Well we survived New Orleans and the LSU crew. After spending Thursday afternoon exploring the French Quarter, we spent Friday afternoon at the aquarium. Not the highlight of the trip by any means. Friday night we met up with Lindsey's friends and headed out for a night on the town. We hit up the local burger joint, Port of Call. After a good dinner we hit up the convenience store across the street for $1.90 24oz beers. The deal alone was to good to pass up, but the ability to buy it and carry it around the streets was a new experience. It took Lindsey's friends a few tries before I really believed them. After heading down to Bourbon street the first stop as Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop, which is rumored to be the longest continuously operating bar in the US. With authentic historical architecture (no electric lights in the building) it definitely had a nice appeal. Continuing down Bourbon we traveled through the gay district where I had to hold Justin back from running into the bars. We did see a Freddie Mercury clone, complete with leather chaps, leather hat and handle bar mustache. I guess I was showing my age since everyone with us thought I meant it was really him even though he has been dead for decades. To add to the strange atmosphere, two "cowboys" were walking Shetland ponies down the street. I suddenly felt like I was in a Hunter S. Thompson novel. When Lindsey and Annie asked if they could take pictures with the "donkeys" and "ponies" they were strongly corrected that they were "horses". Twice. Cowboys walking miniature horses down Bourbon St and they take offense to us calling them ponies. I don't get it either.
After a quick bite to eat at Jester's we headed over to Pat O'Brien's Piano Bar. A quick round of shots got everyone into the mood and we all enjoyed the sing-a-longs and dancing. The bar has a great feel to it, complete with historic structure and waiters dressed like a silent movie from the 20's. It was neat time and a great stop.
Another quick stop at Jester's for food and jello shots (our tour guide Jen had some connections) and then it was time to split up. Justin and I headed off with Jen to dba for some good music. And we were not disappointed. With band members that looked like characters from Rock Band, they played a mix of rock/funk/jazz/blues for 2 hours straight. The music was amazing and was one of the best live shows I have ever attended. With a small, hot room and rocking music the closest way I can describe the feeling was the scene from Black Snake Moan (go see the movie if you haven't). I thank Jen immensely for taking us there and if I ever see her again will gladly repay the favor however I can.
Alas all good things must end. After 6 hours of drinking, music, dancing I decided to call it quits at 3 am. We cabbed home and passed out to get ready for Jazzfest the next pay. Unfortunately Jazzfest turned into rainfest. We stayed for just under 2 hours and after everyone was thoroughly soaked we called it quits and headed home. We all decided to stay in that night to recover from the night before and the rainy day. Early Sunday morning we packed up, thanked Lindsey for putting up with us and headed out for Houston to see the Lucy fossils.
Ok if anyone has actually read all that I will be surprised. I added more pictures to the link below and also uploaded Justin's pictures from the trip so far here.
