Mardi Gras Day, New Orleans: Krewe of Kosmic Debris revelers on Frenchmen Street (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
I had my first day of relaxation today for probably 5 weeks or so.
I arrived here in New Orleans at about 12.30 pm last night and I wasn't too tired till I hit the pillow. I crashed. I don't think I moved until 8.00 am.
There is a sense of disorientation when you arrive at night and you wake up in no ones land so to speak.
I had to work on projects and papers until 11.30 and finally I was able to go out. The Hotel is right on the river and I have a view of the boats and ferries plowing through the swift moving Mississippi river. Name origin: Ojibwe word misi-ziibi, meaning "Great River", or gichi-ziibi, meaning "Big River"
I wasn't too sure what to expect of the city.
I know it can be dangerous in some areas, raunchy in others and artistic to the extreme. To be honest I experienced all of those categories today as I walked the streets. But Oh, it was fascinating.
I was very aware of hanging on to my camera and who was walking behind or beside me.
I guess the Mardi Gras adds a degree of 'raunchy' Stores full of costumes and interestingly inscribed t shirts grace the pavements.
The colors stir the heart, the music pulses through the city and there is a feeling excitement wherever you go.
Right now I'm working on a special event for the blog that will share it all but the smells.!!
I walked slowly, trying to take it all in. The locals capture your attention with flamboyance and flair and I found myself smiling at no one several times.
The images above are things that I find inspiring.
The gardens are brimming with azaleas and with the temperature in the high 70's it appears that spring has arrived in New Orleans.
What designs will I capture in New Orleans? I'm not too sure yet. Obviously it has to be bright, controversial and creative.
Maybe a little like my lunch. !!!!
Well I squeezed a lot into the day. I want to visit the galleries tomorrow so I intend to have an earlier start.