Last night (Saturday night) was the big Mardi Gras party night in New Orleans. We chose to stay out of it and watch the festivities on TV. It looked like an amazing fun night for those that were there. The largest of the parades ended its route by proceeding inside the Louisiana SuperDome to be part of a huge extravaganza where they continued to fling the coveted beads and other items to the cheering crowd. “Throw ‘Til it Hurts”. Live music, decorations, lights, and even some fireworks. What a blast.
There were several more parades scheduled for today (Sunday). We thought it would be easier for us if we went to town early, so we got there around 8:00 this morning. It was still a challenge to find a parking spot, but we did manage to find one just a few blocks from the parade route and still within walking distance of the French Quarter.
New Orleans
New Orleans Riverwalk
Of course partying in the French Quarter was huge last night, we saw the crowds packing Burbon Street on TV as well. This morning was very different. There were still people walking around, mostly old people like us, and some families with kids. Beer trucks were delivering more beer. Workers were busy removing the garbage from the streets. They even washed down the streets with what smelled like some kind of cleaning solution. Thank goodness for that, it had to have been a horrible mess. There were still a few beer drinkers in the streets. The bars are still open, jazz and blues music still blaring out from inside. We felt perfectly safe.
The parade did not go through the French Quarter but was a few blocks from it. After an excellent lunch at good seafood restaurant we walked over there to see the parade. There was no end to the people waiting. Many had ladders to elevate their vantage point, there were elevated platforms, bleachers, and fenced off private viewing areas you could sit in for a fee. We walked a few blocks before we found a free spot to watch.
Waiting for the Parade
Waiting for the Parade
The King
Hey! Hey!
Mardi Gras
It turned out to be a beautiful day 🙂 77 degrees and mostly sunny. I think I got a little sunburn.
- Gasoline Expense: $40 $3.17
- Lodging Expense: $55
- Admission Fees: none
The Nomadic Life 