New Orleans
February 23, 2005
I woke up to a foggy, rainy day here in The Big Easy. The concierge at the hotel suggested going on a swamp tour as the weather would not be favorable for sight seeing. I ran into Sachie, the Japanese student from the train, and she went along with me on the swamp and plantation tours. Although Sachie spoke some English, it was still nice to have someone to share the tours with. I did my best to explain what she was seeing. I have to give her credit, she is a very knowledgeable and adventurous person.
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Swamp and plantation tours
February 23, 2005
Steamboat Natchez on the Mississippi River in New Orleans, LA
After the swamp tour, we went to see some of the plantations in the area. The best one was Oak Alley Plantation and it is beautifully restored. Located on the Mississippi River between New Orleans and Baton Rouge, it was built between 1837-1839 and has 28 live oaks, a quarter-mile long, leading to the house. Our tour guide was very infomative and very courteous in answering all the questions from the group.
This seafood restaurant was recommended by several people to have an authentic New Orleans seafood meal. After a long wait to get seated, we waited again for our waiter to take our order. I will say first that the food was very good, but not "award winning excellence". It was very loud and hard to carry on a conversation with people at your table.
The check came within minutes of us receiving our food and the waiter didn't ask us if we wanted any dessert. It was an average dining experience for me. The food is priced about right but the atmosphere is more for tourists (and food critics). I had the Sautéed Pecan Crusted Gulf Fish which was $21.95 and we ordered a bottle of wine with the meal. I would suggest seeking out a different seafood restaurant.
The check came within minutes of us receiving our food and the waiter didn't ask us if we wanted any dessert. It was an average dining experience for me. The food is priced about right but the atmosphere is more for tourists (and food critics). I had the Sautéed Pecan Crusted Gulf Fish which was $21.95 and we ordered a bottle of wine with the meal. I would suggest seeking out a different seafood restaurant.
Doesn't have my vote...
I was impressed with this hotel. Located in the heart of the French Quarter and a view of the Mississippi River, it was within walking distance to everywhere I wanted to go while in New Orleans.
The only downfall to my stay was the remodeling work that was being done. The noise was kept to a minimum but had to make my way around scaffolding in the courtyards. It was built in 1722 and the hotel consists of several intertwining buildings. If you want a feel of the old New Orleans, this is the place to stay. It is famous for the weddings that take place in the courtyard.
My room was $71 a night which is an incredible price for a hotel room in the French Quarter.
The only downfall to my stay was the remodeling work that was being done. The noise was kept to a minimum but had to make my way around scaffolding in the courtyards. It was built in 1722 and the hotel consists of several intertwining buildings. If you want a feel of the old New Orleans, this is the place to stay. It is famous for the weddings that take place in the courtyard.
My room was $71 a night which is an incredible price for a hotel room in the French Quarter.
