Tuesday, May 22, 2012

The Quarter through my lens

New Orleans, how I love and loathe thee. Mostly love, though. This is how I spent Mother's Day. It was a weird and wonderful afternoon. 

Monument to the Immigrant
This beautiful carrera marble statue, unveiled in 1995, was created by local sculptor Franco Allesandrini. It is a testament to the courage of Italian men and women who left their homeland seeking freedom and a better life. On one side facing the Mississippi river is Miss Liberty; the other side depicts an immigrant family facing the French Quarter, where most of them first stepped on solid ground. 

Pope John Paul II visited St. Louis Cathedral in 1987. They must've erected this street sign to commemorate that visit. 

Interior of St. Louis Cathedral
(taken with iPhone)



Many street entertainers in the Quarter painted every inch of their bodies to mimic a statue. 
This one performed Michael Jackson dance moves, but most of them stood still for long periods of time, like the one below.

As the heat and humidity increases, you've got to admire their determination to eke out a living this way.
I'm fairly certain these were hitching posts back in the day.

We didn't go inside Jean Lafitte's Old Absinthe House, but now I wish that I had. Frank Sinatra, Oscar Wilde, PT Barnum, Mark Twain, Robert E. Lee, Liza Minelli and Franklin Roosevelt have passed through their doors. Interesting history if you have time to click the link.

Always Mardi Gras beads hanging everywhere, no matter what time of year it is. 





And, there's always one of these confused souls wandering about. I had another profile shot, but it showed a little too much...he might not be very happy if I outed him. Then again, he IS out there struttin' his stuff...:)

I hope you enjoyed your tour around the Quarter! My next post will be devoted to the Milkweed Assassin Bug. Yeah, there is no consistency on this blog. :/

17 comments:

Karen @ Pieces of Contentment said...

Certainly a very colourful place in every sense. Quite intriguing but I wouldn't want to live there myself.

No consistency? That's what I call an "interesting variety" which makes for more fun!

hootnonny said...

Never been to New Orleans, but I've heard the good, bad, and ugly from those who have! You seem to have captured a bit of each!

Am waiting for your next post w/anticipation!

TexWisGirl said...

you're so funny. quite the cultural place - unique unto itself. :)

Lisa Gordon said...

New Orleans is one of my favorite cities. So many neat things to see, and the food was amazing. I remember a place called Brennan's, that we went to for breakfast. Oh my goodness, it was wonderful.

Anonymous said...

A great tour! There's a lot of history there.

Deanna said...

Well, I loved visiting New Orleans with you. I need to go back there to enjoy all of these interesting places. Haven't been since I was a teenager....too many years ago. Great pics, so crisp & clear.

Shug said...

Oh My...I do remember New Orleans..Well known as in Bourbon Street!!
These are some really great pictures...I'm talking about good as in, framing and selling them!! Girl you sure have a great talent...
Shug

Unknown said...

I loved the tour! Wonderful photographs, you really captured the spirit. I am blown away by the street performers.

Kathy said...

I must make it to New Orleans one of these days. I'm told I rode on a float at the age of two but I haven't been back since! Yes, you are right about the hitching posts. They are on the main street over in Natchitoches and are seen here in East Texas also.

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

Gorgeous pictures. I haven't been to New Orleans in about 10 years. I enjoyed my visit so much, but I will never drink another hand grenade. Ahem. Anyhow, looking forward to your milk assassin bug post ;-)

Anonymous said...

i spent a beautiful week in new orleans. it will always be a very special city for me.

Laura Delegal - Leroy Photography said...

LOL! Love NOLA too. We always go to the cathedral for mass on Sunday when we're there (although we're not Catholic). It's always enjoyable. You captured all of the charm and characters. Have a good week.

Laura Delegal - Leroy Photography said...

LOL! Love NOLA too. We always go to the cathedral for mass on Sunday when we're there (although we're not Catholic). It's always enjoyable. You captured all of the charm and characters. Have a good week.

Rosemary Aubut said...

And such a wonderful tour it was! Brought back so many wonderful memories! Loved New Orleans!

Barbara said...

Love the tour!! I want to go!!

Charlotte Wilson said...

I have been to New Orleans but a long time ago. Just remember the coffee and beignets.
What a colorful scene you have depicted. And that shot you got of the inside of the cathedral is awesome....with an iphone???!!!

All the best,

♥charlotte

Kittie Howard said...

Oh, but you captured the heart of so much. Great job! (Hub's card from so many years ago is still on the wall at the AH. Love that place.)