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Dani

My Top Places to Travel (5)


Back to the US for this one, my next recommendation is: New Orleans.

New Orleans is a truly unique city. Full of a plethora of different architectural styles, the city reflects upon is multicultural history. Established by French Colonialists in 1718, the city passed between French and Spanish rule until the French sold the city to the United States in 1803. This rich European history has led to the creation of its famous French Quarter, as well as its adoption of French style food and street names.

There are many areas of the city to explore, most famously is the city's French Quarter. It not only home to the cities Cathedral, it also features Bourbon Street. Bourbon Street is the heart of New Orleans Night life - live music and amazing food and drink all in one place. In the city you're also allowed to walk from bar to bar freely with your drink as long as it is in a plastic container. However if you are looking for a more authentic New Orleans night out, all the locals go to Frenchman Street.

Whilst there, it is essential that you try some of New Orleans' world-famous food. This food has a mix of French, Spanish, Native American, Cuban and Cajun influences. The term 'Cajun' comes from the French-speaking Acadian people who were deported by the British from Acadia in Canada. Locals in Louisiana misheard the pronunciation of 'Canadian' and thus the term was coined. The cuisine is rustic, made from locally sourced ingredients and is easy to make. Particular dishes include Gumbo - a stew like dish filled with a range of meat and fish and full of traditional Cajun spices, and Jambalaya - a predominantly rice dish combined with a similar range of meat, fish and spices. One popular meat readily available in New Orleans is Alligator, and it is impossible to void. I must say I have not eaten any of the above dishes because I am Vegetarian, but my friend did enjoy them.

I could however eat New Orleans' most amazing of delicacy's - Beignets. Also known as French Doughnuts, these pastries are like little balls of heaven. Although you can purchase them from a number of outlets throughout the city, I highly recommend visiting Cafe du Monde. The cafe is world famous for it Beignets and is open 24/7. Be aware however that throughout the day, queues for a table can stretch down the street. We initially planned to go for a late morning snack but changed our minds upon seeing the queue. We returned later in the afternoon and were lucky to be seated within ten minutes. To avoid the queues altogether, visit the cafe later on in the evening.

Whilst there I'd recommend going on a Swamp tour. They cost around $50 and take up half of a day, but it is worth it. The trip takes you an hour outside of the city to see a variety of wildlife on the trip from alligators to raccoons. We chose the company Cajun Encounters to do the tour with because of its more environmentally friendly tour approach (http://www.cajunencounters.com/eco-friendly-excursions).

New Orleans is also famous for its Garden District. So called because of its historical antebellum mansions and stunning gardens, the area was home to Americans coming into the city who didn't which to mingle with the European inhabitants. Every house is unique and grand, depicting the typical american wooden build. Its great just to walk round the area to experience the grandeur of the estate.

Whethers its to experience the wonders of Mardi Gras, hear the wonderful sounds of New Orleans Jazz, or see the variety of wonderful architecture, New Orleans is an amazing city and one that definitely needs to be on everyone's bucket list.

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