Mardi Gras!

See Steph's Instagram: stephatkingscliff

Tue 28 Feb

I thought I was paraded out  ...  but I was wrong - it's Mardi Gras!
Today's plan was to take a bus trip around the French Quarter over to Bywater. The first part of the trip was fine but at the place to change buses we found the road blocked again - it was parade time.

They'd started around 10am and all the Krewes were out at different times. We watched most of the current Krewe (more beads, toys, etc) then headed alongside the French Quarter looking for buses but no dice.

Next plan, walk to Frenchman St where jazz clubs operate. This part of the walk included crossing Bourbon St and the other busy streets packed with people in the most outlandish costumes. Some were very clever and creative, others were just blokes in dresses.
I just want to say: A picnic rug belted around your waist does not make a kilt!

These photos are in the French Quarter before nightfall

Decorated houses in the French Quarter

Creative costumes on display

Lunch and beer and music at the Market Café; more wandering being totally amazed by the sights and the friendliness of the people. As night closed in we watched more parades then tram, bus with more friendlies, another tram to a local Lebanese restaurant where the food was just delicious.

One of the reliable and cheap trolley cars in NO

Have been checking our walking on the iPhone step counter. 10.7 km yesterday; 8.4 km today. Gotta burn off this great food somehow.