Stepping into New Orleans – A photo essay

I travel to visit relatives a few times a year, to the mountains most weekends, and in my dreams every night. Exploring new lands, people, dining experiences and cultures is one of my favorite pastimes. I just returned from California where I enjoyed the seafood, sourdough bread, shopping, and friendly beautiful people. Now I’m in the great state of Louisiana. It’s another Wild Ride!

 

Danny and me and a booty bomber.

After landing in the French Quarter of New Orleans, my husband Danny and I headed down to the Oyster Festival, located on the soft shoulder of the Mississippi River. This event provided my first brush with NOLA (New Orleans Louisiana) culture. The women dressed in appropriate attire for 80+ degree weather. Many wore skirts and dresses, but what really stood out was on their feet.

Girls in boots.

Families rocked the boots.

 

 

 

Men in boots.

Love the cowboy boots!

Color coordinated boots.

I loved them and soon understood why so many opted for the colorful rubber slip-ons. Mud. The mighty Mississippi has its way of making itself known. New Orleans is built eight feet BELOW sea level! The few skyscrapers in town are built on steel i-beams driven into bedrock 75 feet below the surface while many homes and structures in the French Quarter sink.

The infamous New Orleans’ levies were never anchored into bedrock. Floating over 75 feet of mud and silt, they held back the river until Katrina blasted into town nine years ago. The wimpy levies burst and the muddy river  flooded 80% of the town. When it rains, the grassy areas puddle and ooze.

 With or without boots, the people of New Orleans love to dance!

 

I need to buy those rubber boots!

Slimed.

Much better!

 Where will you rock out this summer?