Work Wednesday - Baton Rouge and New Orleans






Hi - just back from a long walk to, and back from, the French Quarter (ish).  Pardon if I get a bit rambling.  I am pretty tired out now.

I'm here in NOLA for a training session that takes place tomorrow.  I came in early to do some other work, which took me up to Baton Rouge yesterday in anticipation of a breakfast meeting.

But first, I apparently chose one of the rainiest weeks of the spring to travel here.  The decent into the airport was wispy clouds and lots of swampy terrain.
 
Once I got up to Baton Rouge and settled in and some computer work done, I went out to dinner at Parrain's Seafood Restaurant.  I had the chargrilled oysters, which were quite delicious, but once again I was tempted by toppings and extras, and wished I had gotten them straight up on the half shell.  They were big oysters, though!

Then, I was feeling bold so I continued on to the LSU campus.  I always like to check out area campuses - especially this one because we have family members who are LSU alumni.  Since this was after dark, I don't think I got the full picture, but I could see the shimmering lakes before I arrived on campus, which was marked by a row of short palm trees strung with white lights (I like my sparkling palm trees, apparently).  I found my way to the visitors lot and headed toward what seemed to be the center of campus - a giant clock tower.

Behind the tower was an older quad lined with paths and shaded by giant oak trees.  It was well-lit but still lovely with all the greenery.  There was a fountain in which I dipped my hand, and it was bathwater warm - never the case for fountains in Wisconsin!

The next morning I had a meeting at Coffee Call, where we enjoyed beignets and cafe au lait.  Very satisfying.

Fast forward to after my afternoon meeting in the New Orleans Garden district.  I got some tips about where to drive around, and I wove my way up and down streets along Magazine - 3rd, 2nd and 1st, and at various times I said "Wow!!" out loud.  I have really never seen such homes before.  I'm not the biggest fan of wrought iron, but today I decided I could change my mind.  No photos of the gorgeous homes, since I was driving - and a kind gardener shouted "wrong way!" as I boldly made a left turn where I could only go right.  I turned around in time.

This evening I got some recommendations for dinner, and checked out one place but it was a 45 min. wait.  I went by Emeril's restaurant twice scoping it out, and while it smelled amazing it seemed very ...so.  Lots of people in suits crowded around the bar.  I was dressed in my work clothes but I didn't feel like navigating what seemed to be quite a scene, so a smaller, charming restaurant kitty-corner caught my eye.  A quick Google search confirmed happy customers, and there were open tables, so I went in.

A gentleman seated me promptly, apologizing...for something - I don't know what exactly. We chatted briefly - he noted quickly I wasn't from around New Orleans and I told him where I was from.   It was just the kind of spot I had hoped for - low lighting, lovely French music, and a Creole menu.  I ordered a Bouillabaisse and a glass of red wine and enjoyed the meal and ambiance.  As I was finishing, he came back by my table and asked me why I chose this restaurant.  Explaining about my impressions, I said that this place had seemed friendly and welcoming and the Google reviews didn't hurt.  He said he was very appreciative, and offered a complimentary after-dinner drink - he said to say that Tomas said so.

Therefore, I enjoyed my port immensely.  And took my extra Bouillabaisse to go for lunch tomorrow, since we only have an hour break.

After being nicely fortified, I decided to follow the signs to the French Quarter, which the hotel desk person had said was 10-15 min. away.  I think I walked 25 minutes before I am pretty sure I got there.  Actually, I think I only saw some of the French Quarter - a little bit of Jazz here, a few gaslights there...but I was getting worn out and it was late.

Then I saw an awesome alley.  Balconies, gaslights!  I started down it and realized I was completely alone - sans the pedicab that pedaled by me and I wished had asked me if he could give me a ride back to the hotel.  Reluctantly I decided to turn around, because I had no idea where I was headed.  My parents will be happy to read this, I'm sure.

On the way back to the hotel I walked by the restaurant where I had dinner, and noticed it was the Tomas Bistro.  Yes, that was the owner who I met and who treated me to a lovely port.

I'm liking this town.  I need more bandaids for my feet.  My skin is glowing, but my hair is a wreck.


Garden District decorations

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