This post will be just random facts about NOLA. They will either be stuff that I like, dislike, find interesting, or different. You'll have to check back often - I plan to update it every time I am enlightened.
1. Taxis! I come from a big city where taxis weren't used. We would only see them at the airport. Here in Nola they are everywhere, and I love it! If I want to have a girls night, it is only $10 to get me home safely from the French Quarter. This is extremely cool for me, since I was always the DD.
2. One way streets. This is more on the annoying side of the city. First, it's hard to determine which streets are one way since there are usually no signs and cars are parked on both sides of the street. Secondly, it is just a nuisance to have to go down one street in order to come up another. I'm slowly getting used to it though.
3. Potholes! Since we are on the topic of streets I can't forget to mention the potholes. They are absolutely everywhere and can catch you off guard.
4. Street vendors/performers. They are always a blast to watch! There are so many different varieties too. Silver men, tap dancers, jazz bands, singers, artists, palm readers, crafters etc....
5. Cash Only. If you're going to the French Market or Cafe Du Monde it's cash only. In today's society, one can easily forget to bring cash. If you're going towards the French Quarter, remember to bring cash! You'll especially need it for parking in the lots or bring lots quarters for the meters if you're lucky enough to find street parking.
6. Groceries. There is an aisle in Wal-Mart labeled "Red Beans & Rice" - no joke! The amount of spices, fish frys, seasonings, boils, hot sauces, rouxs, stocks, beans, and rices are incredible. I would love to try them all! You can also buy a kings cake for whatever holiday you need! Just today, I saw a few for Halloween! Then of course you have a huge variety of seafood and sausages!
7. Tourists. Living in Florida, I thought the amount of tourists here couldn't ever bother me. Of course I was wrong. It isn't horrible, just another annoyance. They walk in front of your cars and don't know where to cross the streets. It's hard to walk anywhere down by the quarter, especially on weekends. If you don't like crowds, you may have an issue.
8. Antiques/Consignment. Nola has so many different stores! If you love antiques and second hand shops this is the place for you! Stores range from clothes, furniture, records, music/movies/games, antique knick-knacks.
9. Beignets. These delicious pastries are sold at Cafe Du Monde (cash only). They are sometimes called a French Doughnut. It's basically like a funnel cake on steroids. They are big and puffy topped with powdered sugar! YUM! You get 3 in a serving. We learned the hard way that sharing a serving is not an option!
10. 3 for 1. Everybody likes happy hour 2 for 1 right? Apparently that is not good enough in NOLA. Here they serve 3 for 1's!! Elsewhere you can end up paying $6 just for one drink, here you can get 3X's the amount of alcohol for that price! Cha-ching!!
11. Crazy Drinks. Ever had a craving for a 72oz beer? No problem! We got em'! Here in Nola the drinks are endless and so is the hangover. Some drinks you HAVE to try before leaving: Hand grenade, Pat'O Brians Hurricane, (more to come)
12. Drive Thru Daiquiris. Staying on the topic of alcohol, here in NOLA you don't even have to leave your car for it! They have drive thrus everywhere! If that wasn't heavenly enough, you can order a gallon of your favorite daiquiri and take it home with you! and for the real daiquiri lover - they sell daiquiris at the movies AND the mall!
13. Drinking in the Streets. Lastly on alcohol, you can drink legally on the streets! As long as it's not a glass container, you can rome the streets with your booze. I LOVE this about NOLA! I no longer have to chug my drink just to leave an establishment. It was a culture shock when I got here though. The bartender would say for here or to go, and I just starred at him. There are many "to-go drink stations" downtown. They are pretty neat, you just walk up to them get your drink and walk away.
14. Music. Let's get off the topic of alcohol here. I swear I'm not a drunk. haha. The local music here is fantastic! Who wouldn't want to see and hear the birthplace of jazz? I'm going to buy some local cd's before I leave. I always want to have that wonderful feeling that only jazz can bring.
15. Below Sea Level. I was leaving Wal-Mart on Tchoupitoulas (say that 3 times fast!) and a boat was pulling into a dock on the Mississippi and it freaked me out! The boat looked like it was gliding on the street past the levees. It was just so funny looking. Then I remembered how low we are - which also affects the humidity here. PHEWIE! It gets hot!
***Keep Checking Back For Updates!***
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Audobon Aquarium
But since we have only gone to the aquarium let me tell you a little bit about it. The aquarium is located downtown next to the river. For an adult it is $18.50 and children 2-12 it's $11.50 (military members get $2.00 off a ticket). It is a two story establishment, but are stroller and wheelchair friendly.
This is a wonderful place to beat the heat in NOLA! It isn't the biggest aquarium I've ever been to, but there are tons of fishies! They even have otters, jellies, penguins, sharks, sting rays, gators, and turtles! They also have a few specialized exhibits; Gulf of Mexico, Mississippi River, and Caribbean Reef. This aquarium also offers sting ray feedings. If you aren't brave enough to do that, you can catch one of the many feeding/educational shows they offer! There is also a little interactive play zone for the kids!
The gift shop is rather large and stocked with loads of goodies! The prices are typical for a tourist spot, but not horrible. We bought Marissa a penguin that we named Tuxs, and she LOVES him! It's actually her "lovey" she sleeps with at night. We of course had to buy a magnet and shot glasses for our obsessed collections! The aquarium also offers a food court.
We had a fantastic time and would recommend this place to anyone who wants to see and learn about a variety of sea life.
Double the Pleasure, Double the fun!
If you drive about 15 minutes outside of New Orleans to Metairie, you'll be amazed at what you see! A two story target on Veterans Blvd! I have never heard of such a beautiful thing before! It was absolutely amazing!
The first floor looks like your typical Target. It has the furniture, clothes, home decor, etc... The only difference is that it has a neato escalator for both you AND your cart! It was just so exciting to watch your cart go up the escalator right next to you. We all laughed b/c of how amused we actually were and how much fun we had going up and down on it.
The second story had baby items, groceries, food court, toys, cleaning supplies, and more clothes! This Target is a MUST see if you love Targets, or if you are just fascinated easily. I know I enjoyed myself for hours!
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