If You Don't Like My Peaches

"If You Don't Like My Peaches Then Don't Shake My Tree" was a featured song at the fabled Preservation Hall last night when we took in, what was of the most wonderful evenings of jazz we have ever experienced. The quintet was exactly what one would envision in a New Orleans jazz club. The personalities were unique and the music inspirational. My only regret being that we weren't allowed to shoot photos or take videos. However, prior to the show I was able to snap a few to try and capture the essence of the room and intimate surroundings.

I tell everyone I meet while enjoying their travels “if you want to come back, then first, you have to go home”. Well for once I partially followed my own advice and did come back, though we hadn’t gone home yet. A lovely Sunday afternoon was spent back in NOLA, exploring the French Quarter by foot once again. Mule drawn carriages were among the many sights, sounds and scenes changing continually while we touring the French Market just a block away from the boardwalk and the meandering Mississippi. Gumbo and live jazz was on the menu for lunch and both were exceptional. I also got to see my Riverboat up close and came to realize we have only touched the surface of discovering this inspirational southern Louisiana setting. I can now tick another one off the bucket list.

You Gotta Go the Extra Mile

I was dancing with Otto last night as he had been flirting with me for the past several days. First let me explain before you jump to any conclusions. Even though he had me tumbling in bed last night, it was not your regular roll in the sheets. Rather it was the rolling of the seas, as Hurricane Otto’s presence has been felt for the past three days, while his path has been crossing the western Caribbean. I do have to admit however, that though experiencing Otto wasn’t alarming, it was uncomfortable at times. Planning my escape route with life jacket on one arm and Jennifer on the other kept me awake long enough to realise I didn’t drink enough wine the night before. 

Once again you have to realize you’ve got to keep to the script and do your own thing or big brother cruise ship company, will lead you astray helping to lighten your wallet and provide you with a non memorable experience. You gotta go the extra mile. Today in Costa Maya, after escaping the hordes of cruisers in the port, we took a shuttle to town and just walked and walked the coast. There is so much more to see and appreciate at a fraction of the cost. No other tourists to be seen, no English to be spoken and cash in your wallet upon your return. What’s in your wallet? It was a two dollar cab fare per person, so what’s a two dollar tip on top for a very friendly and accommodating cabby?

Two days ago in Roatan Honduras, Jennifer opted for the package island tour as I was feeling under the weather but she came back with some super pictures and stories to tell. I wish I had been able to join her but all I managed was a short walk into town.

Now you may want to call me idealistic or unrealistic, but I find that the poorer and more under developed the island, the friendlier and more sincere the people. Consequently, this was my short experience in Roatan and conversely the opposite in Cozumel. The stopover in Harvest Caye, Belize was one of those why bother places to visit. I know there is so much more to Belize than being held captive once again, to an artificial beach experience courtesy of our congenial host. You can blow anyone off who tells you they know all about Belize because they went there on a cruise, and best refer back to your Fodders’ Travel Guide. Jennifer says I’m ranting again but did I mention I have been feeling under the weather? Oh well one beer down and another in the fridge. Maybe I shouldn’t be mixing alcohol with 8 Tylenol a day.

Rollin Down The River

As I reflect back on the required reading for Mrs. Patrick’s grade 7 English literature assignment, Tom Sawyer comes to mind. While reading about Tom and Huck Finn’s adventures by Mark Twain along the Mississippi, somehow my vision of the river got lost in the translation. My interpretation of Tom and Huck fishing along the banks of the sleepy Mississippi didn’t quite measure up to the reality of how grand a major river it is and how vital a role it plays in the economy of the south and mid west.  The paddle wheelers kindle thoughts of bygone eras when river gamblers and the dance halls flourished while transportation of cotton was at the forefront of the economy. Today the river is just as grand but transportation of petroleum products and corn in addition to all the other commodities required to fuel a thirsty economy, is even more apparent. It becomes abundantly clear that when flooding occurs, because of the low river banks, it does present a major challenge. While sailing down the Mississippi, in my ignorance, I did not realize that New Orleans is actually about 100 miles inland from the Gulf of Mexico. Passing huge ocean vessels and barges heading upstream really does underline the importance of this major world waterway.

Why would they bring in seven ships into Cozumel today? For the ship owned duty free shopping of course. Not for this traveler though. To see the throngs of people buying trinkets and t shirts for the sake of buying I guess is good for the local economy but what are they going to do with all that junk when you get home after having to pay excess baggage fees on top of it. I mean, what do you do with that Sombrero once your friends greeting you at the airport see you? Perhaps the jewelry is a good buy but how many rings can one put on eight fingers and two thumbs or bracelets on two arms? I’ll spend my money on a local taxi and cheap margaritas and head across the island and up the coast to a nice little hideaway on a lovely sandy beach for a swim, margaritas and polo fajitas. My principle objective is to avoid the loud arrogant crowds and interact with the locals. Of course that will be far more interesting and entertaining. Hola!!