Driving the Stang

Upon our return to Mesa we had a couple of days to visit with Vyra and Waind. We traveled in the red Mustang convertible that Waind had rented. Lots of fun!!

We stopped at Lost Dutchman Museum and took some photos of us in the Stang in front of the Superstition Mountains. Traveled a bit further and walked the Needle Vista trail. Then drove down to Tortilla Flats enjoying the open air ride on the twisting and turning road. Had a dawg, or fire hot chilli (Waind), while watching the Tortilla Flats Band perform. They are always good for toe tapping and a good chuckle. 

We ended our day having supper at the Organ Stop Pizza. Watched the amazingWurlitzer  Organ and all the variety of mechanical instruments connected to the organ's stops under the capable hands (and feet) of Charlie Balogh.

Wurlitzer organs were originally designed for use in the silent film era and are called theatre pipe organs. This organ has been modified resulting in 78 ranks (sets of pipes), 17 tuned percussions and innumerable traps and effects, making it the largest Wurlitzer in the world. 

Night Out on Bourbon Street

For our last evening we went to a restaurant that was recommended to Craig for supper. There was a line up to get in but was worth the wait. Donna and I had Blackened Catfish. It was delicious.  

Then we walked down Bourbon Street checking out the music emanating from the various bars. What a cacophonous noise!  We opted on entering a Cajun music bar. Great music!  Interesting to see the washboard players entertain. Such toe tapping music, we just had to get up and dance. 

The energy around us influenced us to try some crazy drinks and shooters. In retrospect, not a good idea at all. 

 

Sculpture Garden

While we were at City Park we toured the sculpture garden. They have numerous beautiful sculptures. It was cool and wet out when we visited so we hurried thru. I would have loved to have spent more time there!!

Museum of Art

Our rainy day activity was to visit the Museum of Art at New Orleans City Park. We happened upon two great traveling exhibits. 

The first was Photorealism, where the artists render artwork that is as realistic as a photograph using acrylic, oil, watercolour, fibre, etc. the works were amazing; unbelievably realistic!  

The second exhibit was the exact opposite. Artists created unrealistic images using photography. Amazing effects!  (Aaron, you would love this exhibit!)

We also viewed some of the works in the permanent exhibits. Tiny Dancer by Degas and Woman in Armchair by Picasso were two of my favourites. 

The Old Original Coffeepot Breakfast

Stopped and had a marvellous breakfast at a very unique spot. It was a spot a person could easily miss. We were told to try it and we weren't disappointed. 

Ogden Museum of Southern Art

A rainy day today allowed is to do indoor activities. The other three went to the World War II Museum while I went to the Ogden Museum of Southern Art. All situated close to Lee Circle at which stands a tall statue of Robert E Lee.

The Museum of Southern Art had a touring exhibit of Basquiat and the Bayou.   This artist, Jean-Michel Basquiate, 1960 - 1988, had an extremely varied artistic background - comic book, graffiti, photography, film and was befriended by Andy Warhol. He died very early into his career after a fall bladder operation. 

Other contemporary exhibits were interesting.  I took photos of some interesting works. 

Then I walked through the Warehouse Arts district to the Riverwalk Shops. Met up with Don. Had tea and a crepe. Headed back to hotel for a rest. 

Statue of Robert E Lee in the background.

One piece, Zydeco, by Jean-Michel Basquiat

Universal Mule by Jack Niven, 2008

Ink on paper, by Henry Clark.

Young Life by Bo Bartlett, 1994.

View from the Prairie by Elemore Morgan Jr., 1988.

Helen's Gate by Sharon Kopriva, 2007.

Levee Road by Clarence Millet, 1950.

Palm Court

Supper and entertainment tonight was at a classic Jazz restaurant. We at awesome food and listened to good jazz. The restaurant was not very full. Not sure why. Perhaps because the owner operator of the business is having alcohol problems of her own. Rather depressing watching her get more and more inebriated as the evening went on. Slurring words on the mike as she introduced the band and dancing with a boa in front of the band stand were just embarrassing to see. Sad!

Street Cars

Late start today after a splendid breakfast at Stanley's. (Remember the Street Car named Desire?). 

We rode three street cars to get to the Garden District of New Orleans. While there we strolled through the area to observe the wonderful estates of the area. 

We also wondered through the LaFayette Cemetery which was laid out in 1933 by the original residents. The cemetery was almost full within 20 years due to yellow fever.