Brenda and I just returned from a 4 day trip to New Orleans (NOLA) for the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras. This was the opening weekend for Mardi Gras and the town was decorated for the carnival. Mardi Gras is always a major event in NOLA and with the Saints playing in the Super Bowl, the city was in a frenzy of energy and excitement. Yes, I was one of the men to wear a collection of beads all weekend. Somehow, this seems perfectly normal when in New Orleans!
I did not sing Karaoke this weekend, although there were certainly karaoke bars on Bourbon Street. Instead, we spent a wonderful evening at the Hotel Monteleone at the piano bar. We met some very friendly locals there, who were so proud of their city and very welcoming to us.
We have always found people in NOLA to be exceptionally happy and inviting. We sang for hours. The highlight of my evening was playing my harmonica and singing Piano Man on the mic.
The excitement of the upcoming Super Bowl continued to build throughout the weekend. "Who Dat!" became the new "hello" as people greeted one another on the street. Chants of "who dat" and the music of "When The Saints Come Marching In" were heard everywhere. People poured into the city and everyone was dressed in gold and black. Even dogs were dressed for the big game!!
Brenda and I were dressed for the big game too!
We were staying at the Ritz Carlton and we watched the game at their Super Bowl party. The rest is history! The Saints DID march in and they won their first Super Bowl. The town was euphoric. We joined thousands of others on Bourbon Street to celebrate.
What a night! What a trip! What a town!! Congratulations Saints and Congratulations NOLA. We can't wait to return. Hope to see you soon! I'll be at Scor this Wednesday, if the weather cooperates.
Cary
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