Mardi Gras

Today was Mardi Gras, so we all got dressed up in our costumes. Tom dressed like a sailor and I was excited to take my mermaid tail for a spin. We only had 30 hours in the city, so we were determined to make the most of the day.

We warmed up with hot bowls of gumbo. Gumbo is a thick soup / stew with rice. I went for the seafood one which was quite yummy but I'm not sure if I'd have it again. It had huge crab claws sticking out of it too, which was a little off putting.

After lunch, we went for a wander around the French Quarter and to Jackson Square where jazz was invited. There were some crazy god people trying to ruin everyone's fun.

Our next stop was Pat O’Brien’s for some Hurricane cocktails. These were super strong but so easy to drink. I tried to learn how to tie knots with cherry stalks. It got lovely and warm in the sun, so we stayed out in the beer garden for a while.

After a few too many Hurricanes, we headed down to Bourbon street, where there was a massive street party with people throwing beads down from the balconies. We ended up with dozens of them around our necks. The costumes were amazing. Next time I want to dress up as a sugar skull.

If I ever move to New Orleans, I've found the perfect house here on Bourbon Street. I really want a porch with a swinging chair.

Tom and I took some time out to see the rest of the city. The locals were so nice giving us directions and asking where we were from. There was an awesome voodoo store. Next time I'm going to have my fortune told.

In the evening, we went for dinner at Mother’s Diner, as it was one of the few places open. Tom managed to confuse the waiter by asking for what sounded like “a glass of water” to the Americas. I had pancakes to celebrate pancake day!

We then went for a drink in a pirate bar, where the regulars dress up as pirates and everything was nautical themed.