American Queen New Orleans - February, 2017 - Sightseeing

Today has been busy and it isn't even half over.  We had a terrific morning.  A so-so breakfast at the hotel, included in the cost of the river cruise.  Of course, we had to take advantage of a freebie.  Then we had a few hours to explore.  No parade so we walked to the French Quarter.  It looks just like the movies.  We visited with a gal who was walking her dog.  She said the best part about the area was the ambiance.  I believe she was correct.  After visiting parts of the French Quarter, I wouldn't chose to live there.  The following photos are from Bourbon Street,  Jackson Square,  Louis Armstrong Park, the Riverwalk, and Poppy's Timeout Sports Bar and Grill—lunch!

Bourbon Street

Bourbon Street

Outside a voodoo shop.

Look closely.  The tree is decorated in Mardi Gras beads.

A tuba and trumpet duet on Jackson Square

A juggler relaxing on Jackson Square.

James at the entrance to Armstrong Park

We are relaxing on a bench on the Riverwalk.

When our lunch was delivered, we knew in advance we couldn't eat it all.  I basically had the shrimp out of the Po-Boy and some of the Cajun french fries we shared.  James had a turkey melt and finished 3/4 of it.  Sat outside and watched boats traveling on the Mississippi.  It was such a pleasant day.

We checked on to the American Queen in mid-afternoon.  What a grand boat.  I am so impressed.  We couldn't enjoy as much as we would have liked today.  We pretty much walked ourselves out of energy.  It is currently 7:09 pm.  We are both sitting on the bed and working on blog posts.  From our bay window we can watch all the lights that we are passing on shore or boats that are on the water.  We do have a delightful cabin.  We wanted a private veranda but those were all reserved before we booked our trip.  Maybe next time.  We ate at the Front Porch Cafe tonight.  Didn't think we were ready for the main dining room.  We'll give that a try tomorrow evening.  We were lucky enough to get our dining time changed from the 8 pm time to 5:15.  Actually, 8 is too late.  5:15 is too early.  We decided too early would be the best choice for us.  Lucky to get the change made.

The weather forecast before we came was terrible.  Lots of rain everyday we were on the boat.  We have had no rain until now.  It looks like we are going to get a break with the weather.  Supposed to rain during the night and then be done.  Hope the forecast doesn't change again.