Where in the world is VFG?!

Hubs and I in Jackson Square

I've been in New Orleans!! Me and the hubs recently returned from a spur of the moment and first time ever mini-trip to New Orleans, LA!

It's been a rule of thumb of ours since we married that we'd go somewhere - anywhere - every year but since we purchased our first home, that rule had to be laid to rest for two and half years. We didn't mind so much since we were, and still are, completely enamored with our home so our vacations simply became stay-cations. ;) We're back on track though after our fabulous four days in the historic New Orleans.

Anyone whose read Anne Rice's INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE or THE WITCHING HOUR has probably developed a pretty healthy desire to visit New Orleans, specifically the French Quarter, Garden District, and Lafayette Cemetery No. 1. My desire has been an obsession since I was 14 and finally I got to visit the places that has hosted pages and pages of my Anne Rice inspired imagination.

The Garden District was by far the most surprising element of our trip. In San Diego, our wealthy live in earth-tone, stucco mansions surrounded by perfectly manicured landscaping and smooth paved driveways. In the Garden District, the beautifully unique homes are distinctly old and seem to exude a vibrant and wise energy. The roads are gnarled and bubbly as the roots from the ancient oaks, Cyprus and magnolia trees punch their way through the pavement with an incredible force that won't be contained. The landscaping is decidedly wild and untamed with the foliage being cut back just enough for the cars and people to pass by relatively unscathed.

Former Home of Anne Rice

While Anne Rice no longer lives in her First Street mansion - in fact she lives next to me in the famous beach side community of La Jolla - the house still gave me chills with its presence. I couldn't help but envision the many characters, both mortal and ghostly, that graced its halls in THE WITCHING HOUR. Truthfully, my husband had to practically drag me away. Interestingly enough, we were told by a friendly jogger that the actor Nicolas Cage purchased the home from the author.

In any event, we came to New Orleans to witness the history, enjoy the people and most of all, we came to eat and boy did we! Three square meals a day, each time at a different restaurant we partaked of the buttery pork belly, fried green tomatoes, grilled crawfish, soft crab shells, crab cakes and more. One of the most delicious cities I've ever visited. Be prepared to spend the most of your travel money on the food. Trust me, it's worth it.

Only two things made our trip uncomfortable. One was the roach the size of my index finger that resided in our hotel room. Those suckers are fast! Never has a bug eluded the 12.5 shoe of my hubs but no one was catching this wily bug. We hunkered down, clinging to each other on the bed for a while before we came to the conclusion that the roach was most likely more afraid of us than we were of him and finally we ventured from safety to relieve our aching bladders. And two, the humidity was nearly unbearable! San Diego - notorious for its awesome weather - did nothing to prepare us for the sucker punch we were about face. While only around 85 to 90 degrees, the humidity would creep up on you. First, you're lulled into a false sense of security as you say "Huh, this isn't so bad". Twenty minutes later your clothes are plastered to a body dripping in a sweat that no breeze will dry and you're searching for the nearest watering hole. Luckily, the French Quarter isn't lacking in its bars and most are open 24/7. Next trip absolutely must be in the Spring or Fall.

All in all we had a great time, one we'll be reliving in the near future.

As for what's coming up here at LMSR, tomorrow I'll post the winners for J.K. Beck's guest post as well as M.A. Ellis's winner that's sorely late in being announced. Next week, stay tuned for some reviews and more giveaways! I'll also be making the blog rounds this weekend to catch up on what I missed.

Hugs,
VFG