New Orleans Day Two
Woke up at 8:30 a.m. Even when on holiday I don't know how to sleep in. Mosey on over to the main hotel for a delicious breakfast of cheese grits on English muffins, fresh orange juice. Peruse bookshelves and find they have many of the me cookbooks as I do - good sign. Later, after another swim, I wander around, taking more photographs. Everyone here has a dog, and every dog is a pit bull. People seem to stare at me a lot - not sure if it's because I'm a fatty, or if I dress funny - will have to ask my friends when they arrive. Lunch is at Lüke Restaurant, one of chef John Besh's branches named after his son. It's more casual than August, and very much a business power lunch meet-up. I order the BLT - soft shell crab style. It's bloody huge, so I give half of it away to the adjoining table - here it's easy to start up conversations with strangers, as everyone's friendly (aside from the tourists). The BLT is good - brioche became a bit of a grease sponge - and the pomme frites amazing. Everywhere I go I want to get my booze on, but with near 90 degree weather and a sensitive stomach (currently not used to rich food, booze or caffeine) I'm being uncommonly sensible and not pigging out or getting midday drunk, because I really, really don't want to get sick here. The sunshine and heat and sunburn is already making me sleepy by late afternoon. Lame. So I wander some more, stop for a chocolate milk and some beignets at Cafe du Monde, and wind up walking all of the way home, which is a pretty long walk. Another swim, a nap (I never nap), more wandering, more photographs, and at 8 p.m. I head down to the ACME Oyster house for some seafood étouffée and a mean jambalaya (so good), finished with a pecan cobbler that was super fucking sweet and rich. Walked down Bourbon street, which is gaudy and ridiculous and fun, even on a Wednesday night. I take a lot of photos of cops. Cops are fun - I can't wait to post my horse cop photo. Again, I love just loitering around here, no schedules or rush, and I get home to take another swim, shower, write this - and any minute now Paulie shall be here. Tired, but happy. Super content. Not the most thrill-seeking day, but perfect nonetheless. The people here, the houses, the cool night breeze, the eccentric hotel and it's friendly residents. Taking photos of people and getting their emails so I can send them their pictures. Even the blisters on my feet, which feel fine when I'm swimming. I love this place, and everything about it. Wish you could be here. xxx
P.S. I cannot successfully edits my typos/autocorrect on the iPad, which is frustrating. I do hope you'll overlook them.
P.S. I cannot successfully edits my typos/autocorrect on the iPad, which is frustrating. I do hope you'll overlook them.