New Orleans was great. Only Karen, with her vivid descriptions of meal after meal could do it justice. So, in brief:

Saturday - lunch

We went to Acme Oyster house and had Oysters on the half shell and shrimp and oyster Po'Boys (thats fried shrimp and oyster on a sandwhich). All of which was hot and spicy and generally lovely.

Afterwards we wandered around the French quarter, especially going in antique shops. I found a telescope for $59,000 and a $169,000 grandfather clock that I absolutely MUST HAVE.

Saturday - dinner

We went to NOLA's for dinner, which is one of Emeril's (the famous chef from TV) two New Orlean's resteraunts. I have never had a dinner so good. I ate four courses, really, without bringing any leftovers home. The courses were perfectly timed and the portions were just right (not so small as to make you say: I paid $10 for THAT! and not so big to fill you up before the next course). I had a spicy shrimp spring roll in an avacoda sauce. Then, a salad of roasted mushrooms, tomatoes, hearts of palm and artichokes. For my main course, red fish in a lemon, butter, horseradish sauce. And desert was a peanut butter and chocolate pie.

After dinner we wandered down Bourbon street. I couldn't believe how crazy it was -- and it wasn't even Mardi Gras! I can't imagine if it was. Respectable looking couples were walking into transvestite strip clubs. Since you can drink on the streets in New Orleans, daquiri shops were like ice cream stands. The music coming out of different bars up and down the street was unbelievable.

Sunday Brunch

We went to the Court of the Three Sisters for Sunday brunch. It had everything. But cajun. (I had an omlette stuffed with shrimp gumbo). It was in a beautiful courtyard with pretty plants overhanging iron railings.

Afterwards we went back to the French quarter where I bought some street art. I can't decide which of my purchases I am sending to Aunt Diane and which I am keeping for myself. I will have to do something thinking.

Then, off to Riverwalk. There I saw "the Great" Mississippi River for the first time. I went shopping (gap and eddie bauer -- new work clothes were desperately needed) and had Cafe Au Lait and beinets at the Cafe Du Monde.

So..

So, that was New Orleans. No more trips planned until I go to Scotland (please, oh, please, let the air fares drop to $500!!). This week should be pleasantly dull. Sarah started work today, so things should be very social.