Mardi Gras is coming

Photo courtesy of a recent guest

In our neighborhood, we know when it's Mardi Gras season because we have two high schools a few blocks away on either side of us.  Joseph Clark is towards the French Quarter and John McDonough (pictured above) is towards City Park.  

Mardi Gras parades are not like 4th of July or Memorial Day parades in other parts of the country, but they do have something in common.  They all include high school marching bands.  

As Mardi Gras day approaches, the bands in our neighborhood are practicing.  They march through the neighborhood most afternoons.  The musicians practice and the cheerleaders practice.  It is nice to hear and nice to see.  You can tell when it's happening because the sound travels.  Listen for the tubas and the drums, they carry the farthest.  

As I'm sure I've written before, living here is like magic.  You never know what you are going to see.  We smile a lot in New Orleans.  It is hard not to, especially during this time of year.

A votre santé,
La Belle Esplanade bed and breakfast.