We started the day off with breakfast at Cafe Du Monde in the French Quarter. The only things on the menu are beignets and coffee with chicory and the line is always down the street waiting for a table. The line moves quickly however, and we got a table and had our coffee and beignets, satisfying one of our New Orleans fixes.
We then walked down the street and stopped at the New Orleans Jazz National Historic Park Visitors Center. It is a small venue that hosts musical and other related cultural events, there and at a second venue at the Old U.S. Mint building further down Decauter Street in the French Quarter.
The Central Grocery is across the street from the Visitor's Center; we went there to get a mufaletta (lunch meat, cheese and an olive spread on a special round roll) to eat later. They are famous for their sandwiches and the line is usually very long around lunch time. Since we were early, we got in and out with our sandwich (large, cut in quarters). Judy also got a stuffed artichoke.
After walking around the French Quarter and Jackson Square for a little while, we drove to the National WWII Historical Museum, about a mile and a half away. This was the 4th time we have visited the museum . It started out as the WWII D-Day Museum under the guidance of Stephen Ambrose, the noted history author, who wanted to recognize the contributions of the local Higgins Boat Company. This once local business was primarily responsible for the design and manufacture of most of the landing craft (Higgins Boats) used in WWII amphibious landings.
Since our first visit, the museum has expanded and is now the official National WWII museum. More expansion is also planned. You have to see it to appreciate the scope of the effort and the impressive collection of artifacts, displays and AV presentations encompassing all aspects of the War. A special feature is a collection of oral histories by participants in the various battles and experiences of the time. If you are ever in the New Orleans area, it is a must-see attraction. Trip Advisor rates it as the Number 1 attraction in New Orleans and the third best museum in the country. Here is the link to their website that explains what they do:
National WWII Museum
We stayed until closing at 5:00 pm and still didn't see all of the new exhibits. I guess we will have to come back again some other time. There were a few WWII veterans there today (they get in free). They were mostly in wheel chairs and not looking too spry. The museum is a fitting tribute to them and others from that time, now mostly gone, who gave so much to their country, Hopefully, younger generations will visit the museum and perhaps gain some understanding of that terrible conflict and the sacrifices that so many made to ensure that our country remained free.
After returning to the RV and resting awhile, we went to the Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro for a jazz concert. We saw a Latin/Cuban jazz fusion septet that was very good. The setting was intimate in that maybe 25 people sat around tables in front of the stage with cocktail service provided. The group was lively and heavy on percussion. The band and the audience were all having fun and it was a great way to finish our short, but enjoyable New Orleans visit.
We have a short drive tomorrow to New Iberia, LA through Cajun country SW of New Orleans. We will have two nights there to catch up on our Cajun experiences. After that, no more fun and just long drives the rest of the way home.
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