New Orleans

Well y'all, another great time was had in N'awlins this past week! I decided to do something a little different this trip and volunteer some of my time to a great cause: C.A.R.E. Clinics http://freeclinics.us/

This clinic was held at the Ernest M. Morial Convention Centre-open to anyone who is uninsured. A very touching time, we were able to welcome 1,000 patients and let New Orleans know that they are not forgotten. I am a HUGE fan of volunteer vacations now, and cannot tell you how good it feels to come home knowing you made a difference in someone's life.

This stay we were at the Royal Sonesta Hotel http://www.sonesta.com/royalneworleans/ and loved it! The pool was a big hit in the sweltering heat and humidity, and the services in the hotel were so convenient. Located right on Bourbon Street, take note that if you are not up for the noise and chaos of Bourbon, you'll want to request an interior room with a balcony or patio. For those of you who love to hang off balconies during Mardi Gras with beads around your neck- party on.

The hotel featured 'Desire' Restaurant which had great food and service, and was easy to stroll down to dinner or lunch in between tall hurricanes and too-strong Mint Juleps. Also in the lobby was a PJ's coffee which was good for breakfast with their turkey and swiss croissants.

Our room had a great balcony over the pool so we were able to do cannonballs right into the pool...sometimes setting the pool alarm off after-hours. Or maybe that was someone else? Regardless, the rooms were well-appointed with IPOD docking stations, flat screens, ample size bathrooms, mini bars well-stocked, and comfy beds. This hotel has the perfect location right in the French Quarter, few stumbling steps from all attractions. If your trip is more refined, hop a cab to the cemetaries or Frenchman Street, stroll to Cafe Du Monde and the River, or take the St Charles Streetcar to the Garden District since you're not lighting up Bourbon Street.

This trip also had all the usual: late night visits to Cafe Du Monde for their yummy warm beignets, late night horse rides through the Quarter which is otherwise hard to navigate after so many 'to-go' cocktails, cemetary tours which are actually very historical and intriguing, a trip through a Voodoo shop to learn about this very mistaken religion, an afternoon in the Garden District, a bit of time by the pool trying to cool off in the ridiculous heat, and of course, a visit to my favourite NOLA artist Reggie Ford :) http://www.reggieart.com/

We also decided to hop in a cooking class at the New Orleans School of Cooking http://www.neworleansschoolofcooking.com/ where Chef Kevin Belton, Chef Extraordinaire taught us how to make that delicious jumbalaya, gumbo, and pralines. The class was SO worth it, he is highly entertaining and the best part was sitting down to a meal of everything cooked. They take drop in classes but be sure to get there early as this is one of the top rated attractions in New Orleans. As a side note, they DO ship so shop freely and leave it all at the check out for them to ship home! Bonus!

If you want to learn more about the ghosts and spirits inhabiting beautiful New Orleans, check out Bloody Mary Tours for reputable and informative tours http://www.bloodymarystours.com/ Also getting rave reviews, her tours vary from groups to semi private to private. She wastes no time and I guarantee you'll come home with a new outlook on this remarkably old city.

New Orleans is somewhere I will spend my tourist dollars time and time again. Each trip is different from the last, and the people just get friendlier and friendlier. In fact, it was so much fun I think I'll go back to check out Halloween New Orleans-style!