Home      About Me      Contact      My Family       Travels       The Kitchen       The Bar

Sunday, January 1, 2012

101 Places to See Before You're 12 - A Street Market

A Street Market

A couple of weeks ago Brennan pulled out this book and asked me to sit with him as we went through all of the 101 Places, reminiscing about the ones we've done. 
It was a nice surprise because I did not want this adventure to be mine alone - it was nice to see that our travels and experiences have made an impact on my youngest and quietest family member.

As we prepared for our journey south, I glanced through the book wondering if there were any 101 Places we hadn't seen in New Orleans, but none jumped out at me.

But we found 3 one day and we were all pleasantly surprised!

As we toured the French Quarter, we came across the French Market, and I confirmed with David that it would absolutely qualify for #100 A Street Market - starting up the second half of our 101 Places.


The French market is a great place to get a cup of coffee and a snack as you walk through admiring the food, crafts, souvenirs, and other items.








Brennan rarely asks for a souvenir but we found a lady selling handmade bracelets with names on beads woven into them.  They had a "Brennan" which is extremely rare.  He just had to have it!

I told the boys that when I visited New Orleans the first time with my family years and years ago, I bought a pair of sunglasses with my own money and I was so proud.  I told them where the kiosk was and, lo and behold, it was still there - in the same spot!



From the Book:
#100 - A Street Market
From the exotic souks of Marrakech to London's famed Portobello Road, street markets are the liveliest spots in any town.  Even on an ordinary day, it feels like something exciting is happening there.  The streets are lined with stalls selling anything from inexpensive jewelry to books, toys, or interesting little objects you've never seen before.  There's usually music in the air, and the smells, tastes, and colors of everything for sale make it oh so much more than just a shopping experience.  Haggling (asking for a better price) is a tradition at street markets, so if you find something you really want, don't let a high price tag get you down.  Offer a lower price and let the negotiations begin!  Even if you don't purchase anything, you'll leave with a great memory.

New Orleans 2011

We decided to add on a day to our Christmas trip so we could enjoy New Orleans.
David and I hadn't been there in years and we were excited to take the boys.
So settle back for lots of New Orleans photos.

We stayed at the beautiful Hotel Monteleone in the French Quarter.
Brennan decided it must be a 5 star hotel.

The boys loved passing this art gallery with a kitty cat in the window.


Brennan's restaurant

Pretty balconies






Cruisin' Bourbon Street

Jackson Square
St. Louis Cathedral






The Mighty Mississippi





We passed a restaurant and smelled this wonderful stock they were brewing for gumbo and jambalaya later in the day.




We rode a trolley for the fun of it, but it made so many stops we could have just walked :)


Canal Street

Two of my three love architecture, and we got to see a lot of great examples in New Orleans.
This is not one of them (in my opinion).  I feel for the poor people on the back side of this older building!

TripAdvisor.com told us that the WWII Museum was the most popular tourist attraction in New Orleans, so we had to visit it.  Loved this sign - only in New Orleans!

The Museum had a large focus on D-Day.  The videos were terrific.  Smaller than I expected, but well done.

The Higgins boat was designed by a New Orleans native and had a major impact on the war on European soil.

We had a lot of great Cajun food while we visited New Orleans.
Brennan had his first gumbo and loved it - ordering it everywhere we went.
Thomas liked the red beans and rice the best.
I need good Emeril Lagasse style recipes for both!
David enjoyed the etouffe and jambalaya, and I enjoyed the fried oysters.

We saw lots of "Best Gumbo" signs! 

Bourbon Street at night.
We arrived the night the Saints were playing a home game - it was pretty wild.
But nothing to compare to the upcoming New Year's Eve, Sugar Bowl (Jan 3), and the Bowl Championship (Jan 9).  I'm glad we got out before all those festivities began!

David and I have been to Mardi Gras numerous times and have experienced the nightlife.
The boys didn't need to beyond this sedate walk through the French Quarter!


And no visit to New Orleans would be complete without beignets and a cafe au lait!




Christmas #5

We always enjoy heading to south Mississippi to visit with my extended family.
It seems like every year we are adding a new addition to our Christmas drawing lists, and I love it!
This year AvaGrace joined our family.

Part of the family couldn't celebrate with us because my cousin Jay has been in the hospital since Thanksgiving day.  He is doing well though and is on his way to (hopefully) full recovery. 

The boys with their great-grandmother

Danielle

Natalie showing off her new DS

Mamaw and Danielle

Grandma Nan and Brennan

Brennan holding AvaGrace



Cousins 

Danielle and Audrey Beth

Brennan, Noah, AvaGrace, Natalie, Danielle, Thomas, and Audrey Beth

Wade, Blair, and Audrey Beth

Merry Christmas!


Christmas #4

We had a great time visiting with my family in Ridgeland Christmas night.
The kids all took turns with the camera, so I have a lot of out-of-focus moments.
We had a ton of fun catching up, having a non-holiday meal (thank you Aunt Shelly!), and opening gifts.
I enjoyed watching the cousins play together.

Thomas (11), Brennan (9), Natalie (7), and Danielle (5)


The new princess make up table was a huge hit with the boys who always have a lot of fun playing with the toys at Natalie's and Danielle's!


Every kid loves a play kitchen, don't they?


Yeah!  Another 101 book!

Brennan couldn't believe his luck - more Mario and Kirby gifts!
 Merry Christmas!