State 46: Louisiana

To be honest, I wasn’t overly impressed with Mississippi and I didn’t have high hopes for Louisiana. These were both states that I didn’t really have a desire to go to other than wanting to check them off my list. 

In fact, I have always disliked New Orleans ever since I was a kid. When I was little, my parents took me to some fundraiser that was New Orleans themed. I hated the food and I remember getting in trouble at the fundraiser so ever since then I’ve despised New Orleans. (totally valid reasoning, right??) Not only that, but I know it’s a party city and that’s not really my style. 

If there was one thing that I was looking forward to though, it was the swamp tour. I booked through Cajun Encounters and had a great time! We took a boat through the Honey Island swamp and got to see alligators and raccoons! I even got to hold a baby gator! 

Gator sighting! 

I love raccoons! 

Holding a baby gator!  He was so sweet!

I know the swamp tours are such a touristy thing to do, but we don’t have that in Ohio so to me, it was worth it and still cool! 

After that, I drove the rest of the way to New Orleans and checked into my hotel. It was going to be getting dark soon, but I really wanted to see Bourbon Street. Bourbon Street is iconic New Orleans and I always thought the architecture looked cool. I decided to take an Uber to a restaurant I knew was close to Bourbon Street.  That way, I could walk to Bourbon Street, eat dinner, and Uber back. (can’t drive on Bourbon Street.)

Bourbon Street

Bourbon Street

The restaurant I found was called Mona Lisa and it was excellent! Not only that, but I made a friend! 

I don’t know his name, but he lives within biking distance of the restaurant. We had a lot in common and talked about travel, picky eaters, his children, and it was a very enjoyable evening! 

The next morning, I woke up and headed to the World War II museum. I only had a couple hours before I had to catch my flight so I didn't have nearly enough time to explore everything. I quickly breezed through the exhibits and it reminded me of a museum I went to in London. People could spend days here just looking and reading through everything.

While I was in New Orleans I saw a billboard for Mardi Gras World. Unfortunately, I didn't have time to visit, but it seems like such a touristy New Orleans thing to do and I kind of wish I had more time! It showcases the history and craftsmanship of Mardi Gras. If I'm ever in New Orleans again, I will probably try to stop here!

Also, the tour company that I did the swamp tour with, offers other tours (including bus and walking tours) of New Orleans that would be interesting. Again, if I had more time, I would probably add on one or two of those as well! 

Overall, I enjoyed my time in New Orleans more than I thought I would! I don't know if I'll go back, but I wouldn't be opposed! :)