Voo-doo & Pat O'Briens

After a much needed rest and power nap, we geared ourselves up for a night out. We started the night with some champagne in celebration of Debbie's birthday!

David had warned me "don't go past the voo-doo shop'" at the end of Bourbon street, as it is a signal of the end of a safe area.

However, times have changed and this entire area is now full of gay pride and boutique piano bars......what a nice break from the drunk college kids we had been surrounded with!

It was then onto the original Pat O'Brien's famous for a famous Hurricane cocktail. Susan and I skipped these and went straight for the Category 5 rainstorm!

It was then onto the sticky dance floors of Razzoo and the Cat's Meow.

I think we are looking remarkably fresh for the wee hours of the morning!

Physic Reading

After a long day of walking, it was time to do a sitting activity. At the recommendation of Candy, Susan and I headed to Botton of the Cup on Chartres Street, for a physic and tarot card reading.

My last tarot reading was over 5 years ago, and predicted falling in love with a foreign man, lots of travel and a move to another country. So, as you can imagine, I was eager to hear what the local voo-doo mama had planned for me!

I had an open reading, followed by a traditional tarot Celtic cross. I do appreciate that you can take as much or as little as you want, and it is all open to interpretation.

Nonetheless, she was pretty spot on!

The biggest challenge I was dealt was being given he entire reading on tape and now having to find a tape recorder to play it back!

Garden City

On Day 2 after a quick round of beignets and a wander around the hotel, we set off exploring the city!

We jumped on a the trolley along the Mississippi River to the Garden District. It is renown for it huge houses, tree lined streets and old school charm.

We stopped for lunch at the Camellia Grill for some traditional Southern Cooking. One of the highlights was deep fried Mac n cheese balls, chili cheese fries all served up old school style at the counter!

After lunch, feeling stuffed and in much need of a walk, we headed down main street passing Tulane and Loyola University. We then walked thru Audubon Park, before grabbing some traditional Roman Chewing Candy from a horse and cart - adorable!

Venezia

Our first night out, we tried the highly recommended Italian restaurant Venezia just north of the city.





















The best part was the Italian Gelateria next door, famous for home made cannollis and ice cream. For those who had a sweet tooth!
















We caught a trolley back into town ....................
















.............before walking the final blocks as it broke down :(






















It was then on to the infamous Bourbon Street for some late night shenanigans!

The Big Easy

Get ready for fun, this weekend was a girls weekend away in New Orleans! As luck had it, it coincided with the French Quater Jazz Festival, providing a great atmosphere in the city.

We started the day at the famous Cafe Du Monde for beignets and coffee........................

















.............. before hitting the hard liquor with a Bloody Mary and relaxing in Jackson Square to the sound of jazz.





































Susan, Alex, Debbie and Donna.























We then wandered around the French Market and French Quarter before stumbling upon the Mississippi River.......................

















and an authentic Cigar Factory.................
















By late afternoon we were happy to check into our hotel room.....................















.................and put our feet up!

Dinner with Jerica

Friday night we caught with Jerica who are back in New York for a wedding. "Jerica" is the celebrity name I have given to both Jay and Erica - haha!

It was lovely seeing them, and this time was extra special as we were told a "Baby Jerica" was on the way!

Congratulations, we couldn't be happier for you both, exciting times ahead!

Moving Day..........again!

I can barely believe a year has past since we moved into our little flat 26A.

However with our lease being up and rents rising, we decided to make a fresh start in a new unit and neighborhood.

We have been excited about this move particularly due to the fact there is much more closet space, an open kitchen, 11 foot high ceilings, and a separate bathroom rather than having to go thru the bedroom :) Plus we have the added bonus of an outdoor patio - a rarity in New York.




























































With the last move being from Oz to the US, I was considerably less stressed this time around!

The movers arrived bright and early, and by late afternoon we were unpacked and settled into our new place. With the exception of a few book boxes and some frames that need to be hung - we are just about finished!

Our new apartment is just north of Hell's Kitchen, know for its abundance of eateries, wine and food shops. We are closer to our respective offices, and are able to walk to and from walk, which is just lovely now the weather is warmer.

We are 5 blocks form Central Park, and 2 blocks from the Hudson River, so if you are bringing the yacht its Pier 95!!

There is also an abundance of marvelous park area that will surely come in handy in this summer. We can't wait to share our new home with you - visitors welcome!