New Orleans for New Years' Eve

We so enjoyed our visit to New Orleans. We arrived on December 29th, 2016 and left on January 1, 2017. We spent most of our time in the French Quarter but on the first night we walked to dinner in mid-city and were joined by our host, Jo, for a wonderful meal at Cafe Degas.  We had french onion soup, mussels, escargot, oysters, and brussel sprouts (I can't explain the brussel sprouts). It was all part of a happy hour menu and we ordered so much we no longer wanted dinner! The next morning we drove, parked all day for free and then walked to the French Quarter. It was mid morning and a very pleasant day. We walked all over including Bourbon Street and the area on the Mississippi. We purchased trolley passes and traveled out to the Garden District to see the Antebellum style houses. We came back to the French Quarter and had dinner at the Red Fish Grill and yes, we had the double chocolate bread pudding dessert! The French Quarter picked up to a frenzied pace at about 4 in the afternoon-and this was the day before NYE. We listened to some music- such a variety. Zydeco was my favorite.
On NYE day we went back to the French Quarter to Decatur Street, Jackson Square area. The Sugar Bowl parade was to begin early afternoon. The weather was cool and rainy-such a change from the previous day. Tom always knows where to get the best spots. We went up to a balcony overlooking Decatur Street to watch the parade. I was convinced it would be a bust -standing room only and no way to see anything. But no, Tom was right. We went out on the balcony and some delightfully nice people gave us their spots on the railing because we were visitors. They were most interesting and gracious and we shared emails and addresses. Randy and Dana will be sending a package of New Orleans bling to us. We have been so impressed with southern hospitality throughout our trip. We were also met a couple from Oklahoma so we knew who to root for in the Sugar Bowl! It was a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. After the parade we stood in line at Cafe du Monde for beignets and lattes. It was an incredibly long line but the unhealthy treat was worth it! We had had delicious french toast for breakfast made by our host. She used a pumpkin filled panettone bread-so good. Then alcohol at the parade and then beignets. NYE eating did not fit into our resolution to eat healthy. Back to Bourbon Street for more music. By this time it was pretty crowded and wild. Lots of police presence but no trouble. The skies opened up and put a damper on the evening with pouring rain. We made our way back to our lovely home and went to bed a little after 10. There were a two other couples staying there and they were just going out when we went to bed! Needless to say they were young. We never even heard them return. I'll post a few photos of our visit to NOLA.
The next morning we packed up and left for Houston. It was raining on and off during the drive- sometimes making it difficult to see. but we arrived around 3:30 PM. I'll tell you more in the next post.