February 21, 2018
We stayed overnight in Slidell, and crossed our fingers that the trip into NOLA wouldn’t be a nightmare. Despite the bridges, it was really OK. It was early and pleasantly warm, so we crossed the city to take in some bayou at the John Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve. Then back to the city to take in the sights.
NEW ORLEANS, LA
At the entrance to Storyland Park, located in NOLA City Park
My favourite Big Things sculptor! Claes Oldenburg embraced the idea of oversized everyday objects with a passion, and his works are in world class sculpture gardens everywhere. I hope to see as many in person as possible. This giant safety pin is in the sculpture garden at the New Orleans Museum of Art, a jewel in NOLA’s City Park. More about Claes Oldenurg at this link to Wikipedia, Claes Oldenburg
Spider by Louise Bourgeois, the artist who created Ottawa’s Maman, The sculpture Maman also has homes at the Tate and the Guggenheim, and numerous other permanent locations, as well as travelling works. For more about the artist, check this link to Wikipedia, Louise Bourgeois
Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden, NOLA Museum of Art, off Victory Ave.
Finally, we arrive at the French Quarter. It is one week after Mardi Gras, the trees are still draped in beads, and the city appears to be recovering from a massive hangover. In relative peace, we got to enjoy the old city, drink chicory coffee and eat beignets at Cafe du Monde, check out Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop (oldest bar in America!), have a Hurricane at Pat O’brien’s and generally enjoy the architecture.
New Orleans Jazz Museum, 400 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA
ELMWOOD, LA
No trip to New Orleans would be complete without a stop at Beads by the Dozen – the perfect place to buy a few kilos of Mardi Gras beads! We did find some nice souvenirs to tuck in our Christmas tree.
Some people just don’t know when the party is over!
333 Edwards Ave., Elmwood, Louisiana
NEW ORLEANS, LA
Another of those incidental sightings – giant keys!
525 Jefferson Hwy, New Orleans 5104 Jefferson Hwy, New Orleans
JEFFERSON, LA
Amusing balloon dog in support of the SPCA
100 Central Avenue Jefferson, LA
NEW ORLEANS, LA
At Ted’s Frostop, just off of Claiborne Avenue. After Hurricane Katrina, the owners found it’s iconic giant root beer mug knocked off its pole and perfectly upside down. It stayed that way for some time, but has now been remounted on it’s pole. That is the end of Day 1 in New Orleans. We have run out of light again, but this time it worked out great, as the mug is lit with neon lights.
3100 Calhoun St, New Orleans, LA
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Carl with BIG THINGS 