New Orleans - Part 2 (All that Jazz)

As I mentioned in Part 1, there's something about NOLA that makes one feel, breathe, and crave jazz.

Help Preserve Jazz

There's no better place to see traditional NOLA Jazz than in the Preservation Hall, where jazz is preserved in its original artform. If you're lucky (like I was) you'll see the Preservation Hall Jazz Band preform and you will never feel the same way again about brass instruments.

You'll probably end up standing in the line for ~2 hours but you won't regret it. Even if you can buy tickets online, I urge you don't do it.

How else would you be snubbed by a 'real' jazz lover who will sniff out your jazz virginity faster than you can say something incriminating when asked why you like jazz? Yes of course he was from New York. Then there's a girl from Texas who talked about What-a-Burger (Water burger) and now I need to go to Texas to try it for myself. Or how about finally meeting someone whose job title is a lobbyist?!

Waiting in the line to see a show at the Preservation Hall

Another thing do while waiting in the line is to watch what's happening right across the street in the famous voodoo shop - Rev Zombie's House of Voodoo. Here's that chance to go inside - someone can hold your place in the line while you find the most perfect tool to jinx your enemies.

When they finally let you in, you and your newly made friends will squeeze into this tiny tiny room and now you're ready to start. And when they say to put away your camera and phones - listen to them. Unless you need a picture for a blog post, of course.

Preservation Hall Jazz Band will brass your socks off

Once they start playing, you will forget about everything else and disappear in 30 minutes of absolute admiration and enjoyment. They are awesome. I'll never forget that trombone. The venue itself contributes to the awesomeness of this experience because it's so divey, dusty, and intimate. If you think I'm using awesome too much you are wrong.

All That Jazz

Music is everywhere, like at a random street corner, or in a restaurant where you'll have your meal, even if your hotel. This is especially noticeable as you get closer to the Jackson Square. 

Street musicians are very common in NOLA

But rumor has it, Frenchman's street is where locals go for jazz. Sleepy during the day, this area comes alive at night. Couple of cool jazz clubs are located here, like Spotted Cat, Negril, and DBA*. The area right next to the Spotted Cat was transformed into a night market filled with street vendors selling art and trinkets. 

A trip to this neighborhood isn't really a walking distance from the French Quarter, more like a short cab ride. Or about 10 minutes on your bike, which is the smartest way to get around French Quarter and surrounding area. 

Frenchman's Street is where locals go

Seeing a jazz band assembling somewhere is also very common. If you're lucky, they'll honk at you.

Shiny brass on a Bourbon street

NOLA will continue in Part 3. 

*I can't help but think Database Administrator = DBA

New Orleans - Part 1

Every time I get back home from a trip, I plan on writing a blog post about my experience. I continuously use the excuse of being too busy (more like lazy) to write about it.
This time around, instead of using excuses, I've decided to write in parts!

Getting from the airport:
If you're staying in the French Quarters neighborhood, which you probably are, the easiest way to get to the hotel is by getting a cab. It will cost you $33/trip plus tip. There's no good public transportation alternative. The 'shuttle' is actually more expensive. There is no train.
Cab drivers are very likely to use the 'broken card reader' excuse, so it's good to have cash with you.

Hotels:
There are plenitude of hotels to choose from that will fit your preferences/budget. Both times I've been to NOLA, it seemed that hotels get booked pretty quickly, so reserve in advance. I think NOLA hotels run on average a bit more expensive than your typical hotel rate elsewhere in the States.
There are 'historical inns', which can run pricey, but in turn can pay back with unique atmosphere. One such Inn is St Pierre that I stayed at in 2011.


Yes, the lobby and the outside building atmosphere is adorable and what a charming little inn! However, none of it is reflected in the rooms, so not sure if I would pay the same price again.
Location is unbeatable and it's only steps away from most of the French Quarter attractions.

What to do AS SOON as you arrive:
Make your way to the Bourbon street (of course). Stop at the first bar you come across and get an Abita beer. It's legal to walk and sip your drink in NOLA.

Every bar and every restaurant has plastic cups. It's so common to do this that no one will look at you funny when you ask your leftover drink in a to-go container. Even in the nice restaurants (yep, did it) - I should say ESPECIALLY in the nice restaurants.

It's legal to have a beer while LEANing, NOLA 2011 

2nd Thing You Should Do As Soon As You Arrive:
Look for and find some jazz. Duh, you're in the birthplace of jazz. Now, don't you worry if you're not really into jazz. Neither am I. You jazz people (like my friend Eugene), don't hold it against me.
You will find yourself enjoying jazz despite your personal preferences. There's something in the NOLA atmosphere that makes one feel, breathe, and crave jazz.
Right on Bourbon street, there's Fritzel's European Jazz Pub. It's got all this German stuff on the walls and it serves good German pilsners on tap. I'm sure there's a great story about the origins of this bar, but unfortunately, I don't have it/don't know it.
On my trip there in March 2014, I was lucky to get to hear some banjo jazz. It was super awesome 'cause I'm little bit country. ;-)

All that Jazz will continue in the next blog post...