If alcohol offends you-don't come in!

It is a rare thing to have all of your favorite people, in your favorite city all at one time. I had been to New Orleans many times but this was my first visit after hurricane Katrina. This time, I was lucky enough to have with me, one of my best friends, Janene travel with me. Meeting us there, was my Mom, Uncle Eric and Grandma.

We stayed at the Royal Sonesta on Bourbon street and flew in late the night before, so we got some rest that night to be ready for the next day. Janene and I woke up early and headed out to Cafe Du Monde, where we met up with my family. I know, I know, it is totally a cliche and only tourists go there. But I can't help it! The chicory coffee and beignets are the best! Since Janene had never been to the city before, I wanted her to experience everything great about this city.

We ate breakfast and headed off shopping throught the Quarter. We checked out some great stores, artwork and just got an overall sense of our surroundings. Since my life primarily revolves around what I am planning on eating for the next meal, we asked a local where we should get some grub. The local recommended the Gumbo Shop which was located just around the corner where we were shopping.

The Gumbo Shop is located on Saint Peter Street in the French Quarter and although their specialty is obviously Gumbo, we wanted to try something else. (Besides, it was WAY too hot outside to eat Gumbo!) We started off with fresh fruit daquiri's and they were delicious! I also had the catfish po'boy which was awesome! Definitely recommend this little joint.

Feeling good after a huge delicious daquiri, we headed back out into the heat to check out the town.

As we were exiting Marie Laveaus House of Voodoo, Janene sees my family stumbling down Bourbon street. My Uncle was loud and bouisterous in his bright yellow shirt (couldn't miss him even if you wanted to!) and my mom and grandma litterally tottering down the street.  Thus began a long, long day at the Old Absinthe House. Cajuin Mary's, Planters Punch and all sorts of fun. While my Uncle was flirting with the pretty bartender, my Grandma could barely balance in her chair! We spent quite a few hours laughing, drinking, and having a great time.

After a  quick nap, and a surge of energy, Janene and I headed out for the night. We drank Hand Grenades and Abita beer as we went on the French Quarter Ghost and Legends tour. I had been on this tour a couple of times before, and it is at night, but our tour guide was NOT the best. There are some really great spooky stories about New Orleans and he told us a couple of them, but was not as entertaining as it could have been.