New Orleans 2022

A blurry image of a New Orleans bar just like you see when you've overstayed in the French Quarter

We had initially booked a direct flight to New Orleans, but Air Canada cancelled it. We were then routed through Houston. They also would not put us back on the non-stop when it was reinstated. Ah, the joys of pandemic travel! My early morning flight on Air Canada Express to Houston included a nice omelette with vegetables in it for a change, and a mimosa. The service between Houston and New Orleans was beverage only (they gave out snack bags that included bottled water, so I skipped that. )

We checked into the Maison Dupuy. The prices were good, and the rooms quite adequate to the purpose. We were a little disappointed that the onsite bar and restaurant were not generally open while we were there (the bar was open late in the week, the restaurant not at all). On the other hand, the pool was lovely, and they don't close it early.

Once we got our stuff stashed in the room, we went out for a wander, starting with Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop. I love the atmosphere of the place, especially the little piano room in the back.  One of my favourite things is just to walk around, grabbing a drink when I want, and enjoying the architecture, and the music. So, wandering took us to many fine bars, including Lafitte's, and Pirate's Alley, and the Carousel Bar, and so on.

Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop

Pirate's Alley

St Pat's Irish Coffee House

Tropical Isle Shark Attack

The Carousel Bar

 

We did a lot of things this trip, cramming several activities into five short days. Aside from the Perpetual Bar Crawl, we had some scheduled tours. The first was a trip on the Creole Queen down the Mississippi to the battle site. There was also a buffet lunch of classic Cajun cuisine (upcharge) and bottomless mimosas (upcharge) and an open bar (definite upcharges).

We also did the 5 in 1 Ghost & Mystery Tour from Haunted History Tours. It was entertaining, and included some new locations and stories I hadn't heard in previous outings.

I have reviewed the Confederacy of Cruisers Bicycle Cocktail Tour before on my old blog, but I had to do it again, so I thought I would give them another boost. They seem to mix it up, so the itinerary and menu were different, and it was still a great time.

Bicycle with drink holder

Preservation Hall has changed the way it runs things since the last time I was there. It used to be a show in the evening with an intermission where you would leave to use the bathroom and grab a drink before returning for the second half of the evening. Now there are multiple sets an evening, and you buy a ticket for one set, no intermission. It's still worth a visit, because of the history and great music.

We started our journey back with The Club MSY, which is airside in Louis Armstrong International. They do table service there, with the usual QR codes on the table for ordering. Knowing there would be no food on the first leg of the trip, I ordered some lovely cheese, and specialty mimosas.

I am a huge fan of the windaisle seats, which I had for all legs of this trip, and the service for a very short hop was good. I do love my mimosas in the morning. 😁

Houston was my first opportunity to visit a Centurion Lounge. My my! It is a magical place. It was busy, but the service was good, as was the food. The cauliflower, long a thing I have not enjoyed, was actually delicious. 

Soon, it was time to head to the gate, and board the plane. It was Air Canada Express, same as down, but I felt so sorry for the flight attendant. Apparently, there had been a problem with the catering, so instead of the hot meal all of us in business class were expecting, we were each given a veggie wrap. No sides, no dessert, no salad (aside from the wrap contents). The FA was diligent in keeping us hydrated, and brought us almonds as snacks, but I think we all felt this wasn't what we paid for. #FirstWorldProblems

On the bright side, we did get a spectacular view of the sunset.

Next: Via Rail business class