Friday, September 3, 2010

Some New Orleans Lagniappe...

Lagniappe

[lan-yap] noun.

Origin:  Southern Louisiana and Southeast Texas.

1. a small gift given with a purchase; bonus.

2. a gratuity or tip.

3. an unexpected or indirect benefit.

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Since I still have a little more to share with you about our fabulous girl's weekend in New Orleans (see post below), I thought I would entertain you with some

"New Orleans Trivia"

to close out our wonderful weekend in the Big Easy.

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Jax Brewery, established 1891 

I want you to feel as though you came along with us so please play along with me as we stroll through the streets of Louisiana's French Quarter and enjoy the charming chippiness of the beautiful French/Spanish-influenced architecture.

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I can assure you that at the end of this post, you'll be a Certified Cajun  ;)

New Orleans was founded in:

A. 1692

B.  1718

C. 1805

by Frenchman Jean Baptiste LeMoyne (aka Sir Bienville).

While serving as Governor of French Louisiana, Bienville discovered an area of high land located in the crescent bend of the Mississippi River. An area that he felt would be protected from flood and hurricanes.

{Today, New Orleans is well below sea level and very vulnerable to major hurricanes.

It is believed that the city will be succumbed to the Gulf of Mexico within 90 years from now.

It is sinking on the average of an inch a year.}

Shortly after his arrival in the "Crescent City", he hired an engineer to design and build a new settlement which he proudly named...

"La Nouvelle Orleans" (New Orleans)

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An eleven by seven blocked rectangle area was drafted and built with exquisite French flair.

This area is famously known as the French Quarter or the Vieux Carre' (old square). 

In 1723, Bienville realized that New Orleans had much to offer with it's deep water port and protection from the levees, he moved the Capital of French Louisiana from Biloxi to New Orleans.

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Most of the French architecture was destroyed by the great fires of 1788 and 1794. During those years after Bienville's reign, Louisiana was no longer the French capital. It was a Provence of Spain, thus the city blocks were rebuilt with the Spanish influence as seen above today.

New Orleans was founded by Sir Bienville in:

B. 1718.

(did you get it right?)

kee-yaw...you a smart one!

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Are you ready for some more?

Alrighty then, since we're in New Orleans, let's talk about some Voodoo...

Voodoo is a West-African derived religion brought to the New World by slaves, often by way of Haiti. This religion mixed with Western religion, including Catholicism.

New Orleans Voodoo has religious and ritual elements much like Haitian Voodoo, but also puts a strong emphasis on gris~gris and magic.

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Even though it is thought to be, Voodoo is not a cult or a devil worshiping religion.

It's primary intention is to serve the spirits and ask them for help.

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What is gris~gris?

[gree-gree] noun.

A. an herb used in gumbo

B. another name for astrology

C. spell casting potions

And who would be the queen of Voodoo in New Orleans?

None other than Marie Laveau.

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Marie was born some time between 1790 and 1805. Her date of birth is really unknown as many believed her to be of the "supernatural".

She was born in New Orleans, the daughter of a white planter and Creole woman of color.

Creole

[cree ohl] noun.

1. a person born in Louisiana but of French ancestry.

2. a person of mixed black and European (French or Spanish) who speaks a creolized form of French or Spanish.

3. the creolized French language spoken of the descendants who settled in Louisiana (Cajuns)

[cree ohl] adjective.

1. a spicy sauce made with tomatoes, peppers, onions, celery and various seasonings usually served over rice.

Marie Laveau (estimated 1801-1881)

The Voodoo Queen

marie 

photo courtesy of The Cablido, New Orleans

Marie is buried in the St. Louis Cemetery #1 where thousands visit her tomb and leave a gift for favors still being rendered.

Makes me kind of wonder...is she "really" dead? 

;)

gris~gris is:

C. spell casting potions

(did you get it right?)

well I'll be dawg, you almost a Cajun, sha!

If you get a chance to google the St. Louis Cemetery #1 (there are three!), it's really worth reading about.

This cemetery is one square block, consists of hundreds above-the-ground tombs providing a resting place for over 100,000 dead.

All in ONE square BLOCK!

eeeewwww!

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Speaking of St. Louis, this amazing structure above was named after Louis IX, the King of France.

The St. Louis Cathedral

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In 1721, a French engineer by the name of Adrien De Pauger settled in La Nouvelle Orleans and designated this site for a new parish church. Construction began in 1724 but unfortunately one year before it's completion in 1727, De Pauger died. In his will, he requested that he be buried within the walls of the church and his wishes were indeed granted. 

Then came the great fire of 1788 and destroyed the church. It was rebuilt and dedicated as a Cathedral in 1794. It was expanded in it's early years to it's present grandeur today...

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So can you tell me...

Who is portrayed in the bronze statue in the center of Place de' Armes?

A. Abraham Lincoln

B. Andrew Jackson

C. George Washington

In 1825, an Italian artist/painter was hired to paint the interior walls and ceilings of the cathedral...

for a price of $1,855.

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That was a LOT of money back then...

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But after standing beneath his masterpieces...everywhere I looked, his artwork is priceless!

Below is a close-up of the center ceiling (3 stories high)...amazing!

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Through the Vatican, St. Louis Cathedral holds the rank as a minor Basilica and celebrates Mass daily.

Beautiful!!!!

The imposing bronze statue in the center of Place de' Armes in Jackson Square is:

B. Andrew Jackson

duh!

(hope you got that one right!)

So how are you holding up?

Are you enjoying the sights?

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I just love all of the OLD! Just look at all the distressed wood above...even Tim Holtz would have a hard time making new stuff look like that! (I love me some Tim!)

I'd even settle for mixing the old and the new together for a charming masterpiece...I love the Spanish wrought iron tucked behind the French columns! Spectacular show for the senses!!!

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I bet you want a coffee break, right?

Let's head over to Cafe Du Monde for some cafe au lait and beignets...how does that sound?

How many locations of Cafe Du Monde are open in Louisiana today?

A. 1

B. 5

C. 8

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The original structure was built in 1813 after the great hurricane of 1812 destroyed the previous French Market built in 1771.

In 1942, Henry Fernandez bought the property and started his coffee shop. It is still owned by the family today.

The original coffee shop, located on Decatur Street, is open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.

The only day they are closed is Christmas Day.

New Orleans never sleeps so it's always a good time for coffee and beignets, right?

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Beignet

[ben yay] noun.

1. a square piece of dough that is fried and covered in powdered sugar.

Cafe Du Monde serves them in orders of three so it's convenient to share with a loved one.

hmmm.

(i've been known to eat all three. sorry loved ones)

;)

Cafe Du Monde has a total of:

C. 8

locations in Louisiana!

So if you are in La Nouvelle Orleans, Metairie, Mandeville, Gretna, Kenner, or Covington and you need a coffee and beignet fix, there's a Cafe Du Monde around corner!!!!

Okay...I got myself all hungry for some and there ain't none here in Eunice! ;)

That concludes our trip of New Orleans for today. I hope you enjoyed your tour.

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I sure enjoyed my weekend with the girls and now I get to take you up North Louisiana and tell you about our other stops during our 11 day road trip to North Texas.

So pa-lease don't get unpacked!!!

;)

If you've made it this far and enjoyed La Nouvelle Orleans, then I automatically grant you Cajun status!

Yay!!!!  Congratulations!!!

For those of you who got all 4 right...you bleed Cajun.

3 right...you love La Nouvelle Orleans as much as us Cajuns do.

2 right...you are a Cajun at heart.

1 right..."wanna be Cajuns" need love too. I forgive you.

0 right...come on down. I promise to show you a good time!

:)

Not to make anyone feel left out because everyone goes home with a little Lagniappe from Louisiana, here's a BONUS question:

Who won Super Bowl XLIV?

Hint:

new_orleans_saints-790

The Saints! woooo hoooo!

See? You DO have some Cajun in you ;)

Leave me a comment and let me know how Cajun YOU are!

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This was F.U.N.

You are such a wonderful side kick!!!

:)))

37 comments:

Nancy said...

Fabulous tour and I love a good quiz! I learned most of my New Orleans history from Anne Rice's "The Witching Hour"....now surely you've read it - good cajun girl that you are!
Love ya JLJ!

Suz said...

Jodie,
I am 100%! I love those words...especially gris-gris and lagniappe! What a terrific post and tour. I had way more fun than I deserve!
Hugs,
Suz

Stephanie @ La Dolce Vita said...

What a fun post! I had to guess on the Cafe du Monde locations as I have (sadly) never been to New Orleans, but I got them all right. Guess all that reading paid off! Have a fabulous weekend. The photos are great, by the way - I really like them!

Annesphamily said...

I have been to New Orleans many times so I cheated I guess cause I knew so many answers! HeeHee! Great photos and you must have had a marvelous time. Happy weekend. Anne

Anonymous said...

SHA...
Beb your the best raconteur!!! this post(like the trip) was
ca c' est Bon!! as far as the questions go I'm no couillon!!! I got em all right! thanks for the great adventure my podnah!!! luv you! big hugs
p.s.
see I listen to what's being said around me!! I'm learning hehe how'd I do withmy Cajun? ;)

trash talk said...

Aw Cher...3 outta 4...dat ain't bad, no? Me tell you what...I love dat city N'awlins. Dose people know how to party! I cheated too...been on da tour of the cemetaries. I do believe Gaston was da tour guide!
Seriously, I really do love the Crescent City. Whenever I get to visit it, I just stand in amazement of the beauty of it all and it's chippy glory!
If I wasn't Texan mon Cheri, I would want to be Cajun. I'm crazy...doesn't that count for something?
Ah-eeee!
Debbie

Lisa said...

Oh my Jodie,
You take my breath away!!!! This is THE post I've been waiting for. To see your amazing pictures of my favorite place on Earth. Yes, that's right & I've been to a few places in my long ass life. You captured the beauty of NOLA like no one else I've ever seen. The architecture... ohhh. I could smell the gumbo & fried oysters & trash in the streets. I'm surprised there weren't pictures inside St. Louis cemetery, you musta been with some 1st timers. Okay, enough booty kissin. Here's my test results.

I think I don't quite 'bleed', but I love the Big Easy as much as the coon asses do. I think I should get bumped up a grade since I used to go to Saint's games with a paper bag over my head when they were the 'Aints' & my first drunk was at Pat O's! Love, Lisa Marie

Lisa Phillippi llelsik@aol.com said...

Well...I'm 0% Cajun...but you sure make me "wanna be" Those pictures definatley tell me the story...and I want more!!!

Tara said...

Hi Jodie! I think I got a mere 2 right. I very much enjoyed your tour and history of New Orleans. The South has always fascinated me and New Orleans in particular. It just seems to have a special flair all it's own. I hope all is well with you and yours and that you have a wonderful weekend!

Home and Heart said...

What a wonderful trip!! I love the pics ,and the trivia is is awesome. A fun post!

Pam @ Frippery said...

Hey Bebe, I did get 100% on this due to your excellent tutelage, in person, I might add! Loved this post as it brought back so much of our wonderful trip which added just a touch of lagniappe to my day.I am trying to drop the last consonant from all of my words now but I think everyone up north thinks I have had one too many!
If only they knew about Daquiri shacks. Hugs, Miss you, Pam
A little gris gris for a good cause can't hurt.

Beth Leintz said...

...and you are a wonderful guide!!! Great pictures, and now I'm hungry for me some oyster po' boy.

Robin Sanchez said...

Im commin on down......I need to talk to you about booking my flight!! Looks like fun girlfriend.
Robin

Sandy Navarro said...

Girl, ya know I really do bleed Cajun! My grandmother was from France & my grandfather a true Cajun. My mom grew up on Farragut St in Algiers! The house is still there today. Thanks for the beautiful tour of the Quarter. Now, where's my muffaletta???

Hearts Turned said...

Dang--I missed one! Not too bad for a California girl, though, right???!!!

Your photos are spectacular, Miss Jodie, and I love your descriptions of everything...I need to get down there!

Thanks for the tour--hope you're having a wonderful night!

Julie

Julia @ Vintage with Laces said...

Great pictures, Jodie girl and I enjoyed the tour very much! I love the architecture and those wrought iron balconies are so beautiful.
I'm a Cajun at heart who got VERY hungry when looking at those yummy beignets. I have to go and grab a breakfast right away ... :-).
Have a great weekend!
Big Cajun hugs to you,
Julia

LiLi M. said...

Well now I think cajun, I dream cajun, I even eat cajun and I cannot wait to see New Orleans in real life! (the 'original' Orléans isn't too bad either!). Have a great weekend!

Unknown said...

Girl, I just love your post. I have long been an admirer of New Orleans. One of my favorite movies is Big Easy. And I just love hearing anyone talk from that region. This is a favorite post for me. So much fun and loved your pics.
Nope, never been there. I should be ashamed as I'm a coastal Southern girl.

Have a fun weekend Sug'. Hugs...Tracy :)

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Welcome home Jodie. I've learned more about New Orleans in your two posts than in all the years I lived and worked there. The law firm I worked in was on Carondelet Street, not far from the French Quarter. Some lunch hours we donned walking shoes and headed to the mall or River Walk. Your pictures are all so gorgeous. And the Lafitte Guest House looks fabulous -- great view from your balcony! I have no doubt that you and the girls had a rip roaring good time. Fun, fun, fun! Look forward to more of your trip. :) Best wishes, Tammy

Claudia said...

Hi Jodie - I think I got 3 right - pretty good for never having been to New Orleans! What a gorgeous city it is. I'll get there someday - in the meantime, your photos are so fabulous. My husband has a photo he took of the Voodoo place - what was the name? - (the first photo you took.) Anyway, your love for this city is abundant. Thanks for sharing it with us.

xoxo
Claudia

she dreams big! said...

Never thought about being a cajun but I'm thinking that visiting New Orleans is now on my bucket list! Love those french/cajun accents and want to call someone 'bebe' so badly!

No name said...

Thank you for the lovely post. It was nice to follow a short story line for a change.

I've never been to New Orleans but do plan on visiting some day. Any place that has such rich history and architectural interest is always appealing to me. My grandmother is from a small town outside of New Orleans so we grew up with quite a bit of Cajun influence in our cooking. As a result, I got all four questions correct. :)

Blessings to you and yours,
Shanna

P.S
Voodoo is such a misunderstood belief. I'm really happy you clarified Voodoo is NOT devil worship. lol-

Theresa said...

Oh dear Jodie! I can just see you walking around snapping those GORGEOUS shots! They are all so beautiful. I am not very Cajun but have been there, eaten at a Cafe Du Monde and had those marvelous beignets:)

Thanks for the history lesson!

I am coming down there before too long! It is on my list of places I want to visit!

Love you bunches and miss you more! HUGS!

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Before I read your post I wasn't very cajun, but now that I've been educated! Ooh, that voodoo stuff is really interesting. Lots of dead people there too. Yikes.
It really is a lovely city. I've been there and enjoyed every minute of it.

thanks for the wonderful tour.

Now, I'm sittin here on my suitcase waitin on the next stop.

hugs
Sissie

victorian parlor II said...

Oh my gosh these pictures are amazing and I love the trivia!!! The one answer I did know was who won the Superbowl last year! I know who will win this year too-the SAINTS-woohoo!

Love this post!

Blessings,

Kim

victorian parlor II said...

Auntie Jodie,

My mom is pathetic! She only knew about the Superbowl stuff-pretty bad, huh? Now my being the literry cat that I am I knew lots of stuff like cajun kitties are the coolest and that a little gris-gris on the cat food makes you jump higher. Granted, I realize the statue at Place de Armes is of Andrew Jackson but I feel that Morris the cat would have been more interesting. As for the architecture, it's pretty great-I have to agree with my mom on that one. Needless to say I may need to come down for a visit to try some of that beignet stuff-looks yummy:).

Purrs and meows,

Kramer (you can call me cajun Kramer otherwise known as 'dat cat').

victorian parlor II said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Illuminated Manuscripts Workshop said...

Hi Jodie; LOVE the tour!!!!!!!!... as I recall my visit to New Orleans was pledged by a demon mosquito who had some person vendetta again me (we were sharing a room, though I never found his bed!). It was the middle of a very hot summer, and though the B&B I stayed in was charming -- after 2 nights I gave up and continued my roadtrip to points westward. Since I missed a lot of the city, it was so nice to visit again via your eyes. A very charming perspective I might add! Makes me want to try again -- but not in the middle of summer :))

Thanks so much for sharing all your lovely images... they could be a book!
blessings,
Rosalind

Sandi said...

Oh Jodie,
I have been a Cajun at heart since my first trip to New Orleans when I was 12. It is still my favorite US city. Thank you for the great tour.
VictorianGypsy

Kris and Evie said...

I love your photos and you are a wonderful tour guide. I got 100% because I never missed a Mardi Gras during law school and kept coming back until these kids came along. But now to imagine a trip to NO and to get in some crafting --- that would be heaven!

xoxo, Kris

time worn interiors said...

What great photos, but the first one is my fav!
TOT

June said...

Hi Jodie,
I was able to get all but the last one correct, but there was a lot of guessing going on, except the Andrew Jackson statue of course.
In the post before this post, I fell hard for the Lafitte's Guest House. WOW! What a great place to take your friends. I LOVE ghosts and ghost stories!!!! I would love to see little Marie go into that mirror myself.
The view from your balcony is gorgeous Jodie. Your photography is so awesome girl!!!
You call that room messy??? I thought it looked pretty good to me, especially considering four artists were staying there!hehe
This post took me into a place that I have only been able to imagine in my mind. It is such an amazing area and so rich in history. Again your pictures were superb and brought me up close and personal to the colors and textures that I love so much. I really did feel a part of this and it is wonderful of you to take us all along with you.

Thank you so much again Jodie for the comment you left for me. I adore you and you are the dearest soul, and I am blessed to have you in my life.
Love to you...

Dreaming of Vintage said...

I love New Orleans! Your pics are great!

Patricia P. said...

Love New Orleans! My husband has family in Covington, but I've never seen the Cafe Du Monde location there.

Anne Lorys said...

I've been to New Orleans twice, and I saw so many of the things you showed in your beautiful photos.

I absolutely love Louisiana and the wonderful people there. So warm and welcoming and with such passion for life.

And I miss YOU, too!
I hope you will pop on over and visit us once we get moved in. And ya don't even have to paint! ;-)

Love ya!
Anne

Unknown said...

Well thank you so much for that little tour, I so enjoyed myself. Your pictures are fabulous my friend. And even though I don't want to admit it I think I am a wanna be cajun.. But I have a feeling you will still Love me.
RIGHT! Hope you had a nice holiday weekend. Hugs, Linda

Dawn said...

What a great post. I just found your blog, but I promise I will be back!! Your photography is inspiring and your attention to detail is amazing. As a New Olreanean, it is nice to see the city through another set of eyes. It reminds me why I live here.