Where Are We Sleeping Tonight: Iberville Suites at the Ritz Carlton, New Orleans One of the most vomit inducing things I ever had to endure was cleaning up someone else's vomit. That gut renting experience was dwarfed today by the bumpiest, swerviest bus ride from hell! The only thing that made the trip amusing was the driver constantly telling us how dangerous life is "in da swamp" but his driving was by far worse! He did however point out the destructive power of "mutha naycha", namely the damage caused by hurricane Katrina 5 years ago. The number of damaged and abandoned buildings was amazing to see, as well as a little heart breaking. When we finally got to the swamp tour, it was fantastic. We saw numerous alligators, a racoon and numerous dragonflies, including one we called Mini-Clare (because it had purple on it). We even got to hold a baby 'gator!
When we got back to the Basin Street bus terminal, we walked over to the New Orleans School of Cooking where we learned how to make gumbo, jumbaliah and traditional pralines. Boy was it yummy - I think I could eat this food forever!
The teacher also filled the cooking class with a history of New Orleans including how New Orleans was founded by French thieves, criminals and prostitutes - apparently Bourbon Street has been hasn't changed for hundred of years - it's always been seedy! He also covered how Louisiana was the only state with freedom of slaves and laws for their protection, and how the laws have changed in the area, including how it is illegal for people to speak French! He also touched on the Brown Paper Bag Test - it amazes me what laws governments pass...
Our last night in New Orleans started with dinner at Krystal's. After Clare got a very accurate palm reading from a local psychic (which including telling her that she needs to fall in love with taking photos again), we visited a couple of bars and clubs, including a karaoke bar where Clare sung a couple of songs. One day, I might get up and sing as well...
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