Mardi Gras is Alive and Well (Pics)

[cypressfarms]

Just wanted to let everyone know that New Orleans is still alive and kicking. Usually the wife and I go to our small home town parade, but with the hurricanes, we thought it would be good to spend spend some money in the New Orleans area.

First, the New Orleans that most people remember is looking well. Most people remember the French Quarter, Jackson Square, and many other attractions "uptown". Most everything is close to it was before. The bad areas, which were some of the poorer housing areas are still in bad shape. Anyway, driving down we saw a bumper sticker that said "My home New Orleans - I'll swim there if I have to".

We went yesterday 2/26/06 and here are some pics:

Thoth parade, where all the floats were pulled by "old" tractors

A nice old farmall

getting ready for Bacchaus, looking at the clydesdales

Michael Keaton was "celebrity king" of Bacchaus

Yes, It's Willie Nelson. I hollered loud - "whiskey river take my mind", he smiled and threw me some dabloons.

Daddy cypress and baby cypress getting ready for the fun

Again, just thought I'd let everyone know that New Orleans is not the somber town during Mardi Gras that the media is reporting. Everyone, while not forgetting what happened, is having a great time!

 

[Victoria]

The only place in the US I have ever been is New Orleans. We went on a managers trip when I worked retail and stayed in the French Quarter. The buildings are so beautiful that I was happy to hear they made it through. I never heard about the statue and St Louis Cathederal in Jackson Square. I loved that statue and cathedral. All the architecture was just amazing. It's like stepping back in time walking through there.
Glad people still have their spirits! I remember talking to one guy who was telling me that New Orleans is sinking and we were talking about hurricanes and things and I asked why he didn't move now before it all happened. He just said that New Orleans was his home with a shocked look on his face that I would even suggest leaving. Seems to be in the blood for some people.

 

[Bret]

Glad you had a good time. Thanks for the pics.

Bret

 

[WagaAgeyv]

One of these days I want to go. I lived in Key West for 2 years and never went to Fantasy Fest and have always regretted it. Although I can't party like I used to as War Paint says, We are getting to old to have that much fun!" :drink: :roll:

 

[MikeC]

Nothing better than to watch a bunch of "Coonasses" having fun!

:lol: :lol:

 

[chrisy]

thanks for showing the pictures it looked like fun.
can't wait till I go there in May, although the festivities wont be there still, it should still be fun.

 

[cypressfarms]

Nothing better than to watch a bunch of "Coonasses" having fun!

:lol: :lol:

Good one Mike! Just a couple of weeks ago a customer called the plant, and during our conversation he asked "Do you have any of those coon's ass people over there?" I laughed so hard, and told him that I was one. Can't get away even if I wanted to. 100% in my blood. Ask Warpaint, he came over, and can probably attest to my cajun accent. By the way, for all that don't know, calling someone a coonass is a good thing.

Chrisy, don't worry, in the French Quarter in New Orleans, there is a party every night. The festivities do not end.

Yesterday we went to the parades in the better part of town, though, cause we had the kids with us, and I didn't want no one showing nobody nothing.