Nostalgia Tour

Although I am now home, I am still catching up with this blog.  Not only did I struggle with doing it on my Ipad, I also did not have the time I usually have when travelling.  Going home is much more frenzied than going on vacation.  I had more or less forgotten that!

And what we did on Tuesday, May 29, was go home!  Or what used to be my Mom's home and my US permanent address when I moved over to Scotland. 

I had developed a real dislike of the satnav though.  Alan and Jim had to have it on constantly and I just wanted to go home the way I always did, without being told the way.  I do understand they like to watch the little map, but why can't they just watch the scenery?  As the week went on, I disliked the satnav even more.  In fact, on the last day when we were heading up to Atlanta, I refused to have it on, we also did not have a map and I had no idea how to get to Dothan from where we were in Florida, so we must have lost about 1 - 2 hours travel time!  We eventually bought a map when we got to Atlanta. Moral of this story, satnavs have their place, but so do maps!

Geneva is a cute little southern Alabama town with lots of old charm remaining.  It still has a downtown area and a nice small town feel.  I wonder if the residents look at it this way?  I love going back and feeling as if nothing ever changes! 

This tree is at the junction and a symbol of Geneva

One of our first stops was at the junction.  This is where the Pea River and the Choctawhatchee river converge and the original location of Geneva.  They built an overlook on a swamp and it was really interesting to have such a close look at this.

I thought it was a fantastic way to get a close look at such a unique place.  (Jim and Jennifer stayed in the car, not sure if it was the bugs or the heat, but they sure missed a cool experience!)  Gilstrap's Drug Store was our next stop - for a milkshake at the soda fountain!  Jim and Jennifer had never done this and I was so thrilled that the fountain is in such good shape. One time I brought the kids when they were very small and it looked like the fountain was just about to be closed.  I think they must have realized it is too special to shut down.

We also met with two of Mom's friends, Lou and Cornelia.  They are the real deal when it comes to Southern Ladies and we had a wonderful visit, at McDonalds of all places! 

Lou and Cornelia

We drove around and looked at all the old places we love, including Mom's old house. The new owners have made so many changes outside and I have heard they have made loads of changes inside too.  The house looks amazing, but it did feel odd not to be able to just walk in!

Another really fun stop was to the Hole in the Wall Coffee shop.  It is run by a family member and she is actually converting it away from coffee, so we were very lucky to get there when we did!  In a very strange coincidence, she also took us to Mr LaMarra, who is now 80 years old.  He was our wedding photographer!  It was so much fun to see him again.  We had fun talking about our wedding and his memories of it. Especially since it was the only wedding he did with the men wearing kilts!

Janna, Pat and Mr LaMarra

It was a very special day and I am so glad we had the chance to visit Geneva!  I hope anytime we go to the timeshare we have the chance to go to Geneva for a day!

Home is a name, a word, it is a strong one; stronger than magician ever spoke, or spirit ever answered to, in the strongest conjuration.
Charles Dickens

Swimming with Indy!

On Memorial Day, we all drove to Panama City because Jennifer wanted to swim with dolphins!  I was the lucky party here since she did not want to do this alone and offered to pay for me to do this with her!!!  The original suggestion was as a thank you for inviting them to share the timeshare in Fort Walton, so I was very happy to agree.  Alan and Jim came to the educational part and then observed and took pictures.  I imagine Alan's are better than these, but these were taken by Jim, with my camera, and I think they are fine!! 

Our dolphin is Indy and she is 11 years old. The trainer told us Indy was a bit of a diva, but she surprised even her trainer by being the perfect lady during our whole session.

being introduced to Indy

Jennifer getting a dolphin kiss

swimming!

up close and personal

even more personal!

playing with Indy, what fun!

Don't wait for your ship to come in - swim out to it. ~Author Unknown

Missing pictures

Well I have tried to add pictures to the blogs already published and they won't go on!  so I am now going to add them on a brand new post and see if that works.

Bobby, Misty, Zach, Pat and Alan at Fisherman's Wharf

453 lb Bull Shark at Fisherman's Wharf

American Queen at Oak Alley

tour guide at Oak Alley

"American Jack"  never heard of this before!

This man stood onshore as the Natchez docked, never moving at all. 

he serenaded the Natchez as we embarked and when we returned

Preservation Hall

fantastic night at Preservation Hall, no photos allowed when musicians are in though

A visit to New Orleans is not complete without going to Cafe Du Monde!

(donuts in another incarnation!)

Just Another Day in Paradise

Another 'late' blog, but Adarsh has saved the day again and helped me solve the problem!  Even with his help, I have continued to struggle with this, especially getting the photos to publish.  Am soldiering on and will publish this and see what happens!

We started the day the perfect way - at the beach!    This is the beach I spent most of my time at. "Back then" it was called 'wayside beach' and only had a parking lot. Now it is called Boardwalk and has gift shops, eating places and bars, plus a great beach.

Alan and I also enjoy the pier - for only $2 you can walk along and see things you might not want to see-like the sharks swimming so close to public areas.  But it is fascinating and I would recommend it to anyone.

I only require an hour 'beach fix' which worked out well today since we were supposed to meet my nephew and his family for lunch!  We had arranged to meet at Fisherman's Wharf, but in my head I was going to the Lucky Snapper.  When we arrived at the harbour, I discovered not only was this NOT Fisherman's Wharf, but it was also NOT the Lucky Snapper anymore! Still got to the correct place in time.    We had only met Bobby's son Zach, at his christening 3 years ago.  But we have spoken to him on Skype, so I don't think he felt we were complete strangers.  He was precious and seemed to enjoy his time with us.  I also really enjoyed spending time with Misty since I have never really gotten to know her.  Again, I just feel lucky to have such wonderful nieces and nephews who seem to also enjoy spending time with us!

After lunch, we meandered along the harbor and discovered a bull shark that had just been caught, weighing 453 pounds, and was at least 8 feet long.  I was afraid to ask exactly where the guy had caught him!

                                              

After this, we did a bit of shopping on the way home, had a drink at the local brewery and called it a day.  A very good day.

                                             "One can think of life after the fish is in the canoe".   Hawaian saying

Goodbye New Orleans

Good bye New Orleans

Sorry for delay in posting, had serious issues with this working.  I am hoping merely updating this app has fixed the problem - fingers crossed:   Didn't work, back to the drawing board....

After three very interesting days in New Orleans, it is time to hit the road for the beach. 

I have been obsessed with getting back to NOLA long before I married Alan.  It has always been one of my favourite cities.  I have no idea what took so long, apart from the last time we had the opportunity in July 2005. I will never forgive myself for changing my mind and going to Panama City instead.  Now that I have finally gotten here, I sincerely believe that was the last chance to see the New Orleans I remember.

We stayed at the Holiday Inn on Rue Dauphine, right in the French Quarter. Perfect location - away from the madness of Bourbon Street, but close enough to do and see everything.  We also discovered the streetcars, perfect way to get around. A day pass is $3 and super value for money.

Driving from Mobile going along I-10 on the way in, was not the scenic drive I remembered. Later, I saw a map and there is a route along  the coast - we will do that today.

First day, just wandered along the French Quarter, too early and very quiet.  Later, walking down Bourbon Street is so noisy, I videoed this and will try to attach at a later date.

We stopped at a nice place for a drink, I tried a Mojito and it was delicious.  

The menu looked fantastic, but when we went back there for dinner we discovered that whole area seems to close about 8.   It was called River's Edge Restaurant  across the street from Cafe du Monde (which is open 24 hours).

We ended up at a 24 hour diner where I got red beans & rice and sweet potato fries!  2 side orders and it was perfect!

Early night since we got up at 3am!

Next day we did the River Road to see the gorgeous plantation houses.  Roxanne suggested driving up one side of the river  and down the other, but everyone kept programming the satnav to get to the only 4 showing on a brochure we had.  I think we missed a fantastic drive....what we did see was breathtaking.

Destrahan 

San Fransisco 

Oak Alley 

When we arrived at Oak Alley there was a river boat, The American Queen, docked and passengers were walking over to visit!  Just like the days when river boats were the main transport!

Our tour guide at Oak Alley

We discovered a fantastic little place for dinner - The New Orleans Oyster and Hamburger.  I got A Strawberry Fields salad and it was wonderful - strawberries (obviously), sugared pecans, bleu cheese, onions, red cabbage, lettuce with poppy dressing.  We went back the next night, this time I got fried catfish!  Wonderful!

We were very lucky to get into Preservation Hall after dinner. This is a must for anyone going to NOLA. Traditional jazz at its finest. 

Unfortunately, no photographs were permitted once the band came out.

Last day in NOLA found us breakfasting at Cafe du Monde, with the requisite beignets and cafe au lait!  Donuts in another incarnation!

Our next mission was to discover the Garden District, we did this by taking the St Charles streetcar. I think we made a mistake actually getting off  at the  garden district  stop instead  of staying on through  the district.  It was  too late to remember that this was what my friend, Shoana, suggested.  It is a beautiful part of NOLA!

Our next adventure was to go on the river boat tour on the Natchez.  I don't know what I was thinking, but I immediately got myself a Marguarita, which was delicious!  However, I failed to think about the time - it was only 11:30am......whoops! 

The captain called this an American Jack. I have never heard of this....

Coming back to NOLA - we were greeted by 2 street artists. One was a President Obama lookalike "walking his dog", the other was a trumpet player who had serenaded us both leaving and coming back.  The 'President' was totally still for longer than seemed humanly possible.  He based himself prominently on top of the levee while we approached the dock, then he and his 'dog' placed themselves right where we disembarked.

We all split for a while, me to shop, Alan went to take more pictures and I don't know what Jim and Jennifer did-apart from buying us gifts!!!!!  It was fantastic being on my own for a few hours!  The only place I shopped was Chico's with their sale!

After dinner, we went to the dock for a group photo with the Natchez on the background. Then to Lafitte's blacksmith shop for a special photo Alan wanted to do. He bought us a beer while we waited. With a window seat, it was  a great place to wait for him.Alan and I intended at some point during the day or night to go to Pat O'Briens for a Hurricane. But after the morning Marguarita, and happy hour at the Oyster bar, and beer at the blacksmith shop, I could not face a further 4 1/2 ounces of rum!  So what is probably my last trip to NOLA did not see me realize the one thing I have never done there!  Oh well, I ticked all the other boxes so am not too disappointed at missing a massively strong alcoholic drink I can really get anywhere.

To be perfectly honest, I was a bit disappointed in the whole experience of New Orleans though.  I know you can never go back, but it feels as if the heart of New Orleans is gone.  The wonderful experience of street artists,which is one of the highlights to me - did not happen. Yes, there were a few, but comparatively speaking, not even half of what I have seen in the past.  I wonder if this is a direct result of all the people who had to leave after  Katrina and never came back?  Preservation Hall is so organised now, not the drop in place for old retired jazz players to jam together it used to be.  Still a fantastic evening, just not as magic.  Bourbon Street is mainly rock and roll, not jazz.  I think that was the most upsetting part, but the most understandable. The generation spending the money is younger and not into jazz.  So times do change.          

It's the song ye sing, and the smiles ye wear. That's a makin' the sun shine everywhere.  James Whitcomb Riley

Goodbye New Orleans

Good bye New Orleans

Sorry for delay in posting, had serious issues with this working.  I am hoping merely updating this app has fixed the problem - fingers crossed:   Didn't work, back to the drawing board....

After three very interesting days in New Orleans, it is time to hit the road for the beach. 

I have been obsessed with getting back to NOLA long before I married Alan.  It has always been one of my favourite cities.  I have no idea what took so long, apart from the last time we had the opportunity in July 2005. I will never forgive myself for changing my mind and going to Panama City instead.  Now that I have finally gotten here, I sincerely believe that was the last chance to see the New Orleans I remember.

We stayed at the Holiday Inn on Rue Dauphine, right in the French Quarter. Perfect location - away from the madness of Bourbon Street, but close enough to do and see everything.  We also discovered the streetcars, perfect way to get around. A day pass is $3 and super value for money.

Driving from Mobile going along I-10 on the way in, was not the scenic drive I remembered. Later, I saw a map and there is a route along  the coast - we will do that today.

First day, just wandered along the French Quarter, too early and very quiet.  Later, walking down Bourbon Street is so noisy, I videoed this and will try to attach at a later date.

We stopped at a nice place for a drink, I tried a Mojito and it was delicious.

The menu looked fantastic, but when we went back there for dinner we discovered that whole area seems to close about 8.   It was called River's Edge Restaurant  across the street from Cafe du Monde (which is open 24 hours).

We ended up at a 24 hour diner where I got red beans & rice and sweet potato fries!  2 side orders and it was perfect!

Early night since we got up at 3am!

Next day we did the River Road to see the gorgeous plantation houses.  Roxanne suggested driving up one side of the river  and down the other, but everyone kept programming the satnav to get to the only 4 showing on a brochure we had.  I think we missed a fantastic drive....what we did see was breathtaking.

Destrahan 

San Fransisco 

Oak Alley 

When we arrived at Oak Alley there was a river boat, The American Queen, docked and passengers were walking over to visit!  Just like the days when river boats were the main transport!

Our tour guide at Oak Alley

We discovered a fantastic little place for dinner - The New Orleans Oyster and Hamburger.  I got A Strawberry Fields salad and it was wonderful - strawberries (obviously), sugared pecans, bleu cheese, onions, red cabbage, lettuce with poppy dressing.  We went back the next night, this time I got fried catfish!  Wonderful!

We were very lucky to get into Preservation Hall after dinner. This is a must for anyone going to NOLA. Traditional jazz at its finest. 

Unfortunately, no photographs were permitted once the band came out.

Last day in NOLA found us breakfasting at Cafe du Monde, with the requisite beignets and cafe au lait!  Donuts in another incarnation!

Our next mission was to discover the Garden District, we did this by taking the St Charles streetcar. I think we made a mistake actually getting off  at the  garden district  stop instead  of staying on through  the district.  It was  too late to remember that this was what my friend, Shoana, suggested.  It is a beautiful part of NOLA!

Our next adventure was to go on the river boat tour on the Natchez.  I don't know what I was thinking, but I immediately got myself a Marguarita, which was delicious!  However, I failed to think about the time - it was only 11:30am......whoops! 

The captain called this an American Jack. I have never heard of this....

Coming back to NOLA - we were greeted by 2 street artists. One was a President Obama lookalike "walking his dog", the other was a trumpet player who had serenaded us both leaving and coming back.  The 'President' was totally still for longer than seemed humanly possible.  He based himself prominently on top of the levee while we approached the dock, then he and his 'dog' placed themselves right where we disembarked.

We all split for a while, me to shop, Alan went to take more pictures and I don't know what Jim and Jennifer did-apart from buying us gifts!!!!!  It was fantastic being on my own for a few hours!  The only place I shopped was Chico's with their sale!

After dinner, we went to the dock for a group photo with the Natchez on the background. Then to Lafitte's blacksmith shop for a special photo Alan wanted to do. He bought us a beer while we waited. With a window seat, it was  a great place to wait for him.Alan and I intended at some point during the day or night to go to Pat O'Briens for a Hurricane. But after the morning Marguarita, and happy hour at the Oyster bar, and beer at the blacksmith shop, I could not face a further 4 1/2 ounces of rum!  So what is probably my last trip to NOLA did not see me realize the one thing I have never done there!  Oh well, I ticked all the other boxes so am not too disappointed at missing a massively strong alcoholic drink I can really get anywhere.

To be perfectly honest, I was a bit disappointed in the whole experience of New Orleans though.  I know you can never go back, but it feels as if the heart of New Orleans is gone.  The wonderful experience of street artists,which is one of the highlights to me - did not happen. Yes, there were a few, but comparatively speaking, not even half of what I have seen in the past.  I wonder if this is a direct result of all the people who had to leave after  Katrina and never came back?  Preservation Hall is so organised now, not the drop in place for old retired jazz players to jam together it used to be.  Still a fantastic evening, just not as magic.  Bourbon Street is mainly rock and roll, not jazz.  I think that was the most upsetting part, but the most understandable. The generation spending the money is younger and not into jazz.  So times do change.          

It's the song ye sing, and the smiles ye wear. That's a makin' the sun shine everywhere.  James Whitcomb Riley