After a little uncertainty about location Kristen met me at the gate and welcomed me to her charming guesthouse and hidden courtyard where an enormous butterfly flitted about.
Kristen was so helpful in making certain I had settled in.
Next morning I was on the St Charles Trolley Car ready to explore New Orleans.
Truly the people are what makes a city, they were charming and so helpful.
Exploring the grace, charm and unexpected of the French Quarter was fun.
Spontaneous gatherings with music and fun seemed to happen everywhere. It was steamy, it was hot and people with good grace headed constantly for the shade.
I decided to walk awhile and came upon the Insectarium - yep I've a thing for butterflies! - The line to get in was long a smile and G'day to the family in front earned me an offer to join the family for the free pass that was being offered. The display was worth it.
On the very crowded trolley car I missed my stop so I got off and walked - that became many adventures and interactions with the locals.
Eating beignets for dinner being one of them.
My second day found me poking about in tiny galleries and antique shops, dawdling by the mighty Mississippi and again melting in the heat and humidity.
Back at Kristen's there was shade and quiet and time to just "be" as I took in what my New Orleans visit distilled as - music - architecture and the friendliness that surrounded me - a feast for the senses.