My first Mardi Gras in New Orleans was in 2007, and I was pleasantly surprised that it was way more than the hot mess on Bourbon Street that the festival seems to be known for. It's more like a city-wide block party with good food and drinks, and fun parades with elaborate floats, costumes, and marching banks. And after a couple more visits, New Orleans has become one of my favorite cities in the country. I went back for Mardi Gras weekend this year, and I learned that yes, I am definitely eight years older and no, my body cannot take three straight days of partying anymore. But I could still appreciate the fun spirit in the city while attending the parades and parties! Here's some photos:
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| showing off my parade swag! |
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| saw quite a few bikes pimped out with beads and lights |
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| had to run across the parade route downtown |
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| walking through the Lower Garden District to get to another parade |
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| spent a whole afternoon/evening hanging out at the historic Columns Hotel |
