Pascal? Of Pascal's Triangle fame?
So I've been delinquent in posting a synopsis of part II of my vacation. I touched down in Rochester at like 6:30pm Sunday, hung out for an hour with Don who picked me up and got home at like 8:30. I had class Monday morning, then worked 1-9:30 Monday and 9am-9:45pm Tuesday, in essence not doing anything but working since I got home.
Friday after I posted Karissa got back from class and we got gussied up. We met up with her friend Brandon on a street car owing to the magic of cell phones. Apparently the street cars hadn't been running from hurricane Katrina up until the Sunday before my arrival, so people were pretty excited about them and riding them en mass. Street car fare is $1.25 which is slightly obnoxious owing to the need for quarters. The street cars themselves look WWII vintage with an olive drab exterior and a hardwood and brass interior. Brandon is from Honeoye NY (not to be confused with Honeoye Falls). Karissa met him while wearing her U of R hoodie on the shuttle. The three of us went to Pat O’Brien’s where we drank outside and had an absolutely pleasant time owing to the heat lamps. It was a great atmosphere and you felt really posh just being there. I had a Hurricane, their signature drink. If you returned your glasswear you got $3 back but I elected to keep mine and managed to get it back to Rochester w/o breaking it. After cocktails we stumbled (not really) to the Gumbo Shop, which happened to be around the corner, even though we hadn't planned that when we picked out where to eat. There we had exquisite southern cuisine that I don't feel like trying to spell right now. After dinner, which we finished around 9:45, we strolled Bourbon street, got a Go Cup and had beads thrown at us. It was like a frat party for all ages. I think you really had to be there to appreciate the vibe.
Saturday we slept in and then took the street car again to the French Quarter where we had Benniets at Cafe du Mon (I can't spell I give up.) Then we saw the 'flea market' (I put that in quotes b/c it was all expensive new things), and hiked around trying to spot local hot spots such as the corn fence and the house of the rising sun. We bought goodies from Leah's Pralines and I saw where Karissa goes to school. Saturday was sunny again and warmer, in the low 70's and I was able to wear a skit and halter top. It was great to just enjoy the weather. Saturday for dinner Karissa made us catfish and I got us a bottle of sparkling wine and some random sides from the whole foods store and we had another wonderful gluttonous dinner.
Before I left on Sunday Karissa and I got breakfast at the Carmilla Cafe. I'm sure that's wrong, I can't remember how to spell anything. Our waiters name was Marvin. He was this gregarious black man and was in the middle of filming a commercial for the place. He was all hyped up and saying lines and delivering food. It was a lot of fun. I had a crazy chili cheese omelet that came with french fries. I also tired grits which were disappointing and nothing to write home about. Both of my flights were good coming back, my layover was in Chicago, which is massive.
All in all New Orleans was a great time, and had great weather. If I had the dollaz I'd definitely go back. I still need to try a Po-boy and have a mint julep.
Friday after I posted Karissa got back from class and we got gussied up. We met up with her friend Brandon on a street car owing to the magic of cell phones. Apparently the street cars hadn't been running from hurricane Katrina up until the Sunday before my arrival, so people were pretty excited about them and riding them en mass. Street car fare is $1.25 which is slightly obnoxious owing to the need for quarters. The street cars themselves look WWII vintage with an olive drab exterior and a hardwood and brass interior. Brandon is from Honeoye NY (not to be confused with Honeoye Falls). Karissa met him while wearing her U of R hoodie on the shuttle. The three of us went to Pat O’Brien’s where we drank outside and had an absolutely pleasant time owing to the heat lamps. It was a great atmosphere and you felt really posh just being there. I had a Hurricane, their signature drink. If you returned your glasswear you got $3 back but I elected to keep mine and managed to get it back to Rochester w/o breaking it. After cocktails we stumbled (not really) to the Gumbo Shop, which happened to be around the corner, even though we hadn't planned that when we picked out where to eat. There we had exquisite southern cuisine that I don't feel like trying to spell right now. After dinner, which we finished around 9:45, we strolled Bourbon street, got a Go Cup and had beads thrown at us. It was like a frat party for all ages. I think you really had to be there to appreciate the vibe.
Saturday we slept in and then took the street car again to the French Quarter where we had Benniets at Cafe du Mon (I can't spell I give up.) Then we saw the 'flea market' (I put that in quotes b/c it was all expensive new things), and hiked around trying to spot local hot spots such as the corn fence and the house of the rising sun. We bought goodies from Leah's Pralines and I saw where Karissa goes to school. Saturday was sunny again and warmer, in the low 70's and I was able to wear a skit and halter top. It was great to just enjoy the weather. Saturday for dinner Karissa made us catfish and I got us a bottle of sparkling wine and some random sides from the whole foods store and we had another wonderful gluttonous dinner.
Before I left on Sunday Karissa and I got breakfast at the Carmilla Cafe. I'm sure that's wrong, I can't remember how to spell anything. Our waiters name was Marvin. He was this gregarious black man and was in the middle of filming a commercial for the place. He was all hyped up and saying lines and delivering food. It was a lot of fun. I had a crazy chili cheese omelet that came with french fries. I also tired grits which were disappointing and nothing to write home about. Both of my flights were good coming back, my layover was in Chicago, which is massive.
All in all New Orleans was a great time, and had great weather. If I had the dollaz I'd definitely go back. I still need to try a Po-boy and have a mint julep.