Last Day of Adventure

After an eventful weekend, it was time to check off the last on the To Do in Boston List: visit the famous Museum of Science! With over 500 interactive exhibits and days worth of shows, this attraction surprisingly provides interest for all ages (a few professionals even told me that it was a good date place!). We started off with the Black Holes exhibit to which I found the most fantastic quote:


True story!

The Marine Animals exhibit took me back to the elementary school days, down the my second grade report on humpback whales. Mrs. Malittie would be proud!

Journey to the Edge of Space and Time planetarium show

After the Planetarium Show, we headed to see the cotton-top tamarin monkeys. Contrary to popular belief, there are actually over 100 live animals in the museum. Cute ones too!

Cotton-top tamarin monkeys!

We walked on over the CambridgeSide Galleria for lunch where they caught me with the free shrimp samples. Shrimp carbonara for lunch it is!

It was time to head back to South Station to get back to New York (only $17.50 on the Bolt Bus!). Boston, I shall return to watch a game in Fenway!

The Best of Boston

I was lucky to awaken to such a beautiful and sunny day in Boston after yesterday's dreary rain! Brit and I headed off to the Samuel Adams Brewery Tour in Jamaica Plains.

Tip: Get to the Samuel Adams Brewery Tour early! We arrived at 11AM and waited for the 11:40AM tour. If you come later in the afternoon, you might even be turned away. And know that it's not so much a tour, but a very fine tasting!

We first took part in the Beer Lover's Challenge, in which we could vote upon next fall's new flavor. I hope Sam Adams Pils beats Sam Adams Ale! Surprisingly, beyond receiving the tasting, the brewery also provided us with free 7oz. glasses as souvenirs. Good stuff!

We had the opportunity to try three different types: regular ale, summer ale, and a new research beer. The tour was a treasure as our guide was hilarious. Somebody asked "How many glasses of beer to do you drink a day since you do these tours?" His response was, "I wish that you would stay out of my personal life!" He would also give us toasts, such as, "Here's to everybody celebrating a birthday this year!" Ahaha, just a couple jokes amongst many!

Brit and I enjoying the Samuel Adams Brewery Tour

We headed off to the Prudential building as everybody told me I had to see the view. However, it was $12 for the observatory tour and/or one would have to buy something at the Top of the Hub restaurant. As I already saw the Bunker Hill view for free, this seemed quite unnecessary. Thus, we grabbed lunch instead!

Tip: If one shows his or her CharlieCard to the Prudential Building Customer Service Booth, one will receive a 10% discount card off most stores in the building!

The Boston Public Library was normal, but did provide a good children's photography exhibit downstairs. It also provided a chance to charge a camera battery!

We headed back to the Boston Public Gardens for a photoshoot where we ran into a man playing a guitar singing, "She got divorced and then she left me too!" Oh, geez.

On the world's smallest suspension bridge

Established in 1837, the Gardens were a creation by philanthropist Horace Gray. He petitioned for the land to be the first public botanical garden in the United States.

First statue ever built of George Washington

We walked through Commons to walk to the North End. There, one can see seals right outside the Aquarium! So cute! We soon met up with Brit's friend, Evona, and headed to the Hatch Shell for the free outdoor Beach Boys concert! Although the show started at 7PM and we arrived at 4PM, there was already a huge crowd present. We soon saw why as when I looked onstage, the Beach Boys were there themselves performing!

The Beach Boys!

We staked out a good patch of grass until the show and met the nicest Bostonians, a nice, older woman named Marilyn and some college students who came prepared with cookies, cheese, mojitos, and even a cutting board for cheese! Preparation.

On the bank of the Charles River, the sun set in front of the bowl-style stage. The Beach Boys concert was amazing to say the least; we spent two hours singing and dancing to all the greatest hits including "California Girls." Even John Stamos came out to play and perform "Forever" from the show "Full House."

After the concert, we walked by the bar featured in the comedy "Cheers" and headed off to The Living Room. We spent the night relaxing with some other "young professionals" and ate some delicious fried tempura avocado and dumplings. Eventful day, Boston!

At The Living Room. Height order was not on purpose and is not to scale!

Bostonian Culture

After enduring a four-hour bus ride (for only $10 I might add), losing my umbrella, dealing with a lost taxi cab driver, and standing in the pouring rain for a bit, I finally made it to Boston! After the night's ridiculous adventure, it was time to explore the city.

Brittany Burton had work that Friday, so her roommate was kind enough to walk me to the T station. The strong winds blew our umbrellas topsy-turvy while the misty rain sporadically came down on us. Let's hope for consistency!

The first stop was to the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA). Focused on contemporary art beginning 1948, the museum not only features the best-known contemporary artists, but has had a large hand in developing the artists themselves.

The two open galleries featured Shepard Fairey! Besides designing the world-recognized 2008 Presidential Election picture of Barack Obama, Freley was also responsible for the OBEY movement, an experiment in phenomenology.

The most famous of Fairey's work: The Obama Hope Poster

I thoroughly enjoyed the exhibit in part because of Fairey's background story: he started his career as a college student just making a practical joke with "Andre the Giant Has a Posse." His influences were not traditional artists, but rather hip hop culture, Warhol, and the Sex Pistols amongst others. He also understood the imagery utilized by Corporate America in advertising and soon he grew into making political and societal statements.

Next stop: Bunker Hill! This was easy to find as one would just have to walk towards the giant monument! Be warned; however, the reaching the top consists of climbing 294 steps up the circular staircase!

The Bunker Hill Monument

Of all the lost battles for the United States, the Battle of Bunker Hills was arguably the most important. It showed that the young country could stand against the British as they thwarted the British plans to invade Dorchester Heights. This led to the eventual dismissal of the British from Boston. I made my own mark by putting a coin through the window!

View from the Bunker Hill Monument plus my dime!

It was a walk down Freedom Trail to the U.S.S. Constitution, the oldest commissioned naval vessel afloat in the world. Charlestown was so quiet! Although a Friday afternoon, there were hardly people walking the sidewalks or cars driving in the streets. However, it does look like a very nice palace to raise a family!

The wait for the free tour on the Constitution lasted roughly forty-five minutes. Standing in line behind me was actually an individual that dated a girl that went to high school with somebody that lived on my floor freshman year of college! Further, he went to dinner at my roommate's apartment senior year; thus, he had dinner in my apartment before I moved in. Small world!

The U.S.S. Constitution a.k.a. "Old Ironsides"

The Constitution tour was fantastic! It was very interesting to learn that canonballs could not dent the boat because it was made out of live oak. Thus, the ship is nicknamed "Old Ironsides" as one of the original seamen shouted, "Huzzah! Her sides are made of iron!" during the War of 1812. They actually provided an interesting lecture as we learned all about "powder monkeys," the kickback of a canon, and how live oak only exists in the Southeastern United States.

Cannonballs!

One can also stroll next door to the U.S.S. Cassin., a destroyer commissioned in 1913 and utilized for WWII. The Constitution Museum was a good treasure as well. It was very heartfelt to see how the Constitution means so much to our nation's history and touchs the hearts of our veterans. It is a must-see in one's lifetime!

Tip: Make sure to watch the movie at the Constitution Museum! It will be well worth your time. Although super cheesy, you will learn a thing or two!

Brit and I met back at her place in South End . We chit-chatted a bit with the building mates and then took a night tour around B-town. We walked from the Prudential Building to the Public Gardens to Common and to the North End. Nice and quiet!

We ran into Brit's friends on the way back to the apartment and headed to "Our House" for a bit. As Northeastern's local campus bar, one can only stay there for a bit!

The Glen Ridge To Do List

Today's wake up began at 9AM without an alarm clock! Prepared for breakfast, I ate an almond croissant and then Greg made me eggs while I discovered the Business and Travel sections of the NY Times.

After fooling around on the piano for a bit, it was time for a run in cute, small town America! The humidity actually served as a plus to keep the morning from being too cold. Unfortunately, the Glen Ridge High School did NOT have a track to run on, so up and down the neighborhoods it was! The run did provide me the chance to find the EXACT gas lamp that I wanted to take a picture of. Before every trip, I organize a list of things that I must do (and perhaps do) on each journey.

At the heart of small town America

The Glen Ridge To Do List:
1) Picture of a gaslamp
2) Visit Freeman Gardens
3) Walk the GR Bike Path to the gazebo
4) Play the paddleball courts
5) Potential shopping spree (no tax on clothes in NJ!)

One of the trademark legacies of Glen Ridge is its many gaslamps. Although the city is only 1.3 square miles large, it boasts 665 gas lamps out of the 3,000 that remain in the nation.

One of 665 gaslamps the city is known for

The Paddleball Courts on Belleville had no people, so it was completely unexciting, but the opportunity was provided to take some nice pictures. The gazebo, on the other hand, was actually a nice sight to see as it lay next to small waterfalls and a small river and dam. Again, another photo opportunity!

The Glen Bike Path and Gazebo

Bloomfield College is quite nice with its Romanesque-style architecture for its theater. The 12-acre campus truly reflects the area's history and architecture. There is actually pretty decent shopping nearby as small boutiques abound Liberty and Broad Street.

The Robert V. Van Fossan Theater

The walk to Freeman Gardens took a bit, but soon I was at Maolis and Hawthorne. Now operated by the Borough Recreation, it is actually taken care of by resident volunteers. The rose garden was worth it as it was the perfect place to sit and read a book. There, I helped a senior citizen in his wheelchair where he soon blessed me and everyone in my family. Ahaha.

Freeman Gardens

It was time to go back to the 1950s house and take a nap! We soon jumped in the car to go shopping where we discovered a furniture store in the tail-end of a liquidation sale. Somehow, Greg and I negotiated a $1,200 rug for only $170! Skill, baby, skill.

That night, I had a good ole' Chinese take out dinner with Greg's parents while watching "Coming to America" (Yes, I know what I wrote). Gina Roco called and soon we were off at Club Bliss nearby in Clifton. It was pretty decent for a club in the suburbs! Good stuff, Glen Ridge!

Club Bliss in Clifton

Glen Ridge, New Jersey

Before moving to New York City, some time was spent in the little town of Glen Ridge, New Jersey! Greg, another traveler who I met in New Orleans, came all the way from Brooklyn to help me carry my bags. Taking the NJ transit was only $5 to reach thirty minutes outside of New York City, but apparently that is expensive! Go figure.

Although the weather was sprinkling, Glen Ridge seemed to have beautiful homes that look like they came straight from the 1950s. They were so nice that I made the mistake of assuming the Glen Ridge Public Library was another gorgeous home!

We had dinner at the local hotspot of Nevada Diner in nearby Bloomingfield. The little dinner actually provided a tasty chicken quesadilla and a good egg cream milkshake. Note: Make sure to ask for the vanilla milkshake!

Nevada Dinner quesadilla

Back at the parentals' house, I learned to play the bass (i.e. I used the bow to make somewhat of a sound) . Onto tomorrow and my Glen Ridge To Do List!

Hasta Luego, Cancun!

This morning was the last opportunity to hit a Caribbean beach! I headed off to Playa Caracol and enjoyed the fine, white sand and warm, crystal blue sea. Sigh...one last dip!

Playa Caracol a.k.a. Paradise

Visiting the flea market, I bought a doll for the mom and a country-specific shot glass. We headed off to the CUN airport where it turns out that they could put us on a later flight. Since there was no transfer during the new flight, it actually arrived sooner than our original plan. So, we waited about a couple hours more to get home sooner!

Saying goodbye to the Cancun Clipper Club

I ended up talking to an ASU Resident Advisor for the two hours, so it was no problem at all. Hasta luego, Cancun!

The Mayan Ruins

Early rise today at 6:30AM to get to our tour at 7:30AM. Ssshh!

Today would be the Chichen Itza tour. Although early, we were excited to see the Mayan Ruins! Over 1,500 years old, the Chichen Itza is the largest of the archaeological cities of the pre-Columbian Maya civilization in the Yucatan Peninsula.

It was a long two-hour drive, but the sleep and rest were well worth it! On the way there, we stopped at Cenote Suytun, a giant, beautiful sink hole! The sink hole is believed to be holy to the ancient Rain God "Chac". Those who were thrown in the sinkhole and survived were to be seers. Although I didn't originally plan on jumping in, it looked like too much fun! I'm glad I took the plunge!

Cenote Suytun sinkhole. The water felt great!

Lunch was great as we watched a dancing performance and met some NYC girls. The Columbian woman sitting next to me tried the spicy sauce. NOT a good move as she had the same reaction as Steph did at Chocko's & Tere!

Note: Do NOT try the spicy sauce in Cancun. Your tongue will not forgive you.

Chichen Itza is considered the most impressive of all the Mayan ruins. The pyramid, "El Castillo," has 91 steps to the top! After a worldwide vote in 2007, El Castillo is considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

In front of El Castillo at the Mayan Ruins

At the Mayan Ruins, we met five boys Houston boys. Houston did hold a special place as that's where I spent my 21st birthday! While listening to the lecture, we bonded because we were all under the understanding that it was spring break! So, we started getting creative with our photographs such as cartwheels in the ball court!

Cartwheeling in the ball court!

It was quite interesting to listen to the echos sound off the ruin's walls. When our guide whistled, the echo would bounce all around. We were also lucky enough to visit during the spring equinox! The spring equinox occurs when the sun lies directly over the equator. Equinox literally means "equal night" as the number of hours of night equals the exact number of hours of day. The Kulkulkan temple is the most popular spot to watch the equinox because the sun's shadows make a serpeant appear to slither up and down the steps of the pyramid.

The spring equinox! Can you see the serpeant?

There were so many people ready to watch the serpeant appear on the pyramid. With the many cameras, it was like we were back in Pisa!

The two hours back were spent sleeping again. We relaxed a bit before going out to Dady Rock and Dady O's. We bought the Dady 'O Party Adventure package that included dinner, admission, and all-inclusive at both clubs. The waiter would even consistently come back to our table bringing us anything we wanted. Total VIP status!

At Dady O's, we used another coupon and got a t-shirt! And while dancing, beads were thrown to the crowd (do I really need more beads after Mardi Gras? Haha). Steph and I were dancing and all of a sudden I heard, "USC!" I paused a bit because I didn't realize who it was at first, but then it hit me when I looked at all five of them; it was the Houston boys! Haha. They cleaned up so nice with their collared shirts from the baseball caps and workout shorts I originally met them in!

With some Houston boys

We spent the rest of the night talking to the H-town boys and bouncing between Dady Rock and Dady 'O. Time for home at 4AM. Thanks for the equinox, Chichen Itza!

Oh, Spring Break...

We "slept" in today until 10AM. That's a revitalizing four whole hours of sleep!

We went to grab the Purdue boys that took the Isla Mujeres cruise with us the day before. From a coupon ad, we headed off to Plaza La Isla to visit Diamonds International. There, they gave away free "diamond" bracelets (i.e. gold with one tiny little diamond on the dot of the "i"). I loved it nonetheless!

Happy with my new bracelet

The others decided that it would be a good idea to take a stroll along the beach instead of taking the bus - here we go! We did acquire some free coconut juice from some locals though. They found it hilarious watching us trying to break open the coconut.

Enjoying the free coconut juice

We headed to the Oasis Hotel, MTV's official hotel where they held a daily Beach Bash. It was an hour and a half walk, but I actually liked it! It helped that we could stop and take a little dip in the Caribbean Sea along the way.

Visiting the Oasis's beach was not a problem; however, to actually attend the party, one would need to pay $25. I was able to walk in okay, but Swastick was stopped. He yelled after me, "You need to pay!" and thus, the security guard stopped me as well. The cute guy next to me and I couldn't believe he ruined it! Haha. We somehow managed to be allowed in anyways and watched the rap contest. Looking around, I was surrounded by ALL guys! Sketchy!

MTV Spring Break Beach Bash

We swam in the ocean a bit and headed back on the bus to the Clipper Club. Options for the night:

-Ladies Night @ Basic Discotheque
-Ladies Night @ Bulldog's
-Caribbean Carnival Cruise with the Purdue boys

Carnival Cruise it was! At the tour, there was another group of Purdue boys! I spent the rest of the night talking to Monil and Aansh. Our emcee, Fernando, was VERY spring break as he just loved to yell obscenities. Haha. We went back to Isla Mujeres for dinner and the show. The show was actually quite boring, so Monil and I spent the night discussing how they should just let everyone go up on stage and dance!

Isla Mujeres audience

The sisters won the wet t-shirt contest - of course! Haha, still we just wanted to dance! The $66 wasn't really worth the cruise, but hey, it's one time at spring break!

Cruises, Sharks, Clubs, & Sunrises

Today we had an 8:30AM wake up call. Not too shabby as we received almost seven whole hours of sleep! We took the bus to our boat cruise with on the Lupita Trimaran catamaran.

Tip: Buses are great in the Hotel Zone! It's only 650pesos equivalent to approximately 50 US cents per ride!

The locals working in the tourism industry in Cancun love flirting with tourists as we soon learned! Most did seem to enjoy the work as well. When asked if the boat crew member loved living in Cancun, he simply pointed at the ocean and said, "Mama, look at my office!"

The crystal blue Caribbean Sea - no photoshop involved!

In the middle of the Caribbean, we went snorkeling! There were plenty of dory fish on the way to Isla Mujeres. We also passed by a dancing nudist boat to which our captain yelled, "Shake it, don't break it!"

Upon arriving at Isla Mujeres, we had the opportunity to hold a shark! Petting him was a bit scary though as the little guy liked to jump around!

Petting a nurse shark

After lunch at the Beach Club, we jumped back on the boat to head to Downtown Isla for some shopping! At Pier 7, one could buy a seashell and blow it like a trumpet. After several unsuccesful attempts, even the local who was teaching gave up on me!

Ironically, some other Purdue spring breakers on the boat happened to be staying in the same hotel as us (207 & 210)! We actually met up with them for dinner at Chocko's & Tere where the buttered shrimp was amazing. I was originally drawn to the restaurant because of the lobster dressed in a tuxedo out front. One could actually sign the lobster and the entire restaurant as well - good marketing!

Signing the lobster at Chocko's & Tere

Later that night, we went on the Party Hopper tour that we had purchased before the trip. The Party Hopper tour takes each attendee to three different, popular bars/clubs. All night, along with about a hundred others, hoppers are taken care of and treated like VIPs. Our agenda that night: Corona Bar, Senor Frogs, and The City where Sean Paul would be performing!

In our group, there were a bunch of Indiana folk (of course!) and we met Ariel (his real name is pronounced "God") and Sagi who we stayed with over the course of the night. Our guide, Carlos, was fantastic as he would come up to us and ask what we wanted to drink. Even when I didn't ask for anything, he would bring water! Fantastic!

Party Hopper Crew

We then headed on over to the famous Senor Frogs! We sat out by the patio just talking and then back inside to dance! At City, we were VIP as Party Hopper reserved not only a room, but a platform. City was the largest club I've been to, much larger than CocoBongo. The show was unpredictable as lights would come down from the ceiling and giant balloons fell. Sean Paul finally showed and performed.

Sean Paul performing!

The City Club - crazy!

We walked Steph back to the hotel at 2AM and Sagi and I stayed out by the lagoon until about 6:30AM watching the sunrise! It was so relaxing to watch the sunrise and listen to the birds chirp with silence all around. Good stuff!

Cancun Spring Break, Woo!

5AM wake up call for Cancun. SPRING BREAK, woo! Ironically, it was St. Patrick's Day as well.

The airport experience was usual as we had to get our passports checked and verified; I tend to always have to get an extra security check. Looking around, we were apparently going to Cancun with a bunch of families and senior citizens. Woohoo!

Alaska Airlines got us to CUN airport half an hour early and yes, the timeshares were already trying to sell to us! Since we booked our airline tickets and our hotel through Expedia, Best Day took care of our shuttle. They were VERY helpful and we were glad to have them.

The Hotel Cancun Clipper Club had a cute pool with a bridge and overlooks the lagoon. A beach would have been nice, but we were within walking distance, so it was all good!

At MeXtreme, we had some mango daiquiris and fish tacos. Our waiter, Sergio, loved us!

Happy to finally be in Cancun!

After the flight, it was nice to have a little nap time by the lagoon - so relaxing! Our Best Day representative had an appointment to meet us to help with booking activities. Luckily, our representative convinced Stephanie to go out to CocoBongo! Sweet!

Relaxing in paradise

Before heading out, Steph took another nap and I layed out by the hammock journaling. Love it! It was soon time to head off to CoCoBongo! The hotel location was fantastic as we could just walk anywhere on the strip.

CocoBongo is consistently ranked as Cancun's #1 nightspot! With capacity for 1,800 people, the club is always packed as it not only serves as a disco but a show as well! Security was strict as they took away my eyedrops. Once inside, the show started right at 11PM. The show itself was fantastic as Elvis, Frank Sinatra, and Beyonce impersonators all made appearances. With the acrobatic-Cirque-du-Soleil-style performance, it very much resembled the Moulin Rouge!

Frank Sinatra performance

The acrobats in action!

In the middle of the club was a quad bar we danced on all night. It served as a good safety zone since boys weren't allowed on. Good music and everyone had a great time singing along and watching the performances. Woohoo!

The excitement known as CocoBongo!

Habitat for Humanity: Giving Back to New Orleans

6:15AM wakeup call for Habitat for Humanity! If one truly wants to experience New Orleans, one needs to understand the after effects of Hurricane Katrina. Albeit the fact that it is impossible to empathize with the tragedy experienced, the attempt must be made. Thus, for us, the best way to try to understand would be to participate in the rebuilding of the city.

Chad and Susy came with us to Musician's Village. This area was created after the Hurricane to bring musicians back to Nola. The idea was created by natives Harry Connick Jr. and Branford Marsalis to make sure music, the heart of New Orleans, would be kept alive. Thus, displaced musicians and their families can live in this area that will serve as a place for teaching and preserving music.

Musician's Village; rebuilding New Orleans

The area was flooded over five fee high, so as one can imagine, the foundations were extremely tall! The four of us worked with Angie, an 18-year-old Americorps member who decided to spend a gap year helping others. Amazing!

As the foundation serves as the most important part of any construction, we double checked to make sure nails laid where they were supposed to. Second, we actually went under the foundation to push up and fix any nails that weren't attached to boards. It was hard work and somehow each time I struggled would be the same time that the cute Volunteer Coordinator would see me!

The foundation raised high enough to avoid the past tragedy

We had lunch at Poppa's Seafood; it was only $1.25 for a burger! Sweet!

After lunch, we built three huge walls. The boys took just half a dozen hits to nail in the wood - too bad it took me over twenty times! Ahaha.

Yeah, Habitat for Humanity!

At the end of the day, the taxi never came. We had our personal taxi and called the company, but neither came through. Luckily, we found a sweet old woman who offered us a ride! As it was a far ride over the freeway, we gave her $20 as a thank you. She didn't want to take it, but I responded as we ran out, "Oh, but we're already out of the car, bye!" Southern hospitality!

I took a quick walk down Magazine Street before leaving for the airport. Conclusion: I love Nola!

Mardi Gras!

We had a 7:30AM wake up call! I grabbed my Venetian mask and we were ready to go!

Note: The entire season of parades and festivities is known as Carnival. Contrary to popular belief, Mardi Gras is actually just one day, the last Tuesday...TODAY!

Our Venetian masks for Mardi Gras!

Out of all the kings, Zulu is the only one to be able to choose his own queen. The Zulu parade is favored by locals and tourists alike as during this parade, coconuts (a.k.a. "Golden Nuggets") are passed out! An older gentleman next to me copied the idea of holding a hat to get attention for beads and yelling "Hey, Mister Zulu!" - whatever works! He was so kind that he actually lifted me up to the height of the floats, so that I could get a coconut. I actually have a full conversation with the Zulu float person, yet he still didn't give me a coconut; it was harsh!

Even while sitting on Chad's AND Susy's shoulders, I managed to get stuffed animals and beads, but no coconut! We soon had the brilliant idea of putting a beer into the hat, and you guessed it! We scored a coconut for Susy!

Greg called and we met up with him at the Walgreens. On the way there, I asked an eleven-year-old to trade for some awesome New Orleans-specific beads that listed all the major attractions. He used my cell phone and I gave him a poker set strand.

We walked with Greg to meet up with his friends at Voodoo BBQ, voted the best BBQ in Nola. I asked the bartender for something non-alcoholic to which she responded, "Oh, honey, there's nothing like that here." Ahaha.

The Rex Parade

The Rex Krewe was the first to hold an outdoor parade and thus, led the way for the celebration of Carnival and Mardi Gras as we know it! They also started the tradition of giving away "doubloons," medals with the parade's emblem. At the King Rex parade, one of the Jersey boys complained that he couldn't get any beads. Low and behold, when he took my hat and offered a beer, we acquired an entire BAG full of beads, cups, a Rex baseball, and a stuffed animal. Love it!

The Rex Parade ended and we headed over to Brian Baskin's friend's house for a kickback. Best thing about meeting old friends of someone you just met? They can tell you all of the embarrassing stories! Ahaha.

We played Jenga for a bit and then Greg was gracious enough to walk me over half and hour back to the hostel and then back. Becky, Susy, Chad and I then grabbed dinner at the Garden Cafe and we soon found out that we had a birthday girl at the hostel. Thus, we took Rachel to Bourbon of course!

Mardi Gras festivities!

Everywhere we went, she shouted, "It's my birthday!" and she received beads galore! We then headed off to the Maple Leaf Bar from a tip from the people we met at The Spotted Cat. At arrival, the locals stared at us intently, but once I yelled "Happy Mardi Gras!", they were so welcoming!

Rebirth playing "The Mardi Gras Mambo!"

The Rebirth Brass Band was fantastic and we danced the night away! I ended up talking to some nice people who said that they were in the parade and that they were at The Spotted Cat yesterday. After about ten minutes, I realized that they were the same ones we spoke to last night! I kept quiet. Ahaha.

Rebirth Brass Band

Hats off to Mardi Gras!

Jazz and Beads and More Jazz and Beads!

I woke up this morning and apparently, somebody had stolen my fettucini alfredo from the hostel's refrigerator. Grr!

We headed down the street to the New Orleans School of Cooking! Located in a renovated molasses warehouse, one can really learn how to cook Southern-style! Beyond the amazing cooking lesson, the chef was so funny and entertaining! Kevin, standing at 6'6" and over 300lbs., told so many jokes like, "Mardi Gras is great. You can dress up as anything you want. Me, I'm going as a small person." Ahaha.

Learning at the New Orleans School of Cooking

The show was fantastic and the cooking was delicious! The cornbread was truly amazing and delectable as it gently crumbled in your mouth.

By the Riverwalk, King Zulu held a Lundi Gras outdoor jazz concert! The year 2009 is monumental for the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club as it marks the club's 100th anniversary. The community came out while we danced the electric slide Nola-style (no cross-over step)! The day was beautifully sunny and I was in heaven!

Mr. Big Stuff! Another member of Zulu's Krewe

The Lundi Gras Jazz Concert presented by the Zulus!

At Jackson Square, I bought a gorgeous $35 oil painting from a local artist and then took a walk along the Mississippi River before checking out the Riverwalk Mall. Also known as Place d'Armes, was unfortunately the prime site for the public execution of disobedient slaves during the 18th and early 19th centuries. Today, there is a rich diversity of locals and tourists along with street painters and performers.

It was soon time for the arrival of King Rex and King Zulu! In New Orleans tradition, Mardi Gras cannot occur unless the mayor provides his or her blessing. Thus, King Rex asked Mayor Nagin for his blessing. He responded, "Wait, you want me to cancel school? (cheers) You want me to have no laws tomorrow? (cheers) So you're saying that people can run around drunk without getting arrested? (louder cheering) I concur!" Haha, no where else in the country!

Arrival of King Zulu from the U.S. Coast Guard

It was; however, very touching and empowering to hear the Mayor speak of the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Only four years earlier, the city had been drastically distraught and nearly wiped away. The city still has heavy remnants of the disaster, but it is amazing to see how far the city has bounced back. The speech was appropriately ended with fireworks!

The celebration after the mayor declares that Mardi Gras shall occur!

Becky and I headed off to Kevin's Restaurant, Lil' Dizzy's where I enjoyed the shrimp. The waitress showed some more Southern Hospitality as she would sit down right next to you!

It was soon time for yet another parade. Chad and Suzy from the hostel met up with us at the corner of Poydras and Tchoupitoulas to watch the Orpheus parade. Orpheus is the largest of the new krewes and is anticipated as the best night parade on the Monday before Mardi Gras. Joan Rivers was the Grand Marshal and worked so hard to please the crowd with goodies - I received a plastic cup from her!

After hours of needing a bag, Becky finally caught the attention of Jim Belushi. "Do you want a bag?" he yelled. And so Becky got it!

Suzy and I then beg for about ten minutes for a football necklace from a stopped float. "Hey, Mister. Is that for giving out? Hey, Mister! Can we have the football bead? Down here!" Haha, but after our tenacity (and another guy hiding from us), we got it!

The hostel crew!

It was time to finally check out some Nola jazz! We headed off to The Spotted Cat Jazz Club on Frenchman Street. It was very low-key with quite an intimate sitting. A few people danced and only locals seemed to congregate there - love it!

As everyone stood in close proximity because of the limited space, I ended up meeting Greg Robbins and the rest of his friends from New Jersey. After a good conversation (mostly about how Jersey smells), we said we would meet up the next day for the Zulu and Rex parades. Soon after, we met some locals that told us to check out The Maple Leaf the next night if we liked jazz. As they would be in the parade, I was supposed to yell, "Spotted Cat" so they would remember me.

On our way back home, we took Bourbon Street! Chad had stated that he tried flashing the night before, but came home with zero beads. I simply raised my hand and said, "Hey, I want beads!" and some just magically appeared! Haha.

Thanks to a tip that we received from the Canadians, we actually headed up onto the balcony at the Cat's Meow! It was just as much fun throwing beads down to people and making them dance for them! Suzy actually used her skill to wrangle a necklace around a random guy video recording. Props!

Cat's Meow provided a good time as they had karaoke downstairs! What a good, crazy, fun night! Lundi Gras is done, but onto the surprises of Mardi Gras!