Waltz Me To Heaven: WMTH Travels: New Orleans

Will & I just got back from an impromptu overnight trip to New Orleans. We were able to get “last minute” tickets online through NFL Ticket Exchange for the Saints v. Falcons game on Sunday. We arrived from Pensacola just in time for kickoff. The Dome was rockin’ in the 4th quarter with Lil John’s “Turn Down For What” blaring through the sound speakers. Unfortunately, the Saints couldn’t pull off the comeback. A disappointing end to a disappointing season. But fortunately, this did not put a damper on our fun in the in the Big Easy. We met Will's cousin and another old friend after the game at Johnny Sanchez, a collaboration between John Besh and Aaron Sanchez. We did not eat there but commiserated with other Saints fans over some top notch maragaritas. Originally, we planned to go to Doris Metropolitan but we were having so much fun with our friends that we decided to stay with them and experience Nola with the locals. We strolled down Royal Street through the French Quarter (Bourbon was engulfed by a sea of red - obnoxious Falcons fans), making our way towards Jackson Square. On the way to Jackson Square, we made a pit stop at Yo Mamas across from Pat O'Brien's on Saint Peters Street. We ordered a beer, and the waitress asked: "large or small?". As if an affront to his manhood, my husband quickly responded: "large, of course". Two minutes later four draft beers in pitcher-sized plastic cups (only in New Orleans!) arrive at the table.

Then it was on to Jackson Square for some good 'ole Christmas caroling. Yes, caroling. Since 1946, the Patio Planters de Vieux Carré have sponsored caroling by candlelight in Jackson Square the Sunday night before Christmas. It was a beautiful scene. A huge crowd singing "O Holy Night" by candlelight in front of St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square. Next, we went to a delightful Christmas party in one of the oldest buildings in New Orleans on Chartres Street. The apartment had beautiful high ceilings and a balcony. The hostess could not have been more adorable and did not seem to mind that there were only two official invitees in our crew. After the party, we had dinner at Sylvain in the Courtyard. We had a wonderful time hanging out with old friends and meeting new ones.

Today, Will had some meetings so I spent my time at Canal Place and on Magazine Street. I was really disappointed to find that my favorite lunch spot on Magazine, Lilette, was not open for lunch on Monday! I did not have enough time to visit all of my favorite stores. I did find some adorable things for my youngest in Angelique Baby & Kids and Magic Box Toys.

Overall it was a great getaway. We squeezed a lot into 30 hours. I'm exhausted! Only two more days until Christmas!