journey

OK. Well the journey home wasn't much fun, to be honest.

We were beset by problems - the ash cloud, illness... I want to tell you the ins and outs, but I have relayed the story so many times already today (had to rearrange all pupils and every parent has asked about it) that I have lost any desire to share.

New Orleans was amazing - completely unique. It's laid back, shabby even - with food to die for, drink available all the time all over the place and lovely people - such diverse people - nothing comparable.

Chicago was nice - but less amazing. It is a big American city - neon lights, skyscrapers, very nice people, nice drink. Cosmopolitan.

I will elaborate.. but not today.

home

yey! Thanks Dad.

I will be back to tell you about it later on.

the new plan

Today we fly to Dallas then to Heathrow. Tomorrow my Dad drives top Heathrow and picks us up, to return us to Glasgow. Fingers crossed!!

stuck in the USA

Well we had a fun 48hrs trying to get home!

We left New Orleans on weds at 1pm and flew to Philadelphia.

We boarded a flight at 9pm to Dublin and then at midnight were told our flight was returning to Philly.

On our way to New Orleans we had found Philly airport awful and had said to each other 'let's not visit this town!'.
Imagine our delight when we found the airline could get us to London the next day but told us to wait to try at the airport the next day to get to Glasgow.

We waited around a lot. We travelled from terminal to terminal dealing with unhelpful staff throughout, however by 8am we had printed tickets to heathrow via Chicago.

And that's as far as we got. Chicago.

To add to the list

Hot boiled crawfish

We have seen:
Bone Tone Brass Band
Liberty Hall Stompers
Irene Sage
Ensemble Fatien
Billy Iuso & the Restless Natives
Higher Heights Reggae Band
Shamarr Allen & the Underdawgs

Crawfish-eating contest (BORING)
J. J. Caillier and the Zydeco Knockouts (not my cup of tea - country)
Canal Creepers (Sweeden)
Kermit Ruffins and the Barbecue Swingers
Lars Edegran's New Orleans Jazz band
The Fritzel's New Orleans Jazz Band
Ovi G & The Froggies
The Tin Men (amazing sousaphone!)
Irvin Mayfield & the NOJO All Stars
Bonerama
Rebirth Brass Band

We are all shattered with sore feet and sore legs. I have sunburn on my head and face (also now have a hat as sunscreen clearly isn't enough for me!) but we are very happy!

NEW ORLEANS!

Well! We have been here for 48hrs now.

So far we have (between us!) eaten:
hotdog
pizza
po-boy (shrimp & crawfish)
bbq rib
Fried chicken and fish
Fries
Hamburger
Ice cream
steak
Grilled chicken
crawfish egg roll
fish taco
beef taco
breakfast (eggs, pancakes, sausages)
.... I can't even remember the rest!

We have seen: John Malkovich, Santa a parade and MANY bands plus the Hornets basketball team.

We have tripped over the sidewalk at least 2 times each.
We have drunk beer and cocktails... and a LOT of water.

I have a US army frisbee and some purple shiny beads, flip flops and clip-on shades (which look REALLY rubbish but will be handy for my work commute).

We are all pink from day1 but have learnt our lesson and now have factor 50 sunscreen!

The boys are in the bar - I must join them... Loving New Orleans!

High Society

Since we booked this holiday to New Orleans I am finding links all over the place.

The night after we booked it, we went out to our fave pub and opposite was a huge sign selling New Orleans chicken.

We have seen New Orleans cocktails... quite honestly it has mostly been food and drink. Which bodes well I feel.

Anyway - we now have High Society on telly - Louis Armstrong and all.

I must now go to buy some pants and socks for my fella to take away. I also have to take the cat to the cattery and get some dollars.

Am I excited? Not at all....

Happy Birthday Doris!

Today we watched Lullaby of Broadway - Doris Day. Then we IMDB'd the film and found it is Doris Day's birthday today.

So Happy Birthday Doris - we loved the movie.

a-ma-zing!

We get to see a genuine American eating contest in New Orleans!