LOUISIANA

It’s not so much the moments as the feelings that come along with them. 

Days one and two of our road trip were spent in Slidell and New Orleans, Louisiana. Each moment existing in bright flashes of color and sound, the life and culture of the French Quarter as vibrant and illuminating as one could possibly imagine. An experience which will not soon be forgotten.   

But it’s not just the moment that captures you as you sit and watch the humble street performer play his trumpet outside of St. Louis Cathedral, surrounded by palm readers and fortune tellers with elaborate head pieces and art vendors that use their paints to reflect their city on countless brightly colored canvases. It’s the feeling you get in your soul upon the realization that you’re standing in the city that is the birthplace of jazz, the smooth notes of the trumpet and faint saxophone trill drifting in from the next block bringing to life a part of you that you didn’t know needed to be awakened until it is. 

We made sure to experience as much as we possibly could in the two days we were there. Waking up early to have café au lait and beignets from the iconic Café Du Monde, taking a tour of the City of the Dead on a mule-drawn carriage and visiting the tomb of Marie LaVeau. Exploring voodoo shops and walking Bourbon Street and drinking in every bit of history that thrived within the brick walls and wrought-iron balconies. And—my favorite part—eating all the food Louisiana is known for. I’ve decided the places you MUST eat at if you’re in New Orleans are: Café Du Monde for breakfast, Mothers for lunch (please get the roast beef Po Boy with red beans and rice. You’ll thank me later.). In Slidell there's Phil’s Marina for a laid back dinner or Sal and Judy’s for something a little more fancy. I promise you won’t be disappointed. 

With all of that being said, something I treasure most, and will continue to treasure for the rest of my life from these first wonderful couple days, are the people I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and staying with.

Thank you to Bay for your ever-present enthusiasm in welcoming us to Slidell. Thank you to Reed and Mrs. Fanci and Zachary and your lovely friends for your wonderful company. Thank you to Aunt Sharon for opening your home and for your never ending kindness. 

And thank you so much, Aunt Tara, from the bottom of our hearts, for your stories and love and for showing us the beautiful people and places of Slidell and New Orleans. You made us feel at home the second we saw you, and welcomed us into your family with open arms. The next time we see you guys cannot come soon enough. 

We love y’all so much. 

We’re on the road again, and it’s my turn to drive (!!!). I couldn’t have asked for a better start to the trip, and I can’t wait for what’s to come. 

♡ Shelbie