New Orleans v. 65

Cajun, Creole, Acadian, French, Spanish, Jazz, Beignet. This place oozes history.  New Orleans is so much more than Mardi Gras!  Thank goodness- if it was all about Mardi Gras New Orleans style, we'd be nuts to take Rebecca there...  

We visited the Jean Lafitte National Park Visitor Center, and learned that Acadians were relocated from Nova Scotia to Louisiana (among other places).  They refused to take an oath of loyalty to the British Crown  after they were defeated in the French and Indian War, and they were expelled in the mid 1700's.  The "Acadians" became the "Cajuns".  An Acadian man came in while we were there, and told his great grandfather's story.  He said it is still regarded with disdain in the Canadian Maritimes to admit you have Acadian roots.

 We found the Palm Court restaurant- family friendly and a venue for local jazz legends to play- the 70-90 year old legends.  They've still got it!

We didn't see a jazz funeral, but we toured an above ground cemetery.  We saw Nicholas Cage's future final resting place.

Becca's last quarter book report was on a biography of Joan of Arc.  Well what d'ya know!  There is a memorial statue to Joan of Arc in the French Quarter!

The beignet makers at work

A visit to NOLA would not be complete without beignet donuts from Cafe du Monde.  Loaded with powdered sugar!

A chilly visit to the outdoor cafe.

Becca was successful in her mission to get all the ingredients and a doable recipe to make gumbo at her grandma's the next week in Houston.  She did it!  It was great!  As an added bonus, she also made a tasty strawberry pie for dessert.