STAGE 6

COLUMBIA to NEW ORLEANS

The flight to Charlotte was uneventful BUT we didn't get the assistance I'd asked for once we arrived. Every time one of the transportation buggies went past, it was full. I was beginning to panic, thinking we'd miss our flight. I saw a wheelchair near where we were waiting and requested permission to take it. I struggled, pushing Mum and toting the carry on luggage and camera bags, to get to the connecting gate. By the time we arrived they were already boarding. We couldn't get seats together! I was exhausted and thankful to get a seat ANYWHERE on the plane

When we arrived in New Orleans we were met by a guy with a wheelchair who took charge of everything. I could have kissed him!! I gave him a big tip instead <grin>. He got our luggage for us and took us to where we were to pick up the limousine for the hotel. We were on the 22nd floor of the Sheraton with a fantastic view of the city.

THE SHERATON FOYER

By this time Jared was getting used to the grandeur of the foyers, the bellmen with their 'gold plated' luggage trolleys. I think he could become quite used to being one of the 'idle rich' *S* Dinner was great, not an enormous serving for a change... but it wasn't cheap either :-)

After a fantastic breakfast the next morning we went off on a Swamp & Bayou Tour. We met a lovely lady from California who had left Scotland (the year after we came to Australia) for America when she was 10 years old... just as I did, except we went to Australia. We were born in the same city, only a year's difference in our ages. She is a Tour Director in San Francisco and gave us quite a few tips concerning our forthcoming visit to that city.

Of course, now I have another email pal to correspond with.

The tour was interesting, the stories about the area were wonderful although, being winter we didn't see much wildlife. We did see ONE alligator BUT I have my suspicions about that one since we didn't venture very close to have a look at "it" *S* Again it was bitterly cold.

THIS ALLIGATOR LOOKED A BIT SUSPECT :-)

After the tour we visited the French Quarter and the French Market. I could have bought so much stuff but it would probably have been damaged on the way home. We still had lots of unpacking and packing to do before heading home. I loved the history of the city and the buildings... so much character.

We had coffee at the famous Cafe Du Monde... not a particularly 'flash' establishment BUT the Beignettes were delicious! This was one time I was glad of the huge portions <grin>.

We took a Carriage Ride through the French Quarter... steeped in history! I didn't know the whole city is below sea level, is surrounded by walls and gates which are closed to keep the city from being flooded when the Mississippi rises from the snows melting in the northern states. There were so many fascinating details to learn about New Orleans that I bought a book about the city and it's history. I only wish we had set aside more time for our visit there.

We found a wonderful little restaurant where I had 5 styles of crawfish for dinner. The meals were almost normal portions :-)

Mum took a bad turn when we were walking back to the hotel. We were only a few feet from the entrance but because of the bitter cold and the wind she couldn't make it. I managed to get her spray out of her handbag and once it took effect we managed to get her back to our nice warm room. She had me worried about her health for the whole holiday.

Jared wanted to go to the Zoo, so we spent the next day visiting the animals. Got Mum a wheelchair, but we all took turns in it <grin>.

I would definitely like to go back to New Orleans and spend more time... maybe I'll be lucky enough some day.

So, we packed once more and readied ourself for our flights to Houston the next day.

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