Arrive NOLA

1/15/17  Arrived NOLA

First phase of our trip is done. Arrived in New Orleans yesterday and moved in to our lovely abode on Bouny St in Algiers. Across the mighty Mississippi River from New Orleans proper we are a $1 pedestrian ferry ride from the base of Canal St near the French Quarter. Algiers, the second oldest neighborhood in N.O, it has shown a slow economic growth over the decades (centuries?) but is now enjoying a certain popularity (read “gentrification”). Racially diverse with areas of continued segregation there is limited infrastructure in the immediate area. Other than a couple of bars, 2 coffee shops and a few 7-11 type stores there are few options for shopping. Today, we’ll meet friends in town and make a grocery run as a priority. 

Home is an older, well kept “shotgun”. Double barrel shotgun actually; a duplex. Given that real estate has always been a premium in this area, many of the houses are built on very narrow parcels. Shotgun describes the fact that one can shoot a shotgun thru the front door with the bullets going thru every room till exiting out the back. Living room on the street (this one closed off as private), followed by bedroom with small bath off to the side, sitting/dining room, then kitchen, and finally back mud/utility room. We also have a small 12 x 12 fenced in patio in the back. Decorated with numerous black and white photos in black frames, folk art of stylized  creatures, and the ubiquitous Mardi Gras beads there is a definite funkiness with a bit of a voodoo flair. Fully furnished and a fully appointed kitchen, this will be just fine for the next 4 weeks. Herman is already quite comfortable on the couch!