My ipad travel blog: Off to the Bayou- and Music listening- Day 6-7 New Orleans May 13-14

Well the day began well as we didn't have to get up at 6:30. We were able to have a leisurely breakfast. This was our day to go on a bayou tour with the Airboat Adventures company. We were supposed to be picked up at 9:40 but we weren't picked up until almost an hour later! And there were still stops to be made at various hotels before we made it out of town. They also managed to lose our friend, Esther, who was supposed to be being picked up at her hotel by another bus. It seemed they didn't have her correct cell phone number (never mind that she had phoned the company when they didn't appear nor that they had the name of her hotel and didn't phone the front desk). But she was eventually picked up and was delivered to the bayou when we finally arrived there. Our bus driver had begun giving us an interesting tour as we finally were leaving the city, showing us how high the streets were flooded when Katrina struck, but the sound system wasn't working so we were left on her own (which was okay). I was a little worried I must admit.

But we did eventually depart at noon from Lafitte. Donna had been keen on the six passenger airboat. I was a bit nervous, especially when we had ear plugs to wear which with my hat flew off (but both stayed in the boat). After that initial excitement all was fine! I actually thoroughly enjoyed our tour and thought our guide was very good and knowledgeable. It was really neat experience. I am just going to show you a few pictures and a video or two of our trip! We were out there for about an hour and forty-five minutes.

Starting out- we started up and then speeded up but we went slowly when we were exploring the bayous

It was really beautiful there!

And yes that is an alligator. It was interesting as alligators generally live in fresh water but the water here is brackish so that the alligators have adapted. Did you know that alligators only live in the United States and China?

It was rather lovely gliding along…we wondered what it would be like walking in that vegetable. We were told it was solid enough but beware of snakes of all kinds! Our guide felt safer with alligators!

I never see dragon flies in Vancouver. I used to always liked them when I lived in the East.

And now we have two crocodiles!!!

Looking at these pictures reminds me of how lovely it was!

It looks so lovely but are there snakes slithering there?

Spanish moss lives on air…

Here's our boat!!!

Well after our fun trip we went back to New Orleans and started dropping off all the passengers hotel by hotel. A couple of people asked if they could be dropped off at the World War 2 Museum, which gave us an idea. After everyone else had gotten off, our bus driver took us to Frenchmen Street in Marigny just beyond the French Market. We had heard this was a good place to listen to music and our driver had lots of suggestions where to eat and listen to music. And he even pointed out where Brad Pitt has a house. He is very popular in New Orleans.

We had a very late lunch at The Praline Connection and it was delicious! We liked the atmosphere as well. Donna also purchased pralines for her husband in the attached bakery.

As we explored the neighbourhood, it seemed as most music didn't begin until 7 o'clock and we were wondering if we should go back to our hotels and then try again when we ran into a young musician who told us his band would be playing at 5:00 so we decided to spend a few minutes around the French market area and come back and give them a listen.

The Swamp Donkeys were playing at the Balcony Music Club (or BMC). This was on our bus driver's recommended list. And we liked it as well. We also liked the S wamp Donkeys' music and listened to two sets.

We looked into a couple of other clubs but then we settled into Maison where you can actually also eat. We listened to a set by another group, the Gregory Agid Quartet, who were great as well. Here's a taste of their music.

We decided it was time to go. Esther had a plane to catch early the next morning. We walked back to our hotels. But what a great night listening to music. I totally recommend this area to any visitors to New Orleans. It was such a nice atmosphere-very different to Bourbon Street and so much great music in nice venues at a very reasonable price.

After actually getting everything into our suitcases, our last morning was spent doing a little last minute shopping and sadly saying good-bye to a great city. Here are a few last photos. I hope you have enjoyed your virtual visit!