Can you imagine a better way to start your day than with really good friends, a steaming cafe au lait, and a heaping mound of beignet at the world famous Cafe Du Monde? Neither can I!

That was the first stop as Sharlene, Renee and I blearily stumbled out for our final day in New Orleans. Although the line was intimidating, it moved very quickly and we were soon seated at a charming table overlooking the sidewalk, which afforded a great view of the city passing by.

Beignets are delicious little pastries mounded with powdered sugar. They arrived piping hot, messy and delicious!

Afterwards we walked up to the banks of the mighty Mississippi River. We strolled along the river walk watching the barges and ferry’s slowly drift by.

Sharlene wanted to go for a ride on the local trolley so we caught the St Charles streetcar to the Garden District.

The Garden District was once occupied by stately plantation homes built by rich Americans who didn’t want to live in the French Quarter with the Creoles. Originally, there was a large house surrounded by gardens on each block, but as the city grew, properties were divided and adorable little houses dripping with Gingerbread trim sprang up around them. Among the notable residents are Drew Brees, John Goodman, Sandra Bullock, Mos Def, and Nicholas Cage. We didn’t see them.

While we walked, we stumbled across Commander’s Palace, one of the most famous restaurants in the city. Since we didn’t have reservations, we got a cocktail at the bar and headed out to the magnificent courtyard.

Afterwards we took a stroll through the garden.

We took the Trolley back to Bourbon Street. Renee and I waited while Sharlene bought popcorn…

and then we walked to St Louis Cemetery No. 1.

The most famous of the cemeteries in New Orleans, St Louis No 1 opened in 1789 as the main burial ground in the city. The tombs were built mostly above ground, primarily because of French and Spanish influences, the high water table and a series of nasty epidemics in the 1830s.

Among the notable residents are voodoo priestess Marie Laveau, whose tomb is decorated with Xs because legend has it if she can’t grant your wish if you paint an X on her tomb, turn around three times, knock on the tomb and yell out your wish. Once your wish is granted you must return, circle your X and leave an offering.

US Capital architect Benjamin Latrobe…

And Nicholas Cage. Well, technically Nicholas Cage isn’t a resident yet, but he did purchase and commission a pyramid tomb so one day he will be…

We walked up the street to find a late lunch. We ended up at the Copper Monkey. I was excited because they had a Touch Tunes jukebox and hand mixed Hurricanes. The Hurricanes contained fruit that had been pickled in liquor, so it appeared we were off to a great start. Sadly, as soon as the melodic strains of Lets Have a Kiki began, the bitches in the back row complained and the bartender unplugged the machine. I’d already transferred credits to their bar. Needless to say I left a scathing yelp review.

We wandered around the French Quarter snapping a few pictures.

Then we walked back to the French Market so Renee could get more corn.

She was so excited about it, Sharlene and I decided to try it as well. It was so delicious, Renee and I went back for another ear.

We headed over to the House of Blues so Renee could buy souvenirs.

And we could walk the red carpet.

We visited a few more souvenir shops…

Before we ended the evening at Harrahs.

I got lucky on the Double Lucky Strike…

And then we entered the HooDoo Lounge to have a late dinner and enjoy the Saints game. Renee got the seafood platter which was as big as her head.

We cheered for the saints, because they are my backup favorite team (go Chargers!) and because Sharlene and Renee were concerned about the hometown crowd not fully appreciating someone rooting for the Eagles. While we enjoyed the show, Jason came over, introduced himself, told me how beautiful I was, and asked me to take his number and call him if I’d like to go out sometime, like to Morton’s Steakhouse.

We couldn’t finish the heaping platters of food so we bagged them up, celebrated the victory (who dat?) and then walked back to Bourbon Street to give our meals to a homeless guy. He was very appreciative and asked Sharlene to marry him, but we had a 4 am departure time so we had to call it a night.

I hope one day all ya’ll get a chance to geaux to the Big Easy!