Monaco, known for being home to more billionaires per square meter than anywhere else in the world, is not often associated with budget travel. However, don’t let its tiny size and large population of wealthy residents discourage you from visiting this beautiful principality, located on the stunning French Riviera. With smart planning, you can appreciate the luxurious sights and vibrant culture of Monaco without emptying your wallet. From affordable lodging options to inexpensive attractions, restaurants, and bars, it is possible to enjoy this high-end destination on a shoestring budget.

Where to Stay on a Shoestring?

While many assume that only luxury hotels line the streets of Monaco, there are actually several options available for those looking to experience the principality without breaking the bank. If you prefer staying close to Monte Carlo, opt for the centrally located Novotel Monte Carlo. This hotel offers comfortable rooms, a small gym, and even some deals for visitors on a budget.

You might consider a rental in Cap Ferrat, but there are also more affordable accommodation options to choose if you consider a rental in Monaco itself. Several vacation rentals provide budget-friendly choices for travelers willing to book further in advance or select more modest accommodations.

Monaco’s History and Scenic Beauty on a Budget

No trip to Monaco would be complete without enjoying its lovely gardens, landmark buildings, and beautiful harbor. The best part is that you can admire these attractions for free! Simply walk along the breathtaking Monte Carlo Harbor, marvel at the opulent yachts, and witness the impressive procession of luxury cars passing by every day.

If you’re interested in exploring Monaco’s rich cultural history, consider visiting sites like the Monaco Cathedral, where you can pay your respects to former rulers and royalty interred there. Another must-see location is the Oceanographic Museum, where you can view stunning marine life exhibits for a relatively affordable entrance fee.

Savor the Flavors of Monaco Without Overspending

Believe it or not, Monaco offers a variety of dining options that cater to diverse budgets, allowing visitors to indulge in delicious cuisine without going broke. For example, indulge in some authentic local fare from eateries along the Rue Princess Caroline pedestrian street. Whether craving Italian, seafood, or traditional Monegasque dishes, you’ll find reasonably priced choices to accommodate every palate.

Additionally, venturing off the beaten path by exploring Monaco’s residential neighborhoods enables budget-savvy travelers to discover hidden gems offering affordable meals. From cozy bakeries and cafés to family-owned restaurants, you can make satisfying gastronomic discoveries without straining your wallet.

Mingle with Both Locals and Tourists

While Monaco is famous for its extravagant casinos and posh nightclubs, you needn’t spend a fortune to experience the principality’s lively night scene. Instead of opting for expensive venues, check out some local bars and pubs offering more moderately priced drinks and entertainment – you’ll come across friendly locals and fellow travelers alike.

Bear in mind that by avoiding the temptation to gamble at one of the luxe casinos like Casino de Monte-Carlo, you can still savor an unforgettable evening out while adhering to your budget plan.

Contrary to popular belief, Monaco doesn’t have to be exclusively enjoyed by those with deep pockets. With careful planning and a keen eye for affordable alternatives, it is entirely possible to explore this magnificent principality on a budget. From lodging and dining options to activities and nightlife adventures, following a budget-conscious approach allows anyone to experience the best that Monaco has to offer without overspending.

There are numerous benefits to keeping a travel journal. It’s one of the best ways to preserve memories of the places you visited and people you met, reflect and gain new insight about yourself and the world around you, and even inspire creativity.

So get yourself a personalized spiral bound book and use these tips to start.

Plan Writing Sessions

It’s easy to get distracted these days by not just work and personal obligations but also TikTok videos, podcasts, and endless TV shows. And there are a lot more distractions when traveling.

So planning your writing session is the first step to keeping a detailed travel journal.

Here’s how:

• Choose a time of day that works best for you to write. Maybe you’re sharp in the morning, or else a night owl
• Find a location that inspires you to write and helps you focus beforehand, whether that’s in your hotel room or a quiet local café
• Consider setting an alarm as a way to alert you when it’s time for your writing session as there’s a chance you’ll forget
• While there’s no need to plan exactly what you’ll write about each day, it’s a good idea to make a list of topics or prompts to help you get started

Use Specific Details

When it’s time to write, you want to be specific. Using specific details in your travel journal is how you’ll remember your experiences more vividly and bring them to life for others who may read your journal in the future.

Here’s how:

• Try to use sensory details to describe your experiences in your journal. What do you see, hear, smell, taste, and feel? For example, instead of writing “I went to a market,” write “I visited a vibrant, colorful market bursting with exotic aromas buzzing with activity.”
• Write descriptions of the people you meet, such as their appearance, and their demeanor
• Record interesting or memorable conversations you have with locals, other travelers, or even yourself
• Describe the activities you do while traveling, including the locations you visit, the food you eat, and any interesting cultural experiences

Include Visuals

Why not take things a step further and include visuals in your travel journal for a more immersive read?

Here’s how:

• Include sketches of the places you visit, the food you eat, and the people you meet. Even if you’re not an artist, simple sketches can be a great way to add visual interest to your journal
• Take photographs, print them out, and paste them into your journal under the corresponding notes, or on the back page
• Collect ephemera such as tickets, postcards, and brochures from the places you visit, and use stickers or washi tape to include them in your journal
• Add maps of the places you visit as a visual aid to help you remember where you went and what you did
• Use colored pens to add color and visual interest to your journal by highlighting different experiences or differentiating between different days

Recording your travels is one more way to keep your experiences alive. Luckily, you can easily keep a travel journal by planning writing sessions, using specific details when you write and adding visuals to further enhance your writing.

 

Traveling around the world can be a dream for many, but it can also be quite expensive. However, it is possible to see the world without breaking the bank. Whether you’re looking for the cheapest places to fly to in Mexico or the best bargain accommodations on the road, you have more options than you think you do!

Here are some tips on how to travel around the world on a budget:

Plan ahead

Planning ahead is key to saving money when traveling. Booking flights, accommodation, and transportation in advance can often result in significant savings. Additionally, researching and planning your itinerary in advance can help you find deals and discounts on activities and tours.

Be flexible

Being flexible with your travel dates and destination can also save you money. For example, traveling during the off-season or to less popular destinations can result in lower prices for flights and accommodation. Additionally, being open to staying in budget accommodations, such as hostels or vacation rentals, can save you money without sacrificing too much comfort.

Look for deals and discounts

There are many websites and apps that offer deals and discounts on travel. For example, sites like Groupon and LivingSocial often have deals on activities and tours, while apps like Hopper can help you find the best prices on flights. Additionally, many credit cards offer travel rewards or discounts, so be sure to check with your bank before booking your trip.

Use public transportation

Using public transportation can save you a lot of money when traveling. In many cities, buying a transit pass for the week or month can be much cheaper than paying for individual rides. Additionally, in many countries, it is cheaper to take a bus or train than to fly.

Be mindful of food expenses

Food can be a big expense when traveling, but there are ways to save money. For example, eating at local markets or street food vendors can be much cheaper than eating at restaurants. Additionally, many budget accommodations, such as hostels, offer kitchen facilities so that you can cook your own meals.

Be prepared to be frugal

Traveling on a budget requires a certain level of frugality. This means being willing to forego some luxuries, such as staying in fancy hotels or eating at fancy restaurants. However, by being frugal, you can experience all that the world has to offer without breaking the bank.

Consider budget accommodation options

Accommodation can be one of the biggest expenses when traveling, but there are many budget-friendly options available. For example, hostels are a great option for budget-conscious travelers. Many hostels offer dormitory-style rooms with shared bathrooms, and they often have common areas where you can meet other travelers.

Additionally, some hostels offer private rooms with shared bathrooms, which can be a good option for those who want a bit more privacy. Another option is Couchsurfing which is a platform that allows you to stay with a local host for free.

In conclusion, traveling around the world on a budget is possible, but it does require some planning, flexibility, and frugality. By following the tips outlined above, you can see the world without spending all of your savings. So, start planning your budget-friendly trip today and see where your travels will take you!

Nestled along the United States East Coast is the beautiful state of South Carolina. This place has a great history, pristine shorelines, great southern-style food, and diverse wildlife.

Although you can visit many places in the state, one of the highlights would be the suburban town of Mount Pleasant. It is situated in the Low Country, and it is the largest town in the entire state. As one of the centers of growth in the late 90s and early 2000s, the town has tons of places to be and activities to do. In this article, we will talk all about Mount Pleasant – its history, the places to be, the things to do, and many more. If, after having read this article, we have convinced you to visit the town, do check out our recommendations for Mount Pleasant vacation rentals on the best and most affordable staycation places in the area.

Brief History

The history of Mount Pleasant goes as far back as the 17th century. It was the Sewee Indians who first settled in the area and arrived from England back in the 1680s. Over the years, people have gradually moved into the village, and basic facilities and services, such as ferries, were added in as well. Mount Pleasant was given its name for its stunning views and its high location between Buffalo and Adams Creek. Come 1859, German settlers moved into the area, which caused the population to rise significantly. After some time, the settlement had enough population to be formally incorporated as a town.

Shem Creek

When visiting Mount Pleasant, be sure to take a stroll along Shem Creek. Most of the town’s neighborhoods, including Coleman Boulevard, are traversed by this little creek before emptying into Cooper River. Although the creek isn’t that long, it’s one of the most ideal locations to do plenty of outdoor activities. Along the creek, you can find great restaurants and sites where you can see unique wildlife. Towards the end of the creek, you’ll find a boardwalk and a covered area where you can sit back, relax, and go fishing if you like. During your vacation, visit Shem Creek if you want to spend a leisurely day.

Pitt Street Bridge Park

The town of Mount Pleasant and Sullivan’s Island are connected by this historic bridge. Pitt Street Bridge was constructed in 1898. Back then, a trolley car was commissioned to run across it. After some time, the bridge was developed and widened to allow personal and private vehicles to cross. After the current route to Sullivan’s Island was completed in 1945, the Pitt Street Bridge was decommissioned from service. Now, when you arrive here, you’ll discover a park with a row of palm trees and a green field along the sea. Come here to see more cargo ships and the well-known Carnival cruise ship pass by. It’s a cool place to hang out where you can unwind with your friends for a laid-back afternoon.

Boone Hall Plantation

One of the oldest continuously operating plantations in the United States is Boone Hall Plantation. This place has a long history going back as far as 300 years, to the 1680s. Crops have been grown continually on the 470-acre plantation for roughly 320 years. As one of the country’s most historical sites, it has welcomed tourists since 1956. Structures resembling those seen on a plantation during the Antebellum era can be found here. Among these structures are the plantation house, rustic cottages, beautiful gardens, and the famed Avenue of Oaks, where trees were first planted in 1743. You can take part in guided tours when you visit. Additionally, a number of events, such as the yearly Lowcountry Strawberry Festival and the Boone Hall Farms Market, are held here.

 

Wedding Transportation can be one of the most stressful parts of organising the wedding, you may be struggling to decide exactly what vehicle you would like to arrive in or it may even be that you have a specific style or look that you want to go with your wedding theme. It can be so difficult to make your final decision but the best thing that you can do is ask advice from a professional wedding transportation company to determine what the best types of cars are for you and the rest of your wedding party.

So, what are some of the options that will be available if you are wanting to hire wedding transportation vehicles. The most obviously vehicle of choice for a wedding would be a luxury limousine and this is usually for the bridal party. A limousine oozes style and luxury and it is the perfect fit for any wedding day. The other benefit to hiring a limousine for the bridal party is that you can also travel with your parents and your bridesmaids, depending on how many people you have in your wedding party. If you are looking to have a larger bridal party you may want to hire two limousines or look to some of the other options available that can hold more passengers.

If you have a larger bridal party there is the option for a limo bus or a small coach bus. This allows your guests to join in too and you can accommodate the travel of a vast majority of your wedding party to and from the ceremony and then on to the party itself, if it is being carried out at a different location. Whatever transport you choose for your guests you can be absolutely sure that they will be looked after and they will enjoy a top quality service from a professional company. They will do everything to ensure a smooth journey and even more importantly to get everyone where they need to be on time.

If you are looking to book travel and transportation for the whole party of guests then there is a large coach vehicle that has been very well maintained, clean and with a toileting facility available on board. This could be essential if your wedding destination is quite a distant away. It will ensure that all your guests are comfortable throughout the duration of their travel, and this is a priority for a professional transportation company.

Whether you are looking for wedding transportation for a small or large part of your wedding party there are many options available for you to choose from and the most important thing is that you as the bride and groom are the most looked after and you are able to enjoy your wedding day without having the added burden of deciding how you will travel to and from your wedding and knowing that whatever transport you choose will be the very best that is available.

 

Going on vacation can be exciting, relaxing, and a lot of fun as long as you choose the right type of vacation and destination. People all have different opinions on the perfect vacation, and while some people love places where they can do nothing and chill out for a week or two, others want something that offers excitement and thrills.

If you fall into the latter group, one vacation type that could be perfect for you is a safari vacation. Whether you are travelling on your own, with your partner, or with your whole family, this can be a truly memorable and unique experience that you will remember for many years to come. In this article, we will look at some of the top reasons to consider a safari vacation if you are looking for excitement and adventure.

Some of the Reasons to Consider This Type of Vacation

There are many reasons you might want to consider this type of vacation experience. Some of the top ones are:

The Great Outdoors

You will find some wonderful destinations for your safari with excellent facilities and comfortable safari accommodation that is perfectly suited to your needs. However, when you are on this type of trip, you will spend a lot of your time outdoors enjoying excitement and adventure. These days, many of us get to spend very little time outdoors because of commitments such as work and family, but this type of vacation enables you to enjoy the thrill of the great outdoors, fresh air, and the chance to enjoy unique adventures.

An Educational Experience

Whether you are travelling alone or with others, a safari vacation can be a very educational experience. It can be particularly fulfilling if you are taking the kids along, as they will never learn as much about wildlife in a classroom as they will when they experience it in person. Being able to get up close and personal with wildlife in its natural habitat can teach you a lot, and you will learn things that you never knew about various species. For those who want to enjoy educational wildlife and nature experiences, a safari is the perfect type of vacation.

A Chance to Get Closer to Nature

Following on from the last point, this type of vacation is the perfect way to get closer to nature, and this is not something that you get to do every day! Many people only have experiences of true nature from what they read, learn at school, or see on their TV screens. Being able to get close to nature in this way is something that offers a unique and amazing experience.

The Perfect Choice for Adventurers

If you consider yourself something of an adventurer, this type of vacation could be the ideal choice for you. This is an experience that you will remember for many years to come, and it will enable you to see wildlife and nature from a totally new perspective.

 

Lisbon is the capital of Portugal. As such, it offers a lovely list of tourist attractions and events that visitors can spend their time enjoying. Beyond that, Lisbon has plenty in the way of shopping, relaxing, and of course vacationing. Furthermore, Lisbon is a specifically historical city and has a lot of rich culture to offer visitors and tourists alike.

Whether you’re thinking about visiting Lisbon for the first time, or you’re considering planning a return trip, there are plenty of beautiful places to see all throughout Lisbon. This is a list of just some of the gorgeous and beautiful places to see in Lisbon.

Arch of Rua Augusta

The Arch of Rua Augusta is a testament to humanity and our resilience. The construction of this monumental piece of Lisbon architecture began in 1755 after the devastation of the earthquake that ruined Lisbon. The arch was erected to commemorate the effort of reconstruction all throughout the city. However construction on the arch itself didn’t conclude until 1873. Over a year later.

Today it stands as a reminder of what we can rebuild from ruin. It is a gorgeous piece of architecture and a very historic landmark in Lisbon. As such, it is also a very attractive tourist stop, and makes many travelers must-see list.

National Pantheon

The national pantheon was originally a church named Santa Engracia. It wasn’t long before it was transformed into the national pantheon though. This building is the burial site of many important people of Portugal, and is another major tourist attraction in the city of Lisbon.

Construction began on the church in 1681 but the building wasn’t completed until 1966 – nearly 300 years later. The roman catholic church was constructed in a baroque style making it a gorgeous piece of architecture, and a living piece of history. The national pantheon is a great place for visitors to come and check out especially because of its proximity to other main attractions that the city of Lisbon has to offer.

Carmo Convent Ruins

Speaking of history, the Carmo Convent Ruins are another historic landmark. This convent was originally a Roman Catholic convent before the earthquake of 1755. This building was never refurbished or reconstructed in the aftermath of the earthquake. The ruins are gorgeous, though, and a reminder of a time that came long before us. The ruins are located in the old town of Lisbon and make a wonderful site for a day trip. If you’re staying in Lisbon for more than a few days, these ruins should definitely make it onto your itinerary. Seeing them in person is awe-striking and inspiring on a variety of levels. If you’re going to be in Lisbon, you may as well get a taste of some of the history.

These ruins truly are a piece of history, as the church was first constructed in 1389.

Church of Santo Antonio

The church of Santo Antonio is another Roman catholic church that is iconic to the historic city of Lisbon. This church specifically is dedicated to Saint Anthony, or Antonio, and was built on the site of the saint’s birthplace in 1195. This church was constructed in the mid 1700’s, and remains a national monument in Lisbon today.

As one of the most famous churches in the capital city, it is conveniently located within walking distance to a number of other attractions and sites.

Bemposta Palace

A city chock-full of history, Lisbon also has palaces to visit, if you’re feeling like getting a sense of how the royals used to live it up. This palace was actually designed by a Portuguese architect for the widow of a king. After Queen Catherine of Braganza passed away in the early 1700’s, she left her palace and the associated land to her brother, King Peter II of Portugal.

Undoubtedly one of the most historic and famous tourist attractions in the city of Lisbon, the Bemposta Palace will add a whole new layer to your vacation or trip to Lisbon.

Sunset and Sipping Wine

Finally, when it comes down to it, the best part of any vacation is resting and relaxing. Lisbon offers visitors and residents alike a variety of sunset wine-tastings. These events allow the participants to enjoy a curated wine-list while taking in the stunning views of a Lisbon sunset over the historic city.

Visitors can even take advantage of luggage storage in Lisbon after checking out of their hotel in order to catch one final sunset and wine tasting before bringing their trip to a close.

Wrapping Up

No matter if you’re an experienced traveler or a first time vacationer, Lisbon is a wonderful destination for your next planned trip. Between the sites to see, the wonderful weather, and the pure history captured throughout the city, there’s something here for everyone.

 

Milwaukee is the state’s largest city and is located on Lake Michigan. Miller Brewing and Harley Davidson are both based in Milwaukee, and the city plays an essential but frequently overlooked part in American history. Miller is one of America’s most popular beers, and Harley-Davidson is – just cool. We’ve compiled a list of Milwaukee travel recommendations to assist anyone considering a vacation to the Brew City.

How to get here

Milwaukee’s nearest airport is General Mitchell International Airport. Canada, Mexico, and, on occasion, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic are among its foreign destinations. Depending on your origin, you can consider flying into Chicago O’Hare International Airport, which is around an hour distant and has frequent shuttles. If you’re coming from Chicago or Minneapolis, you can also take a Megabus instead of driving.

The best way to get around

Milwaukee has a decent bus system, especially for getting about the city’s main areas. To see the various fares and routes, go to their website. Using the Tourist Trolley is another alternative. It doesn’t always run, so check their website for the most up-to-date information. You can also see a map of the bus’s many stops to help you plan your route.

Things to see and do

Depending on your interests when traveling, there are several activities to do and see in Milwaukee. If you like art, start with the Milwaukee Art Museum, which is a work of art in and of itself. Check out the city’s museums and sites if you’re interested in learning more about the city’s history and culture. At the Harley Davidson Museum, you can learn more about motorbikes, while at the Pabst Mansion, you can learn more about one of the city’s most famous beer families. If you’re visiting during the summer, make a point of visiting Bradford Beach or the Juneau Park Lagoon.

Ready to move to Milwaukee

Why do individuals choose Milwaukee as a place to live? One of the city’s most appealing features is its low cost of living. Milwaukee has a cost of living that is 11% lower than the national average and 7% cheaper than the Wisconsin average. Milwaukee houses for sale are in high demand. Thanks to mortgage interest rates, inflation, employment, investments, immigration, present government aid programs, and the general health of the local economy are all factors that influence the market. Milwaukee not only offers one of the best downtown neighborhoods for raising a family, but it also provides a wide variety of kid-friendly activities. Every first Thursday of the month, the Milwaukee Public Museum offers free admission to all patrons, providing you full access to the museum’s research and collections.

 

The last 18 months have been fraught with wanderlust as everyone has been stuck at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the end is now in sight, and it’s time to start considering where to visit on holiday. It won’t be long before we’re all done wearing masks and completing a regular Covid-19 test, and here are the places we think you should be jetting off to once the pandemic is over.

Japan

Japan should be near the top of anybody’s bucket list for tourism. The country is steeped in wonderful historical sites, such as the golden temples of Kyoto and war monuments of Hiroshima. There are so many incredible sights of natural splendour as well, like the iconic Mount Fuji, that simply cannot be missed. The food, the culture, and the opportunities for a bit of much needed rest and relaxation cannot be overstated. Best of all, the country boasts an incredible network of bullet trains that will take you across the nation in the blink of an eye, so you’ll be able to see and experience everything you could possibly want.

Mexico

There are so many incredible places to visit in Mexico that there’s no way we could list them all here, but we’ll give it our best shot! For those interested in their history, there are a huge variety of temple complexes to visit, such as Teotihuacan, Palenque, and Chichen Itza, which is a wonder of the ancient world. That’s not to mention the many opportunities for partying down in the Yucatan in cities such as Cancun and Playa del Carmen, and the wonderful surfing that can be found in Puerto Vallarta and Puerto Escondido. For those seeking the more authentic side of Mexico, we recommend the city of Oaxaca with its cobbled roads and colonial architecture. Try and time your visit in time for the Day of the Dead or Easter to see some wonderful street parades and floats during your stay.

New Zealand

Many of us will have been looking over jealously at the life of New Zealanders during the pandemic, as they have managed to largely stay open. We hope that even in 2022, possibly after some regular Healgen Antigen tests, we’ll be able to get stuck in as well. The country was aptly chosen for filming the fantasy epic The Lord of the Rings due to its stunning vistas and geography, and fans of the film will not struggle to be entertained with plenty of former sets to visit, such as Bilbo’s hobbit hole. Sports fans will also find plenty to enjoy with some stunning rugby and cricketing talent on display.

Switzerland

For those of us seeking some peace and quiet, you could do a lot worse than the Swiss Alps. The Alps are home to some of the best views you’ll ever see, and the freshest alpine air on offer in Europe. The Swiss know how to relax, with several fantastic spa resorts in the mountains. Switzerland also acts a brilliant starting point for a trip around Europe, with access to France, Germany and Italy. You can also swim in the lovely, refreshing waters of Lake Geneva, and the city itself is fantastic for a city break.

Australia

Australia can truly offer a unique holiday experience. No matter your age, budget, or preferences Australia can offer you a travelling experience that you can’t find anywhere else. Do you want to learn about the oldest living culture on earth? The native Aboriginal culture in Australia dates back thousands of years and its story is still being told. You can also enjoy the picturesque coastline while on some Whitsundays sailing adventures, through 74 different tropical islands located next to one of the 7 Wonders of The World, The Great Barrier Reef. Australia also has a number of large cities that with world class facilities if you prefer fancy hotels and exploring cities.

The Maldives

This list would be incomplete without a slice of paradise included. These islands are small enough to cross in a matter of minutes, but boast incredible facilities such as indulgent spas, yoga retreats, and incredible restaurants. For those of us who don’t want to share the stunning white beaches with others, it’s even possible to hire an entire island for your nearest and dearest! The Maldives offer some well-deserved luxury to anyone wanting to visit, and, as we’re sure you’ll agree, we could all do with some of that right now!

Two years ago my partner and I enjoyed the trip of a lifetime to New Orleans, a place which had long been on my bucket list. If there was one thing which I couldn’t wait to see in NOLA, it was live music. I can remember music journalist Charles Wooten covering mardi gras a number of years ago and he kept on discussing these artists which would just pop up in the streets, playing high quality blues and jazz.

Before we got to NOLA however, we had a few bumps in the road, but eventually we made it.

Houston Mistake

We flew up to Houston from Mexico City, having got a great deal on the flight. It was far cheaper than flying straight to NOLA, and so we rented a car, and decided to drive the 8hours down to the city. Looking to avoid a full on 8 hour drive, we decided to stop 4 hours into the journey, to stay the night. We picked a place on the map which looked to be a pretty built up area, called Lafayette. As we pulled into the town however, at 8pm on a Saturday night, the place was completely lifeless, and there weren’t even many lights on. Undeterred, we found a hotel and got settled in.

Laptop and Going Backwards

Deciding to do some work before bed, I quickly discovered that my laptop was missing. I called the rental company to discover that some kind soul had handed it in, back in Houston airport. I couldn’t collect the laptop that night, and so at 7am the next morning, we embarked on the 4 hour journey back. In trying to avoid a full-on 8 hour drive, I now had a 12 hour drive on my hands, 4 hours back, and 8 hours to NOLA.

Jaded and Renewed

As you can imagine, by the time we got to the 7th,8h and 9th hours, I was pretty jaded, tired of driving, annoyed at the mistake and anxious to arrive. We continued along the highway, a rather boring trip, that was until the raised road arrived. Just as the sun was setting, the road moves from highway to the swamp. This was a stunning transition, and it felt like you were gliding across the top of the famous Louisiana swampland.

Arrival, And Treasure

We eventually cruised into New Orleans at around 8pm, tired, frustrated and not smelling too good. Nonetheless we showered and got out to the French Quarter, excited to discover what Charles had described to me years before. It may not have been mardi gras but there was music throughout the city, from small street bands to rock bands in bars. It was the blues I had come here for however, and that was just what I found in a hotel close to ours, where a man named Steamboat Willie was playing one of the coolest sets I’ve ever witnessed. We danced the night away and eventually managed to get some sleep, before truly discovering the city the following day.

A magical place, and one which we eventually got to.