Where Sasha Went

Lafayette Cemetery No1 – New Orleans, Louisiana

The Layfayette Cemetary No1 is located in the heart of the Garden District in New Orleans. Which was established at the time of the neighborhood (1833) to bury the family members of the wealthy land owners who built the area up to what it is today. Similar to other famous cemeteries in the area, the burial is done in tombs above ground. The thing that I particularly like about this one above others is that there are trees, and thus it is not in the blazing sun while you tour. It is also the cemetery used in the filming of Interview with a Vampire.

The practices of above ground burial is not uncommon world wide, though it is a bit here in the states. The reasons why the local folks chose above ground burial traditionally is varied, ask anyone and you will get a different answer. But I would image to a certain degree all reasons have some merit and probably played into the decision. For more information check out Prairie Ghosts site.

Regardless of the reasons why, it really is a lovely little plot of land. A large number of companies will provide walking tours if you are interested. I don’t always suggest such a thing but we really enjoyed the one we partook in and would highly suggest using them if you are interested.

The tours provide not only information about the burial practices and types of tombs but also history of some of the more famous residents, so you also get a good deal of local history which I found really interesting. I have been on a few tours, in a few different local cemeteries and this was by far my favorite.  It also happens to be across the street from the Commander’s Palace, famed brunch and jazz location.

Additional Information

Google Maps lists address as: Prytania St New Orleans, LA 70130
In reality it is a square block between Washington Ave, Prytania St, 6th St and Coliseum St.
Take precaution, heat stroke is really common.  Always wear a hat and sunscreen.
Muggings are common in all the cemeteries due to the nature of the environment so never go at night and always go with a group.

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Garden District – New Orleans, Louisiana

The Garden District in New Orleans is 250 acres of sprawling mansions, tree lined streets and the most relaxed atmosphere imaginable. Quite the change from the beautiful but very crowded and cramped French Quarter.

Originally established in 1833 on plantation land bought and developed by wealthy tradesmen from all over the country. Who mind you built their large mansions here rather than the French Quarter to avoid interacting with the Creoles.  It wasn’t until 1852 that the area was annexed to become a part of New Orleans. As such everything about the area is a far cry from what you would expect if all you know of New Orleans is the French Quarter.

The large plots still intact with the original Victorian architecture feels like something about of a movie. Which it is in fact often a part of a movie as filming in this area is quite common, as are celebrities, many of whom live in the area. Sandra Bullock being one of them. I did see her house, though not her. Which is too bad, I swear if she just gave me a chance we would be the best of friends.

But the Garden District isn’t just fancy houses and old trees. It is also home to the Lafayette Cemetery No1.  A beautiful example of the traditional above ground burial practices in the area, which also happens to be tree lined and fully shaded unlike the ones in the French Quarter. Uptown, though not a part of the official Garden District is just a hop skip or street car ride down the road and is filled with local shops and restaurants. Food every bit as good as other parts of town, but with more local flair, less touristy.

Many companies offer walking tours of the area which I will admit is kind of fun. There is so much history it is nice to just take a stroll while learning something. Though if you are on a budget there are any number of self guided walking tour printouts you can find on the internet.
If you are looking to experience some of the charm and beauty of the area but you don’t want to listen to party people shouting all night this is the place for you. Quite, beautiful, clean, and safe. Perfect.

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French Quarter – New Orleans, Louisiana

I have never been to a place like New Orleans, where just a few blocks away from where you stand you feel like you are a whole world away. Even between several of the Garden District neighborhoods the change in environment is stark. From one side of the Canal Street to the other it’s like being in two very different parts of Europe, all while standing next to the Mississippi River Delta.

The French Quarter, or the north(ish) side of Canal street is in a lot of ways why people come to New Orleans and for good reason. It is gorgeous. Built by the French, in the French style, while Louisiana was a French territory. And it is home to Bourbon street, named as such after the Bourbon Royal line in France, the ever popular party spot. But the district is so much more than just late night drinking.

It changed hands over the years between France, Spain, France again and then finally the United States via the Louisiana Purchase (which included just about the entire middle of the country and a small portion of Canada). As such the history of the area is long and sordid. As well as ridiculously beautiful.

My favorite part of the day is always morning, while everyone else sleeps I like to walk around and experience the world while it is quiet and empty. This is my favorite way to experience the French Quarter, poking my head around every corner discovering all the hidden gems of the area.
It is also a VERY popular filming location everything from the classics like A Street Car Named Desire to the more current American Horror Story. So for all the movie buffs out there if you are planning on taking a trip check out this site to find the must see set locations.

If you aren’t the intrepid explorer type like I am, the area obviously houses any number of other ways to entertain yourself. From top notch food, a variety of museums or of course the night clubs. If you are looking for something other than random wandering check out the French Quarter Website. And maybe if you have a little extra time just stop and look around for a second, I bet you will see something beautiful and unexpected.

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Acme Oyster House – New Orleans, Louisiana

I have been to New Orleans a hand of times and I never tire of it. But as someone who doesn’t drink all that much, dislikes loud noises and crowds friends always ask what the draw to the city is. What else is there to do in New Orleans that doesn’t involve a 24 hour party? Among other things, eat of course!
Call me crazy but months and years after I have had a particularly good meal I dream of the foods and someday returning to experience them again. Acme Oyster House is one of those places.

Now it may look like an 80s florescent nightmare, it isn’t the fanciest place by any means and I could imagine a good many people cringing at the thought of stepping into the place let alone eating in it. I have in fact suggested this place to people before and they reported back that they chose to eat at a ‘nicer’ place. Big mistake!
So first things first right off the plane in November I marched my family down the side street and before they had a chance to protest asked for a table and sat down. I don’t eat shellfish but I have heard their oysters are top notch, they are after all called an oyster house. However I go for the po-boys.
About 20 minutes after sitting down the sandwiches were devoured and goofy looks of sheer ecstasy were plastered on my dining companions faces. I had converts! We almost went back but there are so many other places to eat we instead chose to equally dream sweet dreams of returning someday.
No the picture below is not blurry, the glass protecting the diners from the hot grill is just very greasy. Just goes to show you can’t always judge a restaurant by its atmosphere. Sometimes the very best places are a little rough around the edges.

Additional information:

Acme Oyster House
724 Iberville St, New Orleans, LA 70130 (just behind the Crown Plaza hotel in the French Quarter).
Open 7 days a week 10:30 to 10

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International WorkBoat Show – New Orleans, Louisiana

Last November I took a rather ‘unconventional’ trip to New Orleans. I didn’t go for a bachelorette, graduation, retirement party or what ever else people visit the French Quarter for. I went to a boat show, and not to buy a yacht or a speed boat but to look at all things to do with working boats.
Random? Yes probably to some, but not for our family. When my step-dad asked my step-sister and myself if we wanted to go I am pretty sure our reply speed broke the sound barrier. And believe it or not, it was so much fun!

The show is a free convention (for attendees, if you sign up early enough) geared toward anything you could possibly need to run a boat based business from commercial fishing to oil transportation. You name it, they have it.
We spent two days milling about the booths and chatting people up, though it is a three day show.  And despite the fact that all three of us currently work in totally different industries we all found products that we were interested in. There are hundreds of booths with an inordinate number of products and services. I wager anyone could find something they would be interested in.
We all said on more than one occasion “we are coming back again next year right?”.
Information:

International WorkBoast Show website.
Morial Convention Center – New Orleans Louisiana
Generally the last weekend in November or first of December.

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