French Quarter a half a block from Bourbon Street. My sister Jennie and I stayed at the same hotel 4 years ago and loved it.
After checking in and changing (what a difference in temperature to Windsor!) we hit Bourbon Street. We went to Pat O'Brien's located on St. Peter street with one of the best courtyards in the city. Famous for their Hurricane drink, this expansive bar has duelling piano's inside their lounge, and a beautiful courtyard with numerous trees and a waterfall. The Hurricane is a rum-based cocktail with passion fruit. They sell a 3 gallon glass for $150! We stuck to the smaller size and I tried their other well known cocktail, the Mint Julep. I prefer this Bourbon-based drink over the sweetness of the Hurricane.
We walked the Quarter and visited some other bars. It was a gorgeous day and we took advantage of the courtyards and the sun. Kenny's flight didn't get in until 9p.m. so we met him back at the hotel. We enjoyed some complimentary champagne and then hit the nightlife again.
Wednesday boasted the same weather with the sun shining. We walked around and took in the sights, the buskers and the music. We visited Jackson Square the home of Andrew Jackson's monument and Saint Louis Cathedral.
There were many people painting, performing,
giving readings, doing magic tricks or playing music. Jackson Square is bustling with activity and is great for people watching.
Located across the Square is Jax Brewery and Cafe du Monde. Famous for it's cafe-au-lait made with chicory and it's beignets, it's open 24 hours a day and there is always a line up. I can't even fathom how much powdered sugar they go through in one day!
That night we partook in a haunted carriage tour through the quarter. We met our guide and climbed into the mule-drawn carriage driven by Desire. Our tour started at 9p.m. so it was dark and perfect for the tales our guide shared. Passing by LaLaurie mansion, St. Louis Cathedral, and a number of bars, she told us stories of murder, medical experiments, torture and unexplained events that gave us goosebumps.
The next day, we visited the oldest bar, Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar which has been around since the 1700's. Lit by candles inside, our guide told us it's haunted but still serves a great drink. The owner himself, Jean Lafitte has been known to appear, dressed as a sailor and stands near the fireplace. He doesn't speak to anyone and disappears once he's noticed. There is also a ghost on the second floor, belonging to a woman and she will even whisper in your ear. Unfortunately, we missed the ghost experience while we enjoyed our drinks.
One of the highlights of the trip was joining the New Orleans School of Cooking for a 3 hour hands-on cooking class. My sister Bobbie and I decided to do this and the meal was fantastic.
We made roasted sweet potato tasso bisque, veal grillades with cheese grits and poached eggs, and a chocolate pecan pie for dessert. Chef Eric was both entertaining and knowledgable. The bisque was probably the best thing I ate during our entire trip!
We got our own aprons and some recipes. We learned to say pecan properly (not PEE CAN) and the difference between creole and cajun food. Creole adds tomatoes and cajun is darkened. I am definitely going to try and replicate the bisque recipe at home.
We were able to sample some other tasty delights in New Orleans. From oysters, gator bites, and jambalaya at Felix's, to crawfish at Three Legged Dog (a total hole in the wall), to the po'boys at Deja Vu, the food and atmosphere at these places did not disappoint.
For our last night, we boarded the Steamboat Natchez for a two hour journey down the Mississippi River. The cruise started in the heart of the French Quarter and went along the riverbanks showing a variety of ships in the harbour. We got to listen to the music of a live jazz band.
There is so much to see and do in New Orleans, it can't possibly be covered in one trip. This is simply a highlight of what we experienced. The music is incredible, the people are entertaining. We had such a good time and it was a great way for Gerry to say goodbye to his 40's and start his 50th year. Wonder where Bobbie will pick next year for her 50th?
~MT
 |
| Jennie cut herself out of this picture. Only her eye is visible on the left side! Bobbie chasing the Hurricane with water. Gerry sticking to beer. |
After checking in and changing (what a difference in temperature to Windsor!) we hit Bourbon Street. We went to Pat O'Brien's located on St. Peter street with one of the best courtyards in the city. Famous for their Hurricane drink, this expansive bar has duelling piano's inside their lounge, and a beautiful courtyard with numerous trees and a waterfall. The Hurricane is a rum-based cocktail with passion fruit. They sell a 3 gallon glass for $150! We stuck to the smaller size and I tried their other well known cocktail, the Mint Julep. I prefer this Bourbon-based drink over the sweetness of the Hurricane.We walked the Quarter and visited some other bars. It was a gorgeous day and we took advantage of the courtyards and the sun. Kenny's flight didn't get in until 9p.m. so we met him back at the hotel. We enjoyed some complimentary champagne and then hit the nightlife again.
Wednesday boasted the same weather with the sun shining. We walked around and took in the sights, the buskers and the music. We visited Jackson Square the home of Andrew Jackson's monument and Saint Louis Cathedral.
There were many people painting, performing,
giving readings, doing magic tricks or playing music. Jackson Square is bustling with activity and is great for people watching.
Located across the Square is Jax Brewery and Cafe du Monde. Famous for it's cafe-au-lait made with chicory and it's beignets, it's open 24 hours a day and there is always a line up. I can't even fathom how much powdered sugar they go through in one day!
That night we partook in a haunted carriage tour through the quarter. We met our guide and climbed into the mule-drawn carriage driven by Desire. Our tour started at 9p.m. so it was dark and perfect for the tales our guide shared. Passing by LaLaurie mansion, St. Louis Cathedral, and a number of bars, she told us stories of murder, medical experiments, torture and unexplained events that gave us goosebumps.
The next day, we visited the oldest bar, Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar which has been around since the 1700's. Lit by candles inside, our guide told us it's haunted but still serves a great drink. The owner himself, Jean Lafitte has been known to appear, dressed as a sailor and stands near the fireplace. He doesn't speak to anyone and disappears once he's noticed. There is also a ghost on the second floor, belonging to a woman and she will even whisper in your ear. Unfortunately, we missed the ghost experience while we enjoyed our drinks.
 |
| Poached eggs on top of the veal gillades. My first time making them but I'm not a fan! |
One of the highlights of the trip was joining the New Orleans School of Cooking for a 3 hour hands-on cooking class. My sister Bobbie and I decided to do this and the meal was fantastic.
We made roasted sweet potato tasso bisque, veal grillades with cheese grits and poached eggs, and a chocolate pecan pie for dessert. Chef Eric was both entertaining and knowledgable. The bisque was probably the best thing I ate during our entire trip!We got our own aprons and some recipes. We learned to say pecan properly (not PEE CAN) and the difference between creole and cajun food. Creole adds tomatoes and cajun is darkened. I am definitely going to try and replicate the bisque recipe at home.
We were able to sample some other tasty delights in New Orleans. From oysters, gator bites, and jambalaya at Felix's, to crawfish at Three Legged Dog (a total hole in the wall), to the po'boys at Deja Vu, the food and atmosphere at these places did not disappoint.
For our last night, we boarded the Steamboat Natchez for a two hour journey down the Mississippi River. The cruise started in the heart of the French Quarter and went along the riverbanks showing a variety of ships in the harbour. We got to listen to the music of a live jazz band.
There is so much to see and do in New Orleans, it can't possibly be covered in one trip. This is simply a highlight of what we experienced. The music is incredible, the people are entertaining. We had such a good time and it was a great way for Gerry to say goodbye to his 40's and start his 50th year. Wonder where Bobbie will pick next year for her 50th?
~MT
Thursday 25 April 2019
Traveling on eMpTy: B����KS
Traveling on eMpTy: B����KS: My friend Cheryl asked me the other day why I haven't posted anything since December. My response was simply because I haven't t...
B📚📚KS
My friend Cheryl asked me the other day why I haven't posted anything since December. My response was simply because I haven't taken a trip for months. Then I started thinking about the 27 books I've read so far this year. It made me realize that every time I crack a book open, I am indeed traveling to where the author sends me.
Books are an escape, they transport us to places we go in our imagination and beyond. I have loved books even before I could read myself. My mother would read to me diligently and I absorbed every word. When I was able to read on my own, I would make my way every Tuesday evening to the Bookmobile where I would take out enough books to get me through the week. Beverly Cleary had me hooked with her story of the Quimby sisters Beezus and Ramona. I could relate to the nine year old narrator Beezus, and her tales of trying to get along with her younger sister. Judy Blume and her Fudge books had me in stitches. Her book "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret" was one of my favourites, following Margaret Simon's journey into puberty with her secret club of girlfriends that discussed boys, bras, and their first period. 
Then I discovered a kindred spirit in Lucy Maud Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables. The character of Anne was both charming and dramatic and the adventures she faced with her bosom friend Diana, left me wanting more. Lucky for me, Montgomery wrote several sequels.
I've always loved reading. It's been my solace and escape, has passed the time on many journeys and despite what some believe, the book is always better than the movie. I've owned a library card for most of my life. I love the smell and weight of books. Stepping into a library or bookstore immediately calms me and time stands still. I love opening a novel, anticipating where the story will take me and what I'll learn. Discovering a new author is rewarding. I enjoy my Book Club discussions and sharing our thoughts and opinions over a drink. This year alone, my books have taken me to Ireland, Japan, L.A., Nebraska, Palestine, Heaven, and even my own city of Windsor. Here's a few that have stuck with me.
The Travelling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa is a delightful story of Nana the cat and his owner Saturo. They travel through Japan in a silver van, visiting three of Saturo's lifelong friends. This story is about connections, love and loyalty.
I lived in Japan for almost seven years and could easily picture the scenery described in this story. Although I'm a dog person, I could still appreciate Saturo taking in this stray cat and the bond the two made over a number of years together.
Fifteen years ago, Mitch Albom wrote, The Five People You Meet in Heaven. His sequel, The Next Person You Meet In Heaven is just as endearing. The first novel follows the life and death of a maintenance man named Eddie and he reappears in this novel. The story centres around a girl named Annie-who Eddie saved on Earth-and reunites with him in her own heavenly journey. This book will open your eyes to the what matters and that endings can also be beginnings.
In Normal People, author Sally Rooney tells the story of Connell and Marianne. They meet in high school, both are intelligent but come from very different backgrounds. Despite their differences, they find a connection. The story follows them to Trinity College in Dublin and the dynamic of their relationship changes.
Although the story is simple, centring around class distinction, first love, friendships and family, Rooney weaves a tale that is interesting and captivating.
This is Kirby holding one of my favourite books this year, Daisy Jones & The Six. It's a fictional book about Daisy Jones, a beautiful girl with an amazing voice and a band she joins called The Six lead by singer Billy Dunne. Set in the 70's, this is the ultimate story of sex, drugs and rock and roll. The story is a chronicle of one of the biggest bands and the reason they broke up just when they were getting famous.
Jenkins Reid hooks you from the beginning and there is a twist at the end that will grab you.
Although I haven't been on a plane since last October, my books have taken me to a number of countries and lent me stories that I've delved in. I'm heading to New Orleans next week for my brother's 50th. I'm looking forward to getting away but I will most certainly have a book in my carry-on to pass the flight. If you have a favourite book or author, feel free to share it with me as I am always looking for recommendations. Until next time, happy reading!
~MT
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)