America is full of many surprises
America is full of many surprises but New Orleans would have to be one of my favourites! And to experience, a Mardi Gras is a memory I’ll certainly never forget. Mardi Gras is a French word for “Fat Tuesday”, traditionally a celebration of life before Ash Wednesday. In New Orleans, this involves a three day festival of parades, parties, fairy, mythical and medieval costumes, feathers, face masks, bead throwing and so much life!
Once the parade is over to wander through the French Quarter and soak up the history and architecture behind this colourful jazz city including Canal & Bourbon Street and the locals favourite Frenchman Street.
A day trip out of the Quarter is recommended to see the countryside and visit the plantations of Louisiana. Again so rich in history but an unusually calm and beautiful experience. The traditional Southern colonial homes I’d seen in movies and read about in books, to be there learning and listening to an African American woman with a French name and accent only accentuated why I love to travel. To learn, to grow and to experience.
To not feel as though you are in a part of the United States is unique, and rare! There is a lot to pack into an American itinerary but New Orleans is an absolute must!