Let the Good Times Roll, Part 2

The next day we were off to the races, experiencing much of the French Quarter. 

 

 

 

 

One of the first stops was the Saint Louis Cemetery Number One. This is a bit off topic, but I was genuinely surprised by how many things are named after St. Louis (For instance St. Louis St., St. Louis Cathedral). Being that I'm from St. Louis, I found it quite flattering. The picture in the upper left is that of voodoo priestess Marie Laveau. She was a voodoo priestess in the 1800s whose magical powers were revered. People come to her grave to mark three "X"s on her tomb in the hopes that she will grant them a wish. There are also many offers laid before her tomb including make-up, candles, and flowers, among other things. On the upper right is Nicholas Cage's grave, even though he still has yet to actually need a tomb.

 

 

 

With the spirits of New Orleans disturbed by some Catholic high school girls, we made our way to Jackson Square. We recieved a tour of possibly the most beautiful structure ever built in the United States: The St. Louis Cathedral. Tell me that's not absolutely stunning!

 

 



 

 After our tour, we were allowed some free time to explore and what not. We went to the park outside of the Cathedral where we ran into our good buddy Andrew Jackson. There is so much beautiful ironwork incuding one that belonged to the first woman to own land in the U.S., Micaela Almonaster Pontalba. Her father helped construct the Cathedral. Her intials (AP) are hidden in the ironwork. If you look closely you can see it. We then made our way through varying tourist shops around the French Quarter.

We did some major shopping before heading back to Jackson Square to meet up with the rest of our group. While we were waiting, I chose to get my cards read. It was a neat experience, even if you don't believe in this stuff. I mean, they rarely tell you something bad. For example, I was told I am reliable and insightful, that I am currently in a stage where I am making friendships and changes that will last, I will achieve my dreams, but that those dreams will mature with me, I will be financially stable, and I have the chance for a romantic relationship in the near future. I'm not sure how much I believe in this stuff, but its still a lot of fun if you get the chance.