We have arrived!

Outer Journey

As the train approached the station, I couldn't help but become giddy with excitement! We came into New Orleans and we were able to see the "longest bridge" which was so intriguing and historical to see. We departed the train and I was a little nervous about finding a taxi/uber/lyft and getting to the hotel safely and fast, so that we could clean up and get our week of tourism started. The temperature had most defiantly shifted, and it was clear that we were not in Illinois anymore. We got outside the train station and instead of taking a uber which was ideal, we ended up going with a taxi (6 of us that it). We crammed all of our luggage and ourselves into this SUV, and off we went. Miss Ruthie was our taxi driver. She told us that she had been driving for 20 years and that to her was far to long, however she was still as feisty as the young bloods trying to boss her around. Man did she let them know it (insert foul language used by Miss Ruthie). My first impression of the city was that it was busy and fast paced. It was also wet, very wet! We got to our hotel and had little time to settle in and get ready before meeting for supper. I met the class down in the lobby and off we went on our first night out. Hopped on the street car, and it dumped us off at the famous Jackson Square. We walked a couple of blocks and talked about some of the more common landmarks before fulfilling our reservations at Pierre Maspero's. The place was packed. We were seating after standing outside in the rain, into a dark corner of the restaurant near the bar. The menu was full of seafood options, but I still choose to have a po-boy chicken club. It was so good, and reasonably priced. After dinner our haunted history tour was postponed so we took on the streets of New Orleans and hit up some local jazz clubs, and tourist shops. All while stopping through the rain and getting to know my classmates. I literally haven't laughed so much in my life. Around 10 P.M I was more than ready to call it a night. Although we had to make one final pit stop before returning to the hotel. DESSERT! We asked a local who we met in a convenient store where she would recommend and she suggested bread pudding at Palace Café. Thankfully it was on the way back to the hotel. The palace café had a dessert bar with full service, and we got to watch our desserts being made. I did not end up getting the bread pudding, I choose the chocolate mouse, and dang was it good! On a full belly and a good night of memories I was thrilled to make it back up to our modern and comfy hotel room and get in a good nights sleep.

Lobby of our hotel

Palace Café Chocolate Mouse 

New Orleans Street Car