December 5 – Night out. Did you have a night out with friends or a loved one that rocked your world?
Hands down, it’s the second night of my weekend getaway in New Orleans with Natalie and Anna.
Earlier in the day the three of us went on a bayou cruise, during which we got to hold a baby alligatorand admire the lovely back waters of Louisiana. By the time we got back to our hotel we were exhausted. We decided to take a quick nap, and instead woke up hours later. All three of us were groggy from sleep and felt like the antithesis of fun. But, because we were in New Orleans, we got dressed and walked towards the French Quarter.
Not too far in, we walked past the beautiful Monteleone hotel. Inside we could see lights, people drinking, and an elegant atmosphere. I led Natalie and Anna inside to check out the lobby, just to say we did, and after hearing the music coming from the bar we decided to poke our heads in there too. Good move on our part: it was the famous Carousel Bar!
We immediately decided to get a table and after admiring the carousel for a few minutes, we figured out that it was slowly moving around in a circle. Anna and I were still feeling groggy from the nap and ordered Irish Coffee as a pick me up. It worked, we started to feel good. We then ordered martinis.
The previous night, our first in New Orleans, we walked down Bourbon Street. You know, just to say that we did. This night, with its low lights and music and non-plastic cups, was the exact opposite and much more our style. We talked for a couple hours and were eventually joined by several of our best guy friends from high school: Mark, Scott, Brian, and Steve. They happened to be in a town for a bachelor party and sought us out in the Carousel Bar as a break from the non-stop Bourbon Street action (please note: we planned our trip first).
I don’t often get to see these friends, let alone hang out with them at a great bar in a great city. Natalie and Brian live in Boulder, Mark lived in Baltimore then and is now out West, Steve lives in Austin, and Scott is always all over the place (currently in Afghanistan). It was a very special night, the best.
This post is part of the Best of 2009 blog challenge. Please join me!
