Back in October 2017, my Forever BFF, Tammy, and I reunited in New Orleans, LA for our annual girls trip.Β I shared highlights from our first night in New Orleans back in July.Β This post continues our adventure. π
We got very little beauty sleep that first night in New Orleans.Β We had booked a swamp tour for the next morning and had to be up early to catch the shuttle to Honey Island Swap.Β Once there, we checked in for our Cajun Encounters tour and had some time to spare.Β We amused ourselves with talking, people watching, and pictures.Β
When our tour time came up, we met our guide, Captain Jerry.Β We had purchased VIP tickets for a more intimate experience:Β less passengers and smaller boat.Β As our luck would have it, only 3 other girls were on our tour. Β Captain Jerry gave his spiel on what to expect, safety issues, etc and then we headed to the airboat.Β
As soon as I saw it, I balked.Β The boat was not small.Β It was TINY!Β I told Tammy any alligator could flip that boat over if it wanted to!Β She assured me we would be safe and despite my concerns, I boarded the boat.Β Once aboard, Captain Jerry gave us some last minute advice:Β βHOLD ON TIGHT!β
Wait!Β What?Β Where are the seat belts?!Β Before I could ask him, Captain Jerry cranked up the engine and we sped out of the docks like a lightning bolt.Β I grabbed Tammyβs arm as the boat bumped along at a high speed.Β I was terrified while Tammy savored the ride, laughing and capturing many shots on her phone.Β Β Β
Eventually, the boat decelerated and Captain Jerry pointed out egrets in flight and turtles lounging on a log.Β Yet, the alligators remained elusive.Β Finally, we spotted a little one, then a bigger one, and then nothing more.Β Sensing our slight disappointment, Captain Jerry told us he had one last surprise for us as we cruised deeper into the bayou.Β
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I was struck by my surroundings.Β Scenes like this doesnβt exist in suburbia.Β Sure, Iβve seen bayou images on television, but to see it in real life left me captivated. Β I was mesmerized by the serenity of nature.Β Any lingering fear I had dissipated as my senses processed the beauty of it all.Β Seeing trees draped in Spanish moss and submerged in water was quite a sight to see for an indoors girl like me.Β 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.Β As the boat idled, I began to hear snorting sounds and gave Tammy a quizzical look.Β As we looked around, we spotted a hidden boar relaxing under a branch quietly observing us.Β
The five of us girls immediately let out an βAwwwwwwβ¦β as Captain Jerry shook his head and smiled.Β
We saw more boar and when Captain Jerry brought out the feed, some boar approached the boat.Β It was really exciting to watch him feed the boar.Β They all looked so cute!Β I wanted to pet one, but Captain Jerry told us not to get too close because they could be unpredictable and dangerous.Β Yet, they looked so innocuous to me!Β Heeding the advice, we kept our distance, but got some great shots.
After the tour, Tammy and I thanked Captain Jerry for his hospitality.Β We got a pic with him and then caught our shuttle back to the French Quarter.Β
Famished, we headed to CafΓ© Pontalba, one of my favorite restaurants in the French Quarter.Β It serves Cajun-Creole cuisine and I absolutely LOVE their barbeque shrimp.Β The restaurant also has great views of Jackson Square.Β It was a nice setting to relax, take in the view, and listen to music.Β There is always music playing in New Orleans.Β 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.Β My heart always soars when I am reunited with my Forever BFF, Tammy.Β As much as our lives have changed, so much still remains the same, like our enduring friendship.Β 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.Β Laughing and joking and even being a little mischievous.Β In those moments, I feel like I catch a little glimpse of Heaven where happiness and unconditional love prevail.Β π
Stay tuned for Part 3, the conclusion, of our New Orleans adventure in my next main blog post.Β Β
Have a great week!
Lizzyβs Latest for this week is the Jessica Simpson Lyndy Slouchy Boots.Β My review of these heels will post next week.Β For now, enjoy the pictures.
Blog was so interesting and educational, thanks for sharing Elizabeth!!! Keep blogging please
Thank you, Mike! Glad you enjoyed the read! π Have a wonderful week!
Sexy & Sophisticated as usual!
Jasmine!!! How are you and baby??? Thank you, girl! Miss you!
Well looks like y’all had loads of fun there. I love all these fun and happy shots. Now lets go on that ultimate outfit. Wow, you look stunning and gorgeous. I need that boots in my life. Me likey a lot!! I’m really a tight person, but this fishnet one on you is actually making a difference with this look. Might have to give it a try. Ha!!
https://www.missymayification.co.uk
Thank you, my gorgeous Mavis! We had so much fun. Tammy was the one who suggested the swamp tour. I’m glad we did it because it took me out of my comfort zone and sometimes that’s a good thing. π YES! As soon as I saw the boots, I had to have them. I think you would look so sexy chic in these boots. And glad you like the fishnets! I think fishnets are so sexy. Definitely give them a try. Have a wonderful week, my friend!
Loving all this fun red! Great look! Hope you’re having a great Monday so far, Lizzy!
http://www.jessicabroyles.com
Thank you, Jessica! I’m glad you enjoyed the post. Today was great and I am counting down the days until Christmas. I’m sure you are too. π Have a great week!
Oh I would love to see the bayou too.
It sounds amazing 1 Such a great experience.
And I love your blouse.
xx
Margot
https://troughthepasturesofthesky.com
Thank you, Margot! π It was a great time! If you and your hubby get to the US and visit the South, definitely take a swamp tour. It is a fun and unique experience. π
What a fun trip….the photo of you two with your mouths open is priceless!!
And the outfit is marvelous Lizzy. I’m such a fan of fishnets…I think I have them in 3 or 4 different colors!!
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Thank you, sweet Jodie! π Tammy enjoys crafting and she puts together a memory book of our trip each year. That collage of our expressions is unique to say the least. I still can’t believe Tammy didn’t lose her phone while taking the shots because we were going so fast and it was bumpy! Then again, she is the Queen of Selfies…whereas I am not a fan of selfies. Haha! Fishnets are fabulous, aren’t they?! π
Looks like you had so much fun! π
Mira Audreyβs
It was a lot of fun! Thank you, Mira! π
you look stunning in red! super cute look!
kelseybang.com
4allthingsdisney.com
Thank you so much, Kelsey! π
That outfit is stunning and how fun is this!
– Cielo
Mermaid in Heels
Thank you, Cielo! I had so much fun! π
This boat adventure sounds like so much fun!
I love the red accents in your look!
http://www.fashionradi.com
Thank you, Radi! It was a lot of fun! π
In fact, I’m interested in your look . It is very good οΌred is like the sun. I really really like
Thank you, Eric! π
A swamp tour would be so FUN! I love all the pics- looks like a memorable + super cool experience! Loving you in this oh-so-holiday red, babe! Chic!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Thank you, Ashley! π . It was super memorable and super fun. Happy weekend! Can’t believe Christmas is next week!
Those photos on the boat are so funny – I’m sure my face would have been the same as yours, haha! π Love the red and black together in that outfit too.
Hope that you are having a nice week π I wrapped all the Christmas pressies yesterday, so excited for Christmas π
Away From The Blue Blog
Haha! Thank you, Mica! Yeah…I was pretty scared in the beginning. Week is going well! Happy weekend…I finished wrapping all my presents too this week. So excited for Christmas too. π Thank you for visiting! I look forward to getting to know you and your blog. π
Such a chic and fabulous look dear! That top is lovely on you!
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
Thank you so much, Jessica! π
What a fun place to visit. Loved your pictures
https://www.bhcosmetics.com/
Thank you, Darlene! It was a fun adventure. π
You look so amazing. Love the look on you! Thanks for sharing!
Have a great day!
Much love, Len
http://www.lenparent.com
XO
Thank you, Len! π