Big (Rainy) Easy

Greetings from the Delta Terminal of MSY, (or the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport). I have decided to use my delay to blog, (instead of expensing my trip like I should, oops).

I'm no stranger to NOLA, and I have found that I have a soft spot for the city after I ran through 13.1 miles of it in February. It's so vibrant and rich in culture, and not unlike my sweet Memphis, there is always something delicious to devour every other block. When I visit somewhere, I like to do touristy things, as well as submerse myself in the local culture, find something off the beaten path. I feel I accomplished both this trip, thanks to my high school friend, Mary.

So, I'm not sure how I want to do this, week to week, but I guess I'll give this format a go:

WHERE I STAYED: Hotel St. Helene--Located Chartres St. in the French Quarter, and let me tell you a thing: It was phenomenal. It was clean, simple, cozy and incredibly affordable. It had a court yard (that I could walk out to from my room), and a continental breakfast that actually tasted fresh for once. I will definitely stay there again on a future trip.

WHAT I DID (TOURIST): New Orleans Pharmacy Museum was literally next door to my hotel, and I had no idea until I got there. I nerded out a solid amount there, and I know it's probably pretty low on non-pharmacists' lists,  (or even pharmacists' lists), but I loved it. It smelled like history in there, and as you probably didn't know, it's my third favorite smell, (After pizza and Main Street at the Magic Kingdom). After the museum tour, I wandered around the French Quarter, re-visiting old sites and taking in the wonder that is New Orleans.

WHAT I DID (LOCAL): I grabbed drinks with Mary and her friends, then we trekked for late night karaoke. It was so late by the time we got there that I can't even remember the name, but I had a great time anyway, (I sang 'I Want You Back' by NSYNC, if you were wondering).

WHAT I ATE: Mostly small snacks, but my biggest, (and best), meal was The Court of Two Sisters on Royal St. I had the Jazz Brunch, of course, and it was phenomenal. I only wish I could have sat outside, but the rain won.

TRIP THEME: rain, rain rain.

TRIP SONG: "Time Stops"--Explosions in the Sky

FAVORITE MOMENT: I went to a movie, (as it was pouring out), and when I walked out of the theater, you could tell the rain had just stopped, as the smell of it was still lingering. Walking back to the hotel, I noticed how quiet this huge and normally rambunctious city was. It was almost eerie. The people that normally crowd the streets hadn't found their way back out yet, and the stench of debauchery with them. It smelled clean, like somehow the rain had allowed for a new start, almost as if it was completely different city. I didn't last long, and by the time I got into my car, the same old New Orleans was back. I don't know why, but I can't stop thinking about that walk back, the awe I experienced thinking about how much of a force nature is. It's so surreal sometimes.

Okay, that's wrap. It's back to Memphis for the weekend! Then it's off to Austin, TX!

Wander on,
Melanie