TravelGuyde.com

Travel is Fatal

2010-06-27T04:43:00.000-07:00

Over the last decade or two, I have seen firsthand numerous examples of the wisdom of Mark Twain...
"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness."

I believe that when we know and understand our neighbors, whether they live around the corner or around the world, we cannot hate them. When we understand, we begin to trust and, perhaps love.
During the early days of this year's Mardi Gras season in New Orleans, I was greeted by strangers on the street, in the shops, clubs and restaurants, and in their homes, with nothing less than warm welcomes and an obvious love for their city and for each other.
A few weeks after returning home, I came across an online news story about a shooting just outside the French Quarter. The comments from readers were venomous. There was only extreme disdain for "those people".
When our impressions of a city or a region are formed primarily by a sensational media, as in New Orleans after the Storm, we have no awareness of the beauty and kindness that surround us.
I went to New Orleans looking for goodness and I found it everywhere.

I believe that Knowing is Loving and I cannot wait to explore and share the next world city through TravelGuyde Photo Journals.
If others can understand our world better through compelling images and shared personal experiences, perhaps human unity can be improved.

If you agree (or if you don't), I'd love to hear from you.
Stephen@TravelGuyde.com

What a Week in The Big Easy!

2010-02-03T10:45:00.002-08:00

What a Week!

Everyone with whom I met, dined, bowled, worshiped, interviewed, photographed, paraded and second-lined could not have been more welcoming.

I hope you enjoy the photos and video clips from my Jan. 26 to Feb. 4 stay in New Orleans.
As I visit and add more cities, just click on "New Orleans" for a link to those specific pages.

They are truly a City of Saints.
Below is a sample of what is included.

Best regards,
Stephen Young
stephen@travelguyde.com
http://TravelGuyde.com
The Original City Photo Journal for Curious Travelers

My week in New Orleans included:

The funk 'n blues sounds of Eddie Vinson and the Top Notes at the 'only in New Orleans' Rock 'n Bowl

Eclectic Oak Street restaurants and galleries

The recently re-opened classic diner, The Camellia Grill

FAB - one of the best independent art and book shops in the country.

Sizzling char-grilled oysters at Acme

Great shopping including inside pics and video clips from Papier Plume, Absinthe Museum of America, Rubensteins Men's, Meyer the Hatter, Louisiana Music Factory, Boutique du Vampyre, James H. Cohen & Sons (antique weapons and coins),

An evening with some of the city's young, curious professionals at IgniteNOLA

Receiving the gift of painted coconuts straight from the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club

Strolling the Bywater

Spending an afternoon in the Lower 9th with author and community spokesperson Ronald Lewis

Second Lining with the C.T.C. Steppers

Imbibing with Lisa and Joann and the extended family of Kajun's Pub

Celebrating at St. Augustine Catholic Church

Experiencing (on the street and above) my first Carnival parade

Visits to the WWII and Ogden Southern Art Museums

Various scenes around the city - including food, streetcars, and plenty of Who Dat-loving Saints fans

And finally, beginning my visit learning to blow glass at New Orleans School of Glassworks & Printmaking Studio

New Orleans - Now For the Pièce de résistance

2010-02-02T18:14:00.002-08:00

Yes, I've fallen for New Orleans. (most visitors do so) - For all the reasons and more that the following 7 days of entries will show.
But THIS has to be the single-best example of what makes this city unlike any other in the world:
Funk 'N Blues band
a danged good funknblues band
in a bowling alley
on a Tuesday night!
And the scene is at least this good
all over town
EVERY Night.

If you're planning a long weekend in New Orleans, when you arrive (especially if on Thursday), make your way to John Blancher's Rock 'n' Bowl. Do whatever you have to do to get there. It'll start your visit off right. Thank you John for the warm welcome and thank you Ernie Vincent and your Top Notes for one of the best nights of my visit.

Now, give it up for Ernie, Eric, Josh, Phillip, and James...

The bands at Rock 'n' Bowl perform just to the left:

New Orleans - Hanging Out on Oak Street After Dinner

2010-02-02T17:06:00.000-08:00

Jacque-Imo's Cafe - see the sign, "Warm Beer, Lousy Food, Poor Service".
Not from the looks of the crowd waiting to get in. My first stop when I head back to New Orleans.

Frenchy Studio/Gallery

New Orleans - Dinner at Camellia Grill

2010-02-02T16:15:00.001-08:00

2010-02-02T15:35:00.001-08:00

Otis Fennell, of FAB, an eclectic Art & Book shop in the Marigny. I found a graphically inspiring photo journal on the life of Hunter S. Thompson - now one of the most visually stimulating books I own - and I just checked, Amazon doesn't even carry it. SCORE ANOTHER ONE for well-curated independent book shops!

Otis on what draws people to New Orleans.
By the way, Otis, I'm hanging out in your shop when I return to the city in the spring.

New Orleans - Afternoon snack at Acme Oyster House

2010-02-02T14:48:00.008-08:00

The chargrilled oysters are the best seafood I have ever put in my mouth. Acme is the only restaurant in which I dined twice while in the Crescent City. Drake, the master glass-blower, thanks for the recommendation!
(Drake Fuller begins the New Orleans show in a few pages - be sure to see all the entries over the week - at the bottom of each page, click "Older Posts"

New Orleans - Tuesday evening around town

2010-02-02T14:43:00.005-08:00

2010-02-02T14:30:00.017-08:00

I'm crazy about my new Lamy Safari fountain pen that I found at one of the coolest shops on Royal Street, Papier Plume. They sell only items handcrafted by family-owned US and European businesses. Visit them on Royal Street or shop their online store.

New Orleans - Rubensteins Men's Specialty Store

2010-02-02T13:00:00.001-08:00

Mr. Andre Rubenstein at his Canal Street flagship store.

Way to go DREW BREES!!

New Orleans - Five Generations of Hatters

2010-02-02T12:07:00.000-08:00

Paul Meyer and his sons are the 4th and 5th generations of "Meyer the Hatter"

New Orleans - Loving the Louisiana Music Factory

2010-02-02T10:52:00.002-08:00

Barry Smith, owner of the really cool record shop.

Learn where to go for great music each night of the week - Barry's Pics

New Orleans - Marita the Vampiress (and pup)

2010-02-02T10:39:00.002-08:00

Ok, I enjoyed Twilight and have yet to see New Moon but was EXTREMELY intrigued when I learned of a Boutique du Vampyre en New Orleans. Some questions I had: Are they open during the day? Will they sell Tiger Beat posters of Eddie Munster? Yeah, yeah, I'm dating myself. On with the tale...
Short story is Marita and all her rescued pups are awesome - and fun - and, I hesitate to say, rather normal. I had no idea what to expect upon entering Boutique du Vampyre but found, yes, once again, ANOTHER New Orleans friend. What is it with this place? How can everyone, even Vampiresses, be so friendly?
Marita, next time, drinks are on me.
(Sorry I screwed up the video clip). If I had not mucked it up, you would hear a very sweet proprietress describe how she chooses carefully the handcrafted items of her shop. No cheesy fake fangs or vials of real blood. Instead, a vampire fan who believes her customers want to have a little fun. Check it out. She's in the Quarter.

New Orleans - Buying an Old Gun From a Young Gun

2010-02-02T07:00:00.000-08:00

Barry Cohen loves New Orleans and he loves old guns. No firearm in his family shop on Royal Street was born after 1898. The next five grand I manage to hold on to will be handed over to James H. Cohen & Sons Inc. for one fine piece of machinery.

New Orleans - Ignite NOLA at the Roosevelt New Orleans Hotel

2010-02-01T17:12:00.002-08:00

Monday evening, Feb. 1, I joined hundreds other curious young professionals as passionate speakers from the New Orleans community were each given 5 minutes to share what they are enthusiastic about. From the IgniteNOLA.org website, "Listen, learn and become engulfed in others' passionate talks about things that fuel their hearts".

These events are taking place around the world. Google "Pecha Kucha" or "Ignite" and "your city"

New Orleans - Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club decorated houses.

2010-02-01T14:34:00.002-08:00

Riding with a friend in the Bywater early Monday evening, I looked out the car window and yelled "STOP THE CAR!". I didn't know what we had just passed but I knew that if I didn't photograph it, no one would believe me. I told my friend to "keep the car running. This is just too cool. I may not come back."

When I approached the homes, there were a few men standing outside. I asked if it would be ok to take photos. One of the men, who I came to know as "David" said, "you go right ahead and take as many pictures as you want. That's what it's there for." I said thank you and started snapping away. A few minutes later, the gentleman said, "young fella, where are you from?". I replied that I was from Charlotte, North Carolina. He said, "North Carolina? Come with me".

Then I knew things were about to get interesting. David led me down a path between the two houses. I was about to either be offered an Abita and a plate of barbecue or perhaps Ray Charles and James Brown would be sitting around a table in the garage playing dominoes.

To my surprise, my new friend (this is becoming a common occurrence in this city) walked out and handed me an armful of Mardi Gras prizes including TWO of the most-prized Zulu painted coconuts. These would be soon be handed out to only a handful of lucky revelers at the upcoming Zulu parade. After I had demonstrated a genuine interest in his home, culture, and traditions, David said, "here, take this back to North Carolina with you."

When I regained my ability to speak, I thanked David and hobbled back to the car with this treasure that I've found often comes with a smile and a healthy chunk of curiosity.

New Orleans - Monday afternoon in the Bywater

2010-02-01T12:20:00.002-08:00

While walking through the Bywater neighborhood, I came upon a group of people sitting outside an interesting looking warehouse. They were drinking coffee and seemed to be minding a rummage sale. They also seemed to be having a good time. So, I walked over and introduced myself. Brian Bromberg told me about his "Desire Market".

New Orleans - Meeting Author and Community Spokesperson Ronald Lewis in His Lower 9th Ward Museum, "The House of Dance and Feathers"

2010-02-01T10:37:00.004-08:00

I learned of Mr. Lewis and his museum while reading Dan Baum's "Nine Lives". If you are interested in knowing what New Orleans is really about, RUN, don't walk, to your nearest book shop and buy this book. I could not turn the pages fast enough. Dan Baum was a New Yorker reporter who landed in the city a couple of days after the levees broke. He came here to write magazine articles about a hurricane but realized that this amazing rich city could not be described only in the context of The Storm. He knew he had to tell this story through the lives of its people - specifically nine of the most interesting characters you will love by the end of the book. Read Nine Lives and then read Ronald Lewis's "The House of Dance and Feathers". Better yet, visit Mr. Lewis, listen to him humbly share his life's experiences, and walk away with a new friend and an autographed copy of his book. - Stephen

** The paperback edition of Nine Lives is being released on Mardi Gras day (Feb. 16). Get your copy and get ready to love those 9 New Orleanians and their city.

(by the way, it's a LONG walk to Mr. Lewis's house and museum out back. You may want to drive there.)

New Orleans - Walking from the (Faubourg) Marigny to the Lower 9th Ward

2010-02-01T09:25:00.005-08:00

See that? Tourists are "Welcome" but Ladies are "Invited". Sounds like a good time.

I agree. Those two cards have served me better than the rest of the deck combined.

New Orleans - Hanging Out with Lisa and Joann at Kajun's Pub

2010-01-31T14:16:00.003-08:00

If you want to hang out in a true neighborhood pub that NEVER closes, check out Kajun's.
With $1 draft and an eclectic mix of new friends, you'll likely find something (or someone) you'll like.
(And, if Joann's around, nobody will mess with you - until you make that request :)

New Orleans - Second Lining with The C.T.C. Steppers

2010-01-31T13:13:00.004-08:00

from Wikipedia, "Second line is a tradition in brass band parades in New Orleans. The "main line" is the main section of the parade, or the members of the actual club with the parading permit; those who follow the band just to enjoy the music are called the 'second line.' The second line's style of traditional dance, in which participants walk and sometimes twirl a parasol or handkerchief in the air, is called 'second lining.' It has been called "the quintessential New Orleans art form — a jazz funeral without a body."

The crowd awaits the C.T.C. Steppers

New Orleans - Celebrating with the parishioners of St. Augustine Catholic Church

2010-01-31T09:03:00.004-08:00

St. Augustine, in the Tremé neighborhood of New Orleans, is the oldest African-American Catholic parish in The United States.

TravelGuyde Stephen with my new friend, Ms. Joyce Montana of St. Augustine's
Read about the life of Ms. Joyce and her late husband "Tootie" Montana in Dan Baum's "Nine Lives".

New Orleans - Barry Cohen on Krewe du Vieux

2010-01-30T18:24:00.003-08:00

My new friend, Barry of James H. Cohen & Sons, Inc. explains the unique Krewe du Vieux parade.

New Orleans - Krewe du Vieux performers and parading through the French Quarter

2010-01-30T18:02:00.011-08:00

From the Krewe du Vieux (crew du voo) website, "It is unique among all Mardi Gras parades in the city because it alone carries on the old traditions of Carnival celebrations, using decorated, hand or mule-drawn floats with satirical themes, accompanied by costumed revelers dancing in the streets to the sounds of jazzy street musicians."

"Voo Dat" as a parade float is another clever take on the Saints' "Who Dat". I also saw "Poo Dat" on a baby outfit.

Enjoying the parade from a Royal Street apartment balcony.

A post-parade neighborhood block party in the Faubourg Marigny.

New Orleans - Saturday in the Vieux Carré

2010-01-30T10:00:00.003-08:00

New Orleans - Visiting the National World War II Museum

2010-01-29T08:12:00.004-08:00

WWII veteran volunteer Tom Blakey explains why the museum is about the people who were involved with the war.

New Orleans - "Debris" po'boy at Mother's Restaurant

2010-01-28T17:42:00.002-08:00

Mother's Restaurant (established in 1938) is known for "the world's best baked ham".
I devoured the "Debris" (DAY-bree) po'boy. Debris is roast beef pieces that fall into the gravy while baking.

New Orleans - Thursday evening at The Ogden

2010-01-28T14:37:00.013-08:00

Each Thursday evening, the Ogden Museum of Southern Art presents Ogden After Hours, featuring a live musical performance by Southern Musicians and interview by a Southern music historian. Tonight's blow-out show was by Guitar Lightnin' Lee and his band of veteran rock and rollers.

The Ogden Museum of Southern Art

Jan Katz had me rethinking what I want to be when I grow up as she described why she loves being curator of
The Center for Southern Craft and Design.

Sunset over The Ogden

New Orleans - Enjoying my first muffuletta sandwich at Central Grocery

2010-01-28T10:11:00.006-08:00

The muffuletta sandwich was invented by the founder of Central Grocery to feed the Sicilian truck farmers who sold their produce at the Farmer's Market on Decatur Street in the French Quarter.
This is an awesome sandwich and one of the best budget lunch experiences in the Quarter.

New Orleans - Morning in the Vieux Carré

2010-01-28T09:00:00.010-08:00

Rising Appalachia (Leah & Chloe) perform on Royal Street