New Orleans Adventure Post 2

Day 3

Through “Save Our Cemeteries” organization we toured St. Louis #1 cemetery. The still actively used cemetery was established in the late 1700s.

pic202

Our guide, Larry, led us around several tombs, describing the history of the cemetery, how many of the tombs were created, how and why some are maintained while others are not, and some of the more notable tombs and their inhabitants.

pic201

People from all walks of life are buried here from rich to poor, white, black, French, Spanish, all mixed in with one another. The only division between burial areas is by religion, Catholic and non-Catholic.

pic203

Most tombs are built of brick and coated with a white stucco-like material. The tombs are maintained by surviving family or by a payment to the Archdiocese. The maintenance payment covers the walls of the tomb, but not the “doorway”.

pic204

One of the more famous tombs is that of Voodoo queen Marie Laveau who died in 1881. It is currently under restoration as numerous visitors continue to mark the tomb as part of a ritual, then someone tried to correct this by covering it with latex paint, but it was not the correct medium.

pic205

Another notable tomb purchased, yet still waiting for its occupant, is a pyramid shaped structure owned by Nicolas Cage. A lot of fans put on lipstick and kiss his tomb !

pic206

pic206a

A short walk from the cemetery took us to the Hermann-Grima house. The historic house museum was opened to the public in 1971.

pic207

The huge home, a symbol of New Orleans wealth, was built in the 1831 by Hermann who ended up having to sell it when he lost his fortune.

pic208

In 1844 it was acquired by Grima who lived there with his wife, nine children and extended family until the civil war.

pic209

In 1922 the property was purchased by the Christian Woman’s Exchange and was used as a rooming house for women. Also included on the property was a consignment and tea shop.

pic210

Walking the streets of the French Quarter is an experience best understood by those who have visited.

pic211

Street musicians and vendors set up on multiple corners to entertain and collect cash donations.

pic212

The area is bright, loud, and welcoming. We stopped in at Ole Saint (53 beers on tap) for Happy Hour (excellent deal). While sipping, we struck up a conversation with a couple from Australia – exchanged email addresses – we are sure to meet up again.

pic213

Day 4

We walked to the Villa Convento to meet up with the Flok group again; this time to board a school bus and travel to Metairie to a “hole-in-the-wall” restaurant called Sugar’s. We were served a buffet of a home-cooked southern-styled dinner (fried chicken, stuffed peppers, gumbo, mac ‘n cheese, peach cobbler, and more).

pic214

I had no idea when I booked our New Orleans stay that it coincided with the Blues and BBQ Festival; and it is being held only one block from where we are staying.

pic215

Tonight we heard music from Little Freddie King and Ana Popovic. Dinner consisted of a crawfish sausage po’boy (Todd) and a pulled pork and slaw taco (me).

pic216

 

New Orleans Adventure Post 1

Day 1

It seems like a long time since our last “Adventure”….but finally we are off. The flight was uneventful (which is a good thing). We are staying at the Drury Inn, just outside the French Quarter, in the Business District. The recently renovated room includes a decent sized sitting area with mini fridge and microwave, large bathroom area, and a bedroom with a king bed (good sized room for a week’s stay; and the Drury includes a hot breakfast which is adequate and daily complimentary drinks and light food at 5:30 (limited drink selections; so okay if around, but won’t alter our schedule to partake…).

pic101

Once the trip to NOLA and surrounding area was booked, I again turned to Trip Advisor for recommendations. While weeding through various posts I came across numerous posts referring to The Flok – a group that annually converges on the city of New Orleans and invites anyone to join in their festivities. They sounded fun and offered some unique opportunities, so we became part of the Flok (BTW- the name Flok came about because the organizer misspelled “folk” in an email). We didn’t arrive in time for the lunch at Café Reconcile (a New Orleans restaurant that supports “at risk” kids by giving them jobs and training them in the food industry), but we supported the over $2300 donation raised through a raffle by Flok members. We did meet some of the group later in the afternoon on the (reserved for the Flok) balcony of The American Sports Saloon.

pic102

Day 2

After a restful night’s sleep and a slow start to the day (we are on holidays, you know), we headed down to the waterfront (Mississippi River) to walk along the river front.

pic103

The Holocaust Memorial is a visual prayer in memory of the millions of Jews killed from 1933-1945. As you walk around the sculpture the view changes multiple times.

pic104

pic105

Aboard the Natchez Steam Boat a lone organist plays for the crowds gathered on the walkway, some waiting for the upcoming departure, some just enjoying the sounds.

pic106

Jackson Square is named in honour of Andrew Jackson who led the resistance against the British attempt to capture New Orleans in 1812.

pic107

You can’t miss St. Louis Cathedral in the French Quarter.  One of the oldest cathedrals in the United States, it began as a church in 1718, and as a cathedral, was rebuilt and expanded in 1850.

pic108

Tidbits – Pope John Paul II visited the cathedral in 1987. Present membership is over 6000.

pic109

Walking along the riverfront in the late morning sun calls for a “refreshment” break.

pic110

We met up with the Flok at Muriel’s for lunch. We started with drinks and appetizers on the balcony (again reserved for the Flok).

pic111

pic112

Over 50 of us then moved to the Séance Room for lunch where drinks continued to flow, old friendships were rekindled, and new friendships forged.

pic113

Todd began with Seafood Gumbo and I (stepping out of my comfort zone) had the Turtle soup. I have to admit, it was quite tasty.

pic114

pic115

For our Mains, Todd chose the Stuffed Mirliton (a shrimp and Andouille stuffed pepper with roasted Creole tomato sauce), and I opted for the Grilled Pork Loin with red beans, rice, and corn bread. Both of us truly enjoyed our choices.

pic116

pic117

We met up with the Flok in the early evening and cabbed it to Rock ‘n Bowl. Rock ‘n Bowl is a unique combination of a bowling alley and music venue.

pic118

As we bowled, the band played, people danced, and the fun continued.

pic119

pic120

Todd “rocked” at the bowling alley, doubling and tripling my score (where were those gutter protectors??).

pic121

 

 

 

 

 

 

North Carolina Adventure Final Post

Too bad we didn’t have a pedometer – it would have been interesting to see how much we walked in 3 days…

Wells Fargo PGA Golf Tournament – We received a complimentary parking and entrance pass for Friday. (Note – pics below from the golf course are from various websites as no cameras were allowed).

Pic 301

Although we are not really “into” golf, it was a great day. We have a new appreciation for pro golfers.

Pic 302

Quail Hollow is a private member-owned club in an exclusive neighbourhood in Charlotte. The size and grandeur of houses on the perimeter of the golf course make our house look like a garage….

Pic 303

A hilly landscape with unusual contours creates this challenging course. Water comes into play throughout the golf course with its many creeks, ponds, and waterfalls.

Pic 304

Since we weren’t following anyone, we walked the course (in no specific order….a lot of walking). Even though we don’t follow golf, there were some definite names that stood out – Mike Weir (tied for 57th L), Vijay Singh (tied for 30th), and Phil Michelson (tied for 11th).

Pic 305

Kings Mountain National Military Park SC – The mountain location of the battle is said to have been the turning point of the American Revolution in 1780 which until this point was at a standstill.

Pic 306

The Battlefield Trail is a 1.5 mile (2.4 km) paved trek through the wilderness where the Loyalist and Patriots clashed. Winding slopes guide you along the ridge detailing both the Patriot and Loyalist perspectives. (The simplistic version follows….)

Pic 307

The British were banking on the support of the southern colonies, who along with loyalists believed they could sway the reluctant patriots to swear allegiance to Britain (often it was neighbour against neighbour).

Pic 308

But past actions (like unnecessary torture and slaughters) in the Carolinas by the British, created a band of angry men from the Carolinas, Tennessee, and Virginia who set out to kill the renowned leader, Patrick Ferguson, of the Loyalists.

Pic 309

A cocky Ferguson took the battle to Kings Mountain expecting an easy victory. But, using guerilla tactics, the patriots surrounded the loyalists. Ferguson was shot and killed and his remaining battalion was captured.

Pic 310

Ferguson’s rifle. He was considered an excellent marksman.

Pic 311

Fort Mill SC Strawberry Festival – While this was more of a fair than a festival, it was still a great way to spend an afternoon in the 27°C sunshine.

Pic 312

Numerous food vendors and artisans set up camp for the day. We tried the bbq brisket and beer brat for lunch along with a couple of local beers. Everyone got ID’d if buying beer tickets and they were so pleased that people from Canada came out to their festival. (Both Todd and I had our ID….note from past trips).

Pic 313

Two stages at opposite ends of the park supplied music and fairground rides entertained children. Numerous shows were on through the day – from strawberry eating competitions to wrestling matches.

Pic 314

The highlight for us was the car show.

Pic315J

Over a hundred cars lined the street.

Pic 316

…Made me think of my Dad – he has always loved going to car shows when travelling….

Pic 317

Todd’s favourite.

Pic 315

Biltmore Estate in Asheville– WOW! (Seriously boggles the mind….). The home styled after Loire Valley chateaux was built over a six year period and opened on Christmas Eve 1895. The 250 room house with its 178,926 square feet of floor space has 34 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, and 65 fireplaces complete with an underground swimming pool, gymnasium, bowling alley, and kitchens. (Makes our house look like a garden shed….).

Pic 319

It is decorated and furnished with paintings, porcelains, bronzes, carpets, and furniture from Europe and the Orient. The Banquet Hall has a seven-story high ceiling and is where the family hosted celebrations. (The next 2 pics are from a website as pictures were not allowed inside the home).

Pic 320

The Library contains more than 10,000 books in eight languages (apparently George loved reading…).

Pic 321

Seventy-five acres of gardens adorn the landscape.

Pic 322a

Pic 322b

The conservatory shelters a collection of Palms, tropical plants and orchids as well as the bedding plants for Biltmore Gardens.

Pic 323a

Pic 323b

The entire Biltmore estate was originally 125,000 acres. After the death of George, his wife, Edith, sold about 87,000 acres to the US government (for $5 and acre) so the estate could be maintained.

Pic 324

Today, the Estate open to the public comprises of the home, gardens and trails, ponds and forests, farm and village shops, restaurants, and a winery. After a full day, we still didn’t see everything.

Pic 325

That said, we did make it to the winery. Biltmore Winery was opened in 1985 by Bill Cecil (grandson of George and Edith Vanderbilt).

Pic 326

The estate winery produces 75,000 cases of roughly 15 varieties annually. While some grapes are grown on the property, most are brought in from Washington state and California.

Pic 327

The Biltmore Estate is definitely a “must see” to truly appreciate its splendour and to learn the history of the man behind the vision.

Pic 328

Stay tuned for our next Adventure….