{Zombie goats on Frenchman St. during Mardi Gras}

I spent my birthday (Fat Tuesday) amongst the most unique individuals in the world while enjoying the beautiful city of New Orleans. I have a passion for the Big Easy and I didn’t mind that they won the Superbowl. I’m not a football fan, so it didn’t rock my boat.

My baby and I have been visiting New Orleans every year since Katrina, and almost five years later I can see the hope, pride and exuberance the big win has created. No more paper bags are worn at Saints games (so I hear), instead big hearts and even bigger smiles.

We have always visited for New Years, and this was our first Mardi Gras. As soon as we settled into our bed & breakfast, my hubby Ryan, had to hit one main tourist spot: Cafe Du Monde. Beignets like soft pillows of fried love…and there is so much powder sugar on these suckers, you could be mistaken for a cocaine dealer.

{There’s a kilo of powder sugar hiding beignets.}

Other than Du Monde’s we stayed close to the Fauborg Marigny and far away from Bourbon Street. Bourbon is what it is, but if you want to enjoy the history, music, art and food in New Orleans spend most of your time on the other intersecting streets of the FQ away from Bourbon.

Watching the parades were fun too, except for the lady behind me who got cut by a renegade medallion. I quickly learned how to effectively turn my face away from the flying debris thrusted off the floats and use my extended arms to reach out for beads. REMEMBER always protect your face.

{Zulu Float with an amazing entourage of feathered Zulu court officials}

In addition to music, culture is alive in Nawlins. We took in the visually spectacular POYI exhibit at the Louisiana State Museum. As well as a wonderful tribute to the rock n’ roll legends of Louisiana. Fats Domino’s piano was represented as well as Cosimo Matassa.

{ I had never heard of Esquerita! until now, but he definitely gave Little Richard a run for his for his money in the fifties.}

The time went so fast, before I knew it we were shuttling back to Louis Armstrong Airport, returning to snowy Indy. Laissez les bon temps rouler…