Day 9 - Friday 3 May

The morning was another wander around the French Quarter.

 
Next it was back to the Jazzfest, which was muddy from the previous day's downfall, plus cold (reminds us of Melbourne's inconsistent weather). Besides Trev and Di there were some other fashionistas as well.

 

 

Music highlights included Maroon 5, The Mavericks, Jimmy Cliff, Willie Nelson and Irma's Thomas' Tribute to Mahalia Jackson.

 

 

 

  

In the evening Bill went to the House of Blues to watch Lil' Band O' Gold and then C.C. Adcock and his band.

Day 8 - Thursday 2 May

A leisurely day started by wandering around the French Quarter (NO).

Next we went to Magazine Street, which has several shopping strips in it. When we began the weather was fine, then the heavens opened, and we saw how slowly the water drained.

 
Dinner was at Irene's (the best we've had so far) - 539 St.Philip Street.

We then went to a music club in Frenchmen Street to watch C.C. Adcock and his band.

Day 7 - Wednesday 1 May

A shorter driving day today to visit three Plantation houses on the Great River Road - Oak Alley Plantation, Laura and San Francisco Plantation (unfortunately they are now surrounded by petrol, chemical and aluminium refineries).

                                        

Dinner tonight was at Vincent's, a lovely Italian restaurant, on St Charles Avenue - http://www.vincentsitaliancuisine.com/

Day 6 - Tuesday 30 April

Long driving day (approx. 450 kilometres) - first stop is Baton Rouge (capital of Louisiana). Main sights are the new and old Capitol buildings and the Governor's Mansion. The new Capitol building is the tallest in the USA and is a great example of art deco - great views from the 27th floor.

                                         

The second stop is Natchez (Mississippi), which has an elevated position over the Big River, and has some beautiful antebellum houses.

Day 5 - Monday 29 April

Pick up rental car and head east, with Trev & Jen.

                                                                                                           

First stop is Bay St Louis (Mississippi), where Trev and I attacked what is claimed to be the world's best hot dogs (not so).

In Bay St Louis, we also find our first Blues Marker - the 100 Men DBA Hall - where the owner provided us with a personal tour.

The coastline is a continuous white sand beach. Next stop was Biloxi (Mississippi).

The USA has some interesting advertising.

  

And one more Blues marker.

We drove home along the 24 mile long Lake Pontchartrain Causeway - the world's longest continuous bridge over water.

                                                                                             

        

Dinner is at the Commander's Palace - http://www.commanderspalace.com/

Day 4 - Sunday 28 April

Another great music day at the Jazzfest, albeit the final hours were watched in torrential rain. Nb. Di was prepared - she spent the day undercover at a shopping centre!

Music highlights included the legendary B.B. King, Calexico and Earth, Wind & Fire.

 

 

And how about this couple's fashion?