N'awlins

I have come to this realization: New Orleans is FABULOUS. This was my fourth trip to NOLA, and prior to this trip I'd always left the city feeling like I needed a shower. My previous experiences had been for fraternity and sorority formals so ALL of my time was spent on Bourbon Street living on hand grenades for 3 days. I left feeling like I didn't care to return.

While I did enjoy a hand grenade or two (or was it three?) on this trip, I developed an appreciation for New Orleans. I got to explore parts of the city I'd never seen before. I never realized how much of a European feel New Orleans has. (My trip to Italy and France last spring helped refresh my memory as to what Europe is like). It feels "old" with the narrow streets and gas lamps. And the architecture is so beautiful! Unfortunately, I was only able to drive through the Garden District on our last day, but it was like I was transported to another world with the mansions and spanish moss. Oh, and of course I can't forget to mention the food. DELISH. New Orleans is eclectic and eccentric--I like that. I must go back and do a real vacation there.

Our trip was so much fun! Except for the Sugar Bowl fiasco (which all Bama fans are trying to forget), Lauren, Megs, Preston and I had a great time. Here's a photo recap our of trip.

Me, Meghan (Megs), and Lauren (B) in our hotel lobby, The Intercontinental, on New Year's Eve


P and me on New Year's Eve on Bourbon Street


We watched the Sugar Bowl parade on New Year's Day!


Dinner on New Year's Day at Galatoire's, one of the Grand Dame restaurants of New Orleans


My pledge sister and former roomie, Meghann, and I at Tropical Isle enjoying Hand Grenades


P and I had shrimp po boys at Serio's Deli. They looove their LSU Tigers (freaks).


P and me at the Sugar Bowl against Utah before our loss *tear


Lunch on our last day at Domilises. I know it's cliche, but this little hole-in-the-wall place in the Garden District has really great food and you can tell the locals go there. It was all women in the kitchen (which you could see) and I observed the locals come in to pick up their to-go orders (very smart because the line was long). They hugged and talked about family...it was so fun to watch! I ordered an oyster po boy, which was something new for me. It had fried oysters, lettuce, pickles, ketchup, mayonnaise and hot sauce on a po boy loaf--DELICIOUS. I should have taken a photo of this badass sandwich, but I was too hungry :)