New Orleans, Louisiana (mardi gras)

I was finally able to cross Mardi Gras in New Orleans off my bucket list.  Let me start by saying that it was a great experience and super fun!  But, I don’t think I would make my way back there.   It was one of those experiences you only want to try once, just to say you did it.  I personally think it is too dangerous, there are millions of people and not enough security.  While I was there, two people got shot like 3 blocks from where I was watching the parade.  Therefore, my safety comes first and I don’t think I would want to go back.  But, this is just my personal opinion.  However, if you have never been then I do recommend for you to try it at least once.  Just be careful and watch your surroundings. 

 So now that I got the negative stuff out of the way, let me say that I had an AMAZING TIME!!!!!  NOLA offers great food, music, vibes and parades.   The parades were very enjoyable.  They had lovely floats, great bands and dancers.   The parades were long and I give kudos to those individuals that walked the entire time.  The entire parade was full of entertainment with beads flying everywhere.  People were aggressive by trying to catch them.  It was a competition to see who had more beads.   As soon as the float came around the corner, everyone had their hands up waiting for the beads.   People were screaming and jumping all over the place.  I know everyone was having a blast because there was never a dull moment.

Honestly, I had more fun on Bourbon Street during the day/afternoon than I had a night.  It was still super packed but it wasn’t as dangerous.  The clubs were crowded all day long, people were dressed in crazy outfits (that you could admire) and people were there to have fun.   At night, you couldn’t even walk without pushing people around.  It was just extremely hard to get through the crowd that it wasn’t even fun anymore.   You had to be focused on getting from one side of the street to the other.  Fortunately, we had a balcony and did not have to worry about the crowd for a few hours.  The Balcony had an open bar and a mini-buffet and we were throwing beads over the balcony.  It was tons of fun!  The things people would do for beads!! I mean they were not scared to show their boobs and butts. There were a few females walking without shirts and just cardigans.  Then I saw some older ladies walking without a shirt but they were body painted.  They were not shy at all!!  People were genuinely trying to have fun (so no judging).  The problem was leaving the balcony!  I think it took us like 40 minutes to walk like 3 blocks.  It was a chaos!!!

Now, let me share some of the delicious food that NOLA has to offer.  I’ve been hearing great things about The Ruby Slipper during breakfast, so I decided to go try it.  The wait is super long and I am not sure if it is worth waiting. However, I got there super early and I did not have to wait.  But when I left, there was like a 45 minute wait.  I would choose Mother’s over Ruby Slipper any day.  Their food was good but not as good as they made it seem.   I ordered a shrimp, goat cheese and mushroom egg white omelet with breakfast potatoes and a biscuit.  The biscuit was amazing!!!  The prices are very reasonable. 

We also went to Mena's Palace.  It is a very small restaurant in the French Quarter.  We waited in line for about 30 minutes.  However, it was very well worth it.  The food was absolutely delicious!  I got a cup of gumbo which was perfect.  I also got an egg white omelet with chicken, spinach and feta cheese.  It was so exquisite!!!  The catfish Po Boy was very good as well.  The food overall was perfect. 

Overall Mardi Gras was an AWESOME experience and I think everyone should try at least once in their lifetime.  I love New Orleans and I will definitely go back.  I just don’t think I will go for a second round of Mardi Gras.  But if I do, I know that I will be out during the day/afternoon and go gamble at night.