Our last day in New Orleans and living in the French Quarter. The alarm clock abruptly rang at 8:30 this morning, and I let it snooze until 9:00. We got up, got dressed and went for a stroll through the quarter. We headed down to cafe du monde only to see how incredibly crowded it was.

We started to stand in line to get seated outside, and then found that there were fewer people in line inside. Of course, of all the people inside nobody was getting up, and then we found out they did not take credit cards. Cash only. After that dish of bad news we got out of line and headed across the street to their store. I picked up a canister of coffee and chickory for Jeremy as a little thank you for taking pictures at the wedding.

After leaving the store, we walked around the block to this place that does black and white photography. The shots were amazing, but all of them were incredibly dull. Skyline pictures, riverfront pictures, pictures of people playing jazz… There was one picture, however, that caught my attention. It was of an old phone booth, not a wrap around phone booth, but just one on metal payphone stand. But the thing that made this shot amazing to me was that this phone booth looked as if it were in the middle of the woods. In the background all you could see were trees and fog flowing threw them. The contrast was fantastic. I know of no words to acurately describe it.

From there, the morning was shortening incredibly, so we headed back to the hotel, and started to pack. We didn’t get to do much this morning, but we did do quite a few things this week that I had never done before. I am so happy we picked New Orleans for our Honeymoon because it will be one that we will never forget.

Got up later today, maybe around 10:30 to 11:00. Looked outside from the balcony and thought about what we were going to do today. It was already a little late, so Erika and I decided not to go to Cafe du Monde today, and that maybe we should do that in the morning before we leave tomorrow.

We hung out in the hotel room for a little while and then headed down Canal Street towards the riverfront to go to Harrahs Casino. We went to eat lunch there at the buffet. Damn, what a buffet. EVERYTHING. Local favorites to Chineese, Soul Food to Italian. They even had a fondu fountain, creamy chocolate flowing down several tiers of the fountain into a pool at the bottom. Craziness.

After leaving the casino we walked a short distance down Canal to catch the St. Charles Avenue Streetcar. Taking us all the way down St Charles Avenue to Napoleon. We got off and headed a few blocks over to Magazine street. At this point I had not done my research of Magazine street, and did not know what to expect until I asked Erika what it was all about a few blocks into our walk there. Shopping. She said it was like a very big version of Mulberry Street in Montgomery. Oh boy! Big was an understatement. 7 1/2 miles of shopping.

We stopped in a few places. A french collectibles store. Perused the walls and displays and then headed back out and crossed the street to a place that sells paper. Stationary, invitations, all of those knick knack type stuff Erika loves. I asked her why she hadn’t started her own business doing this type of thing yet, and she responded saying she has always wanted to do somthing like that. Humm. After knocking a few things over in the store we left, and went back down the street some more to a pottery store. We bought my mom a hand made soap dish that had a fleur de luis on it and started to walk down the street again.

After a few more blocks we decided to head back to St. Charles Avenue to catch the streetcar again. Back to canal street we go. Getting back, we took it easy at the hotel for a little while. Erika was cleaning out some the items from the pockets of the pants I wore the night before and found the tickets from the play in them. On the back of the tickets was a coupon for a buy one, get one free entree at a place called the Quarter Sceene. Looked it up online, and decided it wouldn’t be a bad idea.

It was just a few block from the hotel on dauphine street. We walked in, and immediately were charmed by the atmosphere. She ordered the roasted pork chop and I had the Crawfish Parmesan stuffed chicken. The food was amazing, the service was excellent. I would highly recommend this to anybody wanting to visit the french quarter.

After we left the quarter sceene we went to our favorite watering hole, cafe maspero, and had a few drinks. We then went back to the hotel room for the evening. Today was a very memorable day to me for the streetcar ride alone. On to our last day…

I woke up incredibly early today. 7am to be exact. Erika stayed in bed while I went to get a quick breakfast from McDonalds. I came back and we ate breakfast in the hotel room, and I stayed up until about 9:30 or so. I then feel right back to sleep. I slept and slept and slept until about 1:30 in the afternoon.

After we got up and out of the hotel we took a stroll through the french quarter. We walked into a used book store. It was a small little place, but it had more books piled from floor to ceiling than I think most libraries have in their entire collection. The placed smelled like old books. Not a bad smell, not sour, not musty, but more of a distinguished smell of fine literature.

After we left the book store we went back down toulouse street to a the Magic Bus Record company. Tons of old records, used and new. CDs from the front of the store to the back. I bought Dave Brubeck’s Moscow Night. An album I haven’t seen in forever, and one that I don’t think is in print anymore. Of course I picked it up. Can’t wait to listen to it.

From the record store, we took off exploring the french quarter some more. Stopped into an “herb” store. Various sized glass pipes and bongs, $19 highlighters, I will let you determine why it cost that much! We walked by a lot of art galleries on Royal street, and saw some interesting people along the way.

After exploring for a little while we went back to the hotel. Of course as it seems usual now, we went to Cafe Maspero again and drank. The cheap beer and whiskey there just kept calling our names. And followed we did.

Checked out a couple of the local “gentlemen’s clubs” for their prices, might plan on going to one of them tomorrow. And then, as it seems usual now, we headed back to the hotel room and retired for the evening. Have a lot planned for tomorrow. Cafe Du Monde, St. Charles Street Car ride to The Garden District and Magazine street. Off to bed…

Again, we woke up late today. After finally getting out of the hotel it was close to noon, if not later. Erika and I went down Bourbon Street and ate pizza at one of the many bars on the street. One slice of pizza was huge. An entire pizza from there would have probably been enough to feed 8 people with no problem. But anyhow, as we left the place we continued down Bourbon Street until we came upon Canal.

From Canal Street across from the CBD we went to the Shoppes at Canal Place. I thought at that moment Erika had found the perfect place to shop, with a large, two story Pottery Barn and three Banana Republics inside. The mall also ended up being the place with the movie theater showing Ferinheit 9/11. Of course, since neither of us had seen the movie decided to watch that after we did a little shopping.

9/11 ripped President Bush a new one. I enjoyed every minute of it. Sure, it is nothing more than a propaganda film, but desperate times call for desperate measures. Although I am not entirely confident with the choice of John Kerry, I would much rather vote for him than for a president that is run by corporate america. Hell, if the choice existed, I would vote for Nixon before I would vote for Bush. But, to get away from my feelings of whom is currently the president I will continue to talk about the day for future reference.

After the movie, we walked back to our hotel and took a nap so that we could be ready for the craziness to happen again. We walked down to Cafe Maspero again because we were familiar with the place and didn’t want to spend too much money. The alcohol there is cheap. I don’t mean it taste bad, I mean it is cheap. a $3 whiskey and coke, made heavy. Real heavy. You can’t taste the coke, and wonder if there is coke in it at all. $1 beer mugs. The place has quickly become our watering hole.

After getting trashed at the cafe, we walked down to Bourbon street again. We got some more tooters and dropped those back, then walked just to see all of the bars. This guy with beads in his hand asked if we wanted to go on the balcony. All of the people look sleazy, and at first I was thinking no. But then I thought to myself, why not, when else will I ever get the chance to hang over the balcony at Bourbon street and watch people work for beads. The fun ensued.

Other than the balcony and walking down Bourbon some more, there really isn’t much to add. Erika and I went back to the hotel to start the next day.

Woke up late Tuesday morning. Got up and out of the hotel around noon. Erika and I didn’t want to spend too much on lunch from a place we were not familiar with, and just wanted something we knew of, that was cheap. McDonald’s, where else. The funny thing is, even their McDonald’s smells diferent here. I can’t quite put my finger on it just yet, but I will tell you now, this city has a horrible smell during the day, and then at night, when the resturants are kicking, and the nightlife is just starting to come out, the smell of the finest cuisine fills the streets.

After eating lunch, we started to head down Canal Street towards the Mississippi. Passing all of the tall buildings in the CBD we make our way towards the river and into the Woldenberg Riverfront Park. The park is a lot larger than what it looks on the map. It includes the Aquarium, IMAX theater, and riverboat docks. We saw a tour boat dock and the Canal Street Ferry come into port. Then we walked by the Riverboat Nanchez. A large wooden riverboat, with a huge spinning paddle powered by steam. As we walked by it, they had a steam powered organ playing at the top of the boat. Nearby, a dog was howling at the music steaming from the top of the pipes.

From the Riverfront park, we walked back into the quarter and towards the french market. Weaving in and out of the tightly packed streets, music played from several live jazz bands. New Orleans is amazing like that. At one moment, there will be a few people and really nothing in the area, turn a corner and the street will be dancing from the impromptu music from bands playing on the street. We spent the rest of the afternoon exploring the quarter.

Headed back home to take a nap, and recoup before going out again, a few hours later we were back on the street. We went to eat dinner at a place called La Fee Verte. A beautiful little cafe on Conti Street. I had the Sirloin and Erika had the Chicken Sandwich. The food was perfect. Certainly enough to fill our stomoachs before we went to Bourbon Street again.

This time on Bourbon Street we did get a drink. Stopped into a bar, and a couple of the many walk up service, hole-in-the-wall, beer and shot outlets. Two Jagger Tooters and a couple of Beers later, we headed back to the hotel for the night.

Tomorrow should entail much more excitement.

Leaving Montgomery around 2:30 in the afternoon on Monday, we headed towards New Orleans. The drive was much easier than I had expected, a little rain on the way, and then a lot once we hit the Louisiana border. Once we entered New Orleans there was a steady drizzle until 8:00.

Arriving in the Frech Quarter, I never realized how packed things were in this famous little district of the city. Two cars can barely fit in the street at the same time, regardless, parking is comodity on the right side of the street. For the first time in a while when out of town, we were able to find our destination without getting lost for hours. In fact, we didn’t get lost at all, and for that I am proud.

The Hotel has a balcony hanging over Rue Dauphine. We can see the rooftops of all the old buildings in the surrounding area. The best part is we are less than a block from Bourbon Street.

Getting hungry we decided to head out to get a bite to eat. After I rigged an internet connection from the room, we looked online for some places to eat. O’Flatery’s it is. Seemed like they had some good food, nice entertainment, and a pleasurable atmosphere. What made it great is it was on Toulouse Street and we didn’t have to make a single turn to get there, because getting lost on the first night would be a pain.

Walking down Toulouse Street and passing Bourbon street, the city is definately crazy, at night it has the aroma of all of the local resturants, and bistros. We arrived at O’Flatery’s and quickly found out, THIS WAS NOT A PLACE TO EAT. I then looked at Erika and said we should probably find something else. We just started to walk down Toulouse in hopes of finding something we could both afford and enjoy at the same time.

Reaching the end of Toulouse I see what looks like a cafe. We approched it, and decided to walk in, turned out to be the perfect place to go. Cafe Maspero. Cheap, good food, and beer. My Stomach was thanking me already, and I haven’t even eaten a bite yet.

After our little night time excursion through the French Quarter, or should I say, Toulouse Street, we started to head back to the hotel, and then decided maybe we should cruise bourbon street. We didn’t stop anywhere on Bourbon street, but just walked from one end to the other and back. Coming back to the hotel early to get some sleep for a busy day tomorrow.

What more can I say?

(Pictures…)

WASHINGTON - Even as President Bush’s push for a constitutional ban on gay marriage failed to advance in the Senate on Wednesday, Republicans in the House of Representatives and elsewhere vowed more moves to keep the election-year focus on the future of marriage.

By a 50-48 vote, the Senate decided to shelve a constitutional amendment that would declare that marriage “shall consist only of the union of a man and a woman.” Sixty votes were needed to shut off debate and proceed to vote on the amendment.

Supporters of the amendment said they would seek another vote in the Senate this fall either on the amendment or related legislation to preserve heterosexual marriage.

The proposed constitutional amendment, sponsored by Sen. Wayne Allard, R-Colo., declares, “Marriage in the United States shall consist only of the union of a man and a woman. Neither this Constitution, nor the constitution of any State, shall be construed to require that marriage or the legal incidents thereof be conferred upon any union other than the union of a man and a woman.”

Forty-five Republicans were joined by three Democrats, Sen. Robert Byrd of West Virginia, Sen. Ben Nelson of Nebraska and Sen. Zell Miller of Georgia, in supporting the procedural motion that would have allowed the Senate to vote on the constitutional amendment.

Six Republicans joined with 43 Democrats and independent Jim Jeffords of Vermont in voting to shelve the constitutional amendment.

The six Republicans were Ben Nighthorse Campbell of Colorado, Susan Collins of Maine, John McCain of Arizona, John Sununu of New Hampshire, Lincoln Chafee of Rhode Island and Olympia Snowe of Maine.

A week of chaotic events has begun. Let’s start with Saturday and continue through today. Ah, Saturday… I blew one of the tires on my Jeep out. Yeah, fun ensues afterward as you can tell. So after putting the spare on, in the nearly mind boiling weather, I nearly pass out.

Sunday, Angela needs one of her tires replace. Read the previous paragraph, multiply it by two, and you can start to realize why I really need to get my hands on a floor jack and some jack stands.

Yesterday morning I had to do my morning of phone calls. I called the Water Board. Somehow I don’t believe I should have received an over $800 water bill. But, hey, I did. Then I called the dentist office. Free cleaning. Rock on for having a friend from way back when in the Highland Avenue days that became a dental hygienist. I then called Jim about my tire, only to have him be on hiatus from Montgomery for a little R&R time at the beach.

So this morning Erika and I wake up at the crack of dawn to go downtown. Had to make this whole wedding thing official by grabbing the marriage license and talking to the justice of the peace. I think we both felt really good about getting that done, one less thing to worry about.

This Saturday. Ah, the bachelor party. Come on over to the carriage house and bring some liquor. If you want more information, you will have to get in touch with Bret.

Thank you, and goodnight

Bachelor Party

Because of tradition, I don’t believe I am allowed to officially invite people to my bachelor party. This is where you come in. Just as a reminder the party will be held Saturday, July 17th I have done a couple of things for this already as you know, I have gotten our place being where I live now The Carriage House. I have also called Seth and am getting a keg for the party, so that, my humble friend, has been taken care of. As for what you have to do…. Being the best man that you are, you should get in touch with every living soul you know that would come to a party and have a good time. I am not going to interfere with who you bring, so long as I don’t hate them! I am leaving that completely up to you. I do want you to get in touch with two people at least just to let them know whats going on.

1. Pete Landers
2. Josh Haynes

I think that should cover it. Keep in mind Erika will be out of the house that night, and I think she is going to the lake. With that in mind, go crazy. I don’t care. I want to have a good time as I am sure you do.  Take care, and rally in the troops for this one.