Tuesday, March 15, 2016

NOLA


If you guessed we were in New Orleans, you are correct. We spent last week in this old Southern city with our gang. This was a return trip for us...the Board of Governors was here in 2010. 


 There are some lovely old buildings in New Orleans, and the flavor of the local culture is truly unique. 


We stayed right in the French Quarter and went exploring every day. There is a lot of history in the Quarter, and we tried to see places we had missed on our first trip.


My favorite street is Royal Street. It is where all the antique shops and many of the galleries are located.




The local musicians come out in the afternoon when the streets are closed to car traffic. It's a highlight...and a distinct part of the experience. 




There is a great deal of folk art and outsider art in the Cresent City. I wanted to get inside this wonderful shop but it was closed both times we happened by.




Wonderful! And, I'm sure, very pricey.


I did find my way back to this great gallery.


A visit to the Old Mint revealed a surprising exhibit of primitive folk art.


Naive and wonderful, many of these paintings were done by self taught artists whose talents were recognized in their lifetime. 


One of my favorites...Clementine Hunter. I was so happy to see two of her originals! 

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Our refuge for the duration was the beautiful Ritz Carlton. (We are fortunate that our group stays in great hotels and we benefit from group rates...it helps...yes, board members pay their own expenses).

Annie and I enjoyed lunch in this lovely lounge. Mr. MW came by while on a break from his meeting. It was raining this day so we camped here for a few hours and ate, knit and read. I enjoy a pot of green tea in the afternoon and this one was exceptionally good.


The courtyard was pretty even in the rain.



The paintings...gorgeous!



Tis himself!


The lovely aroma from this candle was wonderful!



Napoleon...


...Josephine


We visited the St. Louis Cathedral on Jackson Square. It is one of the earliest Roman Catholic churches in America.


My ex-altarboy husband is proficient at candle lighting. We said prayers for our family...for our friends...and in gratitude...always in gratitude for our many blessings.


Enjoy the day,
Robyn



















4 comments:

  1. Yay I was right!!!!! What a wonderful place to visit, I sure would one day. So much to see and sights to take in.Thanks for sharing Robyn, hugs Francine.

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  2. Thank you so much for taking us on a mini tour of the French Quarters of New Orleans. It'a a placeI so would like to visit someday. My husband's aunt went during Mardi Gras a while back.

    The Ritz Carleton looks like a great place to stay. I love the courtyard and that beautiful round gazebo. We do the same candle lighting ritual as your alter boy when we visit old Catholic churches. I see Annie chose which candle to light.
    Have a great week. Sending Hugs to you and Annie.
    JB

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  3. Hi Robyn,
    So many beautiful photos of lovely and unique places!! The paintings are gorgeous, especially the first one!! Beautiful!!!
    Love the courtyard too, and the pics of you and hubby with Annie are so special!!! So happy you could make some sweet memories together!!! Hope you can get to visit the shop that was closed sometime on a future visit!!! It looks like FUN!!!
    Big Hugs to you and Annie~
    Julie

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  4. What a wonderful treat to get to see all of that and the art is just wonderful. I loved seeing everything and I like that picture of Annie and your husband lighting candles.
    What a great place.

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