December 13, 2018

Southern MD – Annmarie Sculpture Garden – New Orleans, LA Adventure Highlights: Part 2

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Back in October 2017, my Forever BFF, Tammy, and I reunited in New Orleans, LA for our annual girls trip.  I shared highlights from our first night in New Orleans back in July.  This post continues our adventure. 🙂

We got very little beauty sleep that first night in New Orleans.  We had booked a swamp tour for the next morning and had to be up early to catch the shuttle to Honey Island Swap.  Once there, we checked in for our Cajun Encounters tour and had some time to spare.  We amused ourselves with talking, people watching, and pictures. 

When our tour time came up, we met our guide, Captain Jerry.  We had purchased VIP tickets for a more intimate experience:  less passengers and smaller boat.  As our luck would have it, only 3 other girls were on our tour.  Captain Jerry gave his spiel on what to expect, safety issues, etc and then we headed to the airboat. 

As soon as I saw it, I balked.  The boat was not small.  It was TINY!  I told Tammy any alligator could flip that boat over if it wanted to!  She assured me we would be safe and despite my concerns, I boarded the boat.  Once aboard, Captain Jerry gave us some last minute advice:  “HOLD ON TIGHT!”

Wait!  What?  Where are the seat belts?!  Before I could ask him, Captain Jerry cranked up the engine and we sped out of the docks like a lightning bolt.  I grabbed Tammy’s arm as the boat bumped along at a high speed.  I was terrified while Tammy savored the ride, laughing and capturing many shots on her phone.   

Eventually, the boat decelerated and Captain Jerry pointed out egrets in flight and turtles lounging on a log.  Yet, the alligators remained elusive.  Finally, we spotted a little one, then a bigger one, and then nothing more.  Sensing our slight disappointment, Captain Jerry told us he had one last surprise for us as we cruised deeper into the bayou. 

      

I was struck by my surroundings.  Scenes like this doesn’t exist in suburbia.  Sure, I’ve seen bayou images on television, but to see it in real life left me captivated.  I was mesmerized by the serenity of nature.  Any lingering fear I had dissipated as my senses processed the beauty of it all.  Seeing trees draped in Spanish moss and submerged in water was quite a sight to see for an indoors girl like me.  I felt like I was floating in a dream as nature enchanted us with its beautiful sights and melody.

As we continued on this scenic ride, we approached a debris of fallen trees and branches.  As the boat idled, I began to hear snorting sounds and gave Tammy a quizzical look.  As we looked around, we spotted a hidden boar relaxing under a branch quietly observing us. 

The five of us girls immediately let out an “Awwwwww…” as Captain Jerry shook his head and smiled. 

We saw more boar and when Captain Jerry brought out the feed, some boar approached the boat.  It was really exciting to watch him feed the boar.  They all looked so cute!  I wanted to pet one, but Captain Jerry told us not to get too close because they could be unpredictable and dangerous.  Yet, they looked so innocuous to me!  Heeding the advice, we kept our distance, but got some great shots.

After the tour, Tammy and I thanked Captain Jerry for his hospitality.  We got a pic with him and then caught our shuttle back to the French Quarter. 

Famished, we headed to Café Pontalba, one of my favorite restaurants in the French Quarter.  It serves Cajun-Creole cuisine and I absolutely LOVE their barbeque shrimp.  The restaurant also has great views of Jackson Square.  It was a nice setting to relax, take in the view, and listen to music.  There is always music playing in New Orleans.  It is one of the reasons I love this city.

The rest of the evening was spent walking around the historic district and gabbing like girls do.  My heart always soars when I am reunited with my Forever BFF, Tammy.  As much as our lives have changed, so much still remains the same, like our enduring friendship.  Those few days we have once a year are just enough to let go of the chaos in our lives and just be those two little girls we once were without a care in the world.  Laughing and joking and even being a little mischievous.  In those moments, I feel like I catch a little glimpse of Heaven where happiness and unconditional love prevail.  🙂

Stay tuned for Part 3, the conclusion, of our New Orleans adventure in my next main blog post.  

Have a great week!

Lizzy’s Latest for this week is the Jessica Simpson Lyndy Slouchy Boots.  My review of these heels will post next week.  For now, enjoy the pictures.