After realizing that breakfast at Cafe du Monde was not going to happen, especially as we encroached on lunch time, we decided to head out for the street car line. We rode the riverfront trolley, to canal street and changed again for St. Charles Street line to the garden district. Streetcars are supposed to go every 15 minutes, but really, it is more of an adventure than that. The lines go when the conductor is ready and not before. You can buy a day pass on the trolley, something we didn't figure out until later and you really should if you are going both directions as it costs the same as two transfer tickets and gives you more options. Be prepared for bathroom breaks, lunch stops and driver switches at random along any or all routes.
Once in the garden district, we opted for a delicious lunch at a Cheesecake place. I don't think I ever want to see my scale again. Then, we found the tourist information and acquired a map. Walking the Garden District commenced. We wandered the streets admiring the architecture, finding the listed houses and reading all the signs. We fantasized about owning them and even tried to find MLS listings for some that were for sale in the district. No luck, I still have no idea what they would cost. They are beautiful. At least, they are lovely until you see them kitted out with incongrous halloween decorations. It would be the season for that here and some of the houses are done up in pure New Orleans style. There is also still Mardi Gras debris hanging from the trees. The other thing we noticed is that it is not very wheel chair friendly as the old trees have the concrete and/or brick sideways peeling up several inches to reveal their roots.
Finally, we transited back and changed for dinner. We had dinner on the Natchez riverboat and listened to the jazz band as we floated down the Mississipppi River. It was calm on the water and very serene to listen to the paddle churn at one end while the music drifted back from the front. Dinner was rich, full and amazing. The drinks were good and the gift shop limited. I think I liked the fish and veggies best on the menu. Just saying...
The ship docked at 9:00 which was far too early to go home so we hit the casino. There was enough glitz and gambling in their to give Vegas a real showdown. The casino world is alive and well. I lost $5 so I am miffed. From there, we wandered down the roads back to our hotel where once again the french quarter is thumping with at least 5 bands churning out music. Not all Jazz tonight either, so it could be an even longer night.
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