Mr Toast's USA Tour - Louisiana

Where can you get a feel of Spain, Africa, France, Canada, the Caribbean and American cultures all rolled into one?

New Orleans, of course. Many people think of Bourbon Street and jazz at the mention of the Crescent City.

There are plenty of establishments waiting to quench the thirst of a visiting tourist or a pirate on shore leave.

I'm not sure if the motif here ice arctic or aquatic, but, it's convenient.

Shopping in the French quarter offers something for everyone.

Talk about one stop shopping. You can pick up a cigar and brush up on paranormal history at one convenient location.

This fellow at the voodoo museum was probably on one of those carb-free diets.

No one can visit Louisiana without enjoying a delicious bowl of gumbo. I think the state police can ticket anyone who forgoes this pleasure.

Parking is at a premium in the quarter, but walking is really the way to see the neighborhood.

You'd never get take in historic markers as this one zipping around in a car, now would you?

Now it's time for a safari!

Just across from Jackson Square and within smelling distance of Café du Monde's beignets is the mighty Mississippi!

This is one of those thingies that sailors use to tie the boats to. As thingies go, it's a pretty nice one.

River boats still cruise up and down the river propelled by the large steam powered paddle wheel.

Wait! Is that a Jolly Roger on the flag pole.

Time to hop on the street car!

You may notice that there are not many front yards here in the French quarter. But behind these walls are hidden courtyards and gardens.

The most famous courtyard isn't hidden at all! Jackson Square is famous for its street performers, gypsy fortune tellers and its statue of Ingnatious P Riley.

You can almost always find a Lucky Dog hot dog cart here any day… it that one now?!

Many children take their imaginary friends for a stroll here too.

The crowing feature of the square if the St. Louis Cathedral.

His Holiness Pope John Paul II dropped by for a visit in 1987 on September 12th. The Vatican will not confirm if he was here to celebrate the mass for The Holy Names of Mary Day or to commemorate the 99th anniversary of the birth of the French actor Maurice Chevalier. I'm guessing both.

The sanctuary is a gem despite tourists in shorts.

Who will blink first?

The winner!!! Everyone celebrates.

Time to rest those exhausted peepers behind a pair of cool shades.

Can you just imagine the number of people who trip on these steps during Mardi Gras. It's a good thing there is a railing.

Commemorated here in bronze, New Orlean born Dixie Land trumpeter Al Hirt serenaded the pope on his 1987 visit with a solo rendition of Ave Maria during.

The most photographed street corner in New Orleans! It's hard to believe that the quarter had fallen into such disrepair in around the turn of the 20th century that landlords didn't want to waste their time renovating the buildings. So, the Spanish style iron work that was prevalent the quarter survived because it was too much work to tear down.

And everyone has to have a praline in New Orleans. Luckily, there's one waiting for me in that shop.

Time to speed off to the next destination!

Thanks Robert for hosting Mr Toast and Marzi for captions on his fun in New Orleans.