Today we took the Hop-on/Hop-off Bus to the French Market, French Quarter, and St. Louis Cathedral. At first I thought that many businesses and homes still had their Christmas decorations. But I quickly learned that this is Carnival season, which spans several weeks and ends with Mardi Gras. There are purple, yellow, and green decorations everywhere and beads hang from power lines and trees. Our guide explained that she is a member of a krewe, which is an organization that sponsors parades during Mardi Gras and raises money for charity.
We ate lunch at the French Market, which featured a farmer’s market, live musicians, souvenir shops, and restaurants and cafes. The menus ranged from alligator and crawfish to jambalaya and beignets.
We wandered through the French Quarter – I loved all the gas lamps and balconies. St. Louis Cathedral was very quiet and cool after the bustle of the Quarter.
French Market
French Quarter
St. Louis Cathedral
St. Louis Cathedral