22,524 steps

I guess the answer to the question, “Why do I keep yawning?” is that, just now, Cas’ Fitbit read that he had walked 22,524 steps.  What we decided to do after our nap was wander around a while until we were reasonably certain Dad’s sister Jane would be close to the hotel.  We actually went to a nice, little bar that, much to Dad’s delight, had the same tasty Milk Porter he had enjoyed at the Purple Drank place.  We also walked to a hotel where a friend of his recommended we get a drink, but the place was so packed that we couldn’t begin to find a seat.  We will go back another day, though, because the bar is a carousel from an amusement park with rotating barstools and everything.  Maybe tomorrow.  

After we stuck around there for a moment, we went back to the hotel to greet my Aunt Jane.  When she checked in, we all got on the streetcar and headed through the garden district to a place Cas remembers from his brother Chad’s days at Tulane.  We walked into Cooter Brown’s and ordered some rum punch drinks along with a few appetizers that none of us should probably eat, but all of us enjoyed.  That was when Jeff, Reema and Jack arrived. Actually, just Jeff walked into the bar- apparently, Jack isn’t quite old enough to walk in the door.  Live and learn- I forgot there were places that would exclude one person from a party of eight because he’s 19...  Even if his dad and grandfather walk in with him...  

So, we went to a restaurant that Cas referred to as a greasy spoon.  I found it to be a really nice diner, and in no way greasy.  It certainly had character, I will say that.  It was called The Camellia Grill.  

Jane was so happy with her grilled cheese and tomato soup that the waiter was visibly taken aback with her response.  Apparently, it was some spectacular soup/sandwich combo.  After that, we attempted to locate some daiquiris, but we appeared to be in a part of town with a lot of rules about younger folks and their presence in bars.  Could have something to do with the proximity to many major universities.  

After that was a bust, we let Jeff and Reema head back to their Air bnb- they were a little wiped out.  I guess they didn’t get an afternoon nap like the rest of us did.  Cas, Jane, Dad, Dan and I headed back to our hotel via the streetcar, stopping early in the French Quarter.  Jane had never been to New Orleans before today, and certainly, the best way to see Bourbon Street for the first time is after dark on a Friday night.  It was pretty amazing.  From there, we walked over to Jackson Square to get an after-dark view of it, heading back to the hotel on a decidedly scenic path.  

By the time we got back to our hotel, we were wiped out for the second time today.  All in all, it was an excellent day, and I am really happy we’re celebrating Dad’s 70th birthday this way.  I’m calling it a win so far, but we’re only 22,524 steps into this journey.  

Photo album: https://photos.app.goo.gl/chay3CBSmG5aSwXr6