This was the third. The first was in 1997, second in 1998 and this one. By the way, I was robbed at gunpoint in 1998. Nonetheless, I enjoy Mardi Gras because of the seriousness which the revelers party. You’re expected to party whether you like it or not. My cousin John and I went to New Orleans after a quick decision to drive down on a Friday and come back on Sunday. That would give us Friday night, Saturday and a Saturday night to get our fill of excitement prior to returning on Sunday.
We dove for 8 hours, and arrived downtown at about 4PM amidst the crowd. We called and met Libby, John’s sister, at here office building, one of the largest in New Orleans. She brought us to meet her boss, a native and longtime parade supporter (Krewe member). They have about 8 or 9 parades a day for a week and the parades are just another reason to party. Anyway, her boss pointed from the 26th floor areas to avoid and areas to seek out. We then headed off to the French Quarter where the crowd at 5PM was light but it did not take long for the pace to quicken. We stayed there till about 1AM and from there drove to Libby’s for a late night snack prior to hitting the mattress.
The next day we had more fun with a parade and more Bourbon Street. I started with a run around the local community college while Libby took Juan, her 11 year old son, to a soccer game. When they arrived at the house - Juan lost but had a good time and scored a goal - we started with a little wine and snack for lunch. John and I went to a local market and picked up a barbeque chicken and sausage. Once of the nine parades, Endymion, that day starts a block from here house. For the first time ever I got caught up in the fever and jumped for beads like all the locals. I probably had a little help from the wine I had been drinking most of the day. Later we went back to the French quarter and pushed through the crowds. John had the good sense to drag me back by midnight.
The next day we headed back to Dallas careful not to ruin a nice visit by having an accident. I don’t know if I will do Mardi Gras again, but I enjoyed the trip and the party atmosphere. John and I talked about making the Jazz Festival held every year in April. We will see.
