Day 1 - New Orleans

September 4

Our day started early, with little sleep as our flight arrived late the night before. We didn't get into the city until after midnight and bedtime came much later after walking a bit of Bourbon St.

Breakfast was at Mother's, recommended by my aunt. It was delicious, the portions huge, and some of the best coffee I've ever had. I suggested NOMA to get it out of the way. Of course I found a Romanov angle to this trip. NOMA houses a Faberge exhibit full of imperial belongings. The official eggs are no longer there, having packed up and continued on to their next place of residence, but there were plenty of other Faberge curios to marvel at. What disappointed me was that some of the information cards had incorrect information. For such a historical exhibit, one certainly could get the birth year of the last Tsar correct, no?

Afterwards, while walking to the bus stop on Esplanade, we happened by St Louis cemetery #3, which was roughly a block away from the museum. It was my first introduction to the famous burial grounds in New Orleans and fascinating as well. We eavesdropped on a tour guide and learned a few things we hadn't known before. Afterwards, we caught the bus downtown and watched the scenery go by, marveling at the gorgeous shotgun houses that dot the city. A few were still in need of repair after Hurricane Katrina.

We got off at the bus stop near to St Louis cemetery #1. This is the most famous of the city's cemeteries, and busy with tourists too. When we thought we were done looking around, I stumbled upon a grounds keeper giving an impromptu tour. My original suspicions were laid to rest when more and more people he corralled had joined the group. I had heard about the cemetery being unsafe without a tour group, and at first, was wary of this stranger beckoning us around the corners of mausoleums and into the little nooks and crannies of the maze-like grounds. It turned out to be the most fascinating tour, especially from someone who worked there. I left with a better perspective of the inner workings of this cemetery.

Because we were now weary and exhausted, it was decided right then and there to head down to the French Market to Café Du Monde. If you don't stop here on your visit to the city, you haven't really visited the city! The beignets, while cheap (our bill came to a whopping $10 for two coffees and three servings of beignets), were decadent - and so delicious.

With satisfied bellies (and clogged arteries), we walked around the French Quarter. Southern Decadence was going on this weekend so we got more than an eyeful. I loved every single minute of my time spent in the French Quarter. The fun, the beautiful architecture, the people watching - there was never a dull moment.

While eating breakfast at Mother's a local helped us out and suggested we eat dinner at Mandina's. Since it was recommended by a local, we jumped at the chance. However, it turned out to be our worst meal of the trip. Couple that with waiting almost an hour to get there by bus, and you had an unhappy bunch.

We turned in late, I was exhausted and needed the sleep. The city was hot and humid, not a good thing for me who favors the cold.

Getting Nearer to NOLA

So, the flights have been booked and the hotel is reserved. I bought my Streetwise map of the city and we're ready to go. Now, I'm just researching where to eat for three whole days - and then some. In New Orleans, food is big business.

Also, I'm bummed out about one thing. I may not get to see any Fabergé eggs at the NOMA, as they are out on the road touring. Still, there are some Fabergé items there and that will still be exciting. But, it seems to be the story of my life these days.

It looks like there may be three of us in New Orleans this Labor Day weekend instead of two. After e-mailing my aunt to request any NOLA tips and recommendations, she responded back a few days later asking if it were okay to join us. No problem! We could always make this a family get together. Besides, she has already visited and has previously knowledge of the city.

My brand new suitcase is on its way to being completely packed and it's sitting there collecting maps, articles, and various other items I don't dare want to forget. For a major discount, I bought a Travelpro 19" rollaboard from their discontinued Walkabout Lite 2 line. It's the most perfect thing I needed for a carry on. Yes, this will be a carry on only affair. At least for me, anyway.

As we are getting nearer to NOLA, I'm getting much more excited. Lately, I feel as if I'm not exploring much of my own country and this trip is certainly a welcome re-introduction to all that.

Stockholm, Slowly Getting There

I've just booked my accommodations and am feeling much more secure about this trip to Stockholm. I'm also becoming more comfortable about staying in hostels. There wasn't much of a second thought given about staying in one considering the outrageous expense of Scandinavian cities. I learned this in my travels to Denmark a few years ago.

I'm buying the Stockholm card; my student discount will give me a lot of savings, but not as much as the card will in the long run. I'm also splurging and using the express train from Arlanda to the city center and back. My ISIC card will give tremendous savings in that department, plus the benefit of being at the airport in under 30 minutes for an early Sunday morning flight far outweighs any difference in expense by taking the cheaper bus and risking traffic jams.

Much is still under construction, plans are loose at best. Of course, there are the basic must sees, but things such as restaurants, and lesser things are not firmed up yet. I'm still not sure about a day trip to Vaxholm or one of the other archipelago islands. I'm excited to visit Drottningholm, the residence of the royal family. Most of all, it will be fun to return to Sweden and see it under a different eye than the last time.

This trip occurs around the same time as my Ireland trip last year did. I'm still amazed at how much I accomplished in that short period of time and I'm hoping for a little of that magical pixie dust to find its way over onto this trip.