New Orleans, what can I say?

What can I say or for that matter, what can one say about New Orleans? What is left to be said about her? Wow, wow, wow... just fantastic! What a great mood the town has, even when you are outside the French Quarter.

I had never been there, so can't compare to what it was like before Katrina. Some people say that Bourbon St. now has more rock and roll than jazz ... I don't know... all I can say is that historical charm is still the name of the game in NOLA!

The whole French Quarter is adorable, with it's charming restaurants, shops and galleries. The markets by the Mississippi are very picturesque... actually they have no choice but be picturesque... THE Mississippi river is behind them, THE Mississippi River Boat is whistling and the sudden hospitality is in force. Awesome, awesome!

The last day of the year was specially remarkable for us. It was dry, the sun was beautifully out, not a single cloud was to be seen in that perfect blue sky, the cold weather was mild and easy to be endured. Joel and I wondered for hours along the many streets of NOLA, having a coffee here and there. In the afternoon, Joel took me to a hidden corner, the Preservation Hall, where jazz is well revered... The "Hall" actually consists of an entrance on the side, kind of a wide hallway that leads you to a room with about 2 dozens chairs positioned in a row, some pillows making the first row and twice that space of standing area. Near the pillows, there is an insinuation of a stage with drums, chairs and the typical brass instruments that jazz musicians enchant our ears with. The walls have some genuine aged texture showing quite a bit of bricks and any resembling to paint, indicates that they were once painted in terracotta.

All this mood is perfect... when the jazz players come on stage, it's as if they were the last piece of the puzzle and it blends it all in ... you can't help but believe they were born and raised as one big family as they quickly take you into a delicious jazz journey! Impeccable!!

We were very happy to wave good bye to 2009. It was a hard year for us, with some very nasty moments. I think we managed to welcome 2010 in big time style (apologies for the lack of humbleness here, LOL). It arrived with a fun and warm dinner chez friends from Panama who were in New Orleans visiting family or simply "re-grouping" as my friend says and with fireworks by the Mississippi with adorable New Orleans behind us!

Happy New Year to you, dear friends and family! May you enjoy all the plans God has in store for your 2010!