Ramblings From the South: Day 4

When I was younger, I was fortunate enough to spend most of my spring breaks and Christmas vacations in Florida, spending nights at different port cities along the Gulf of Mexico in my Abuelo's boat. I became so accustomed to the Gulf that I took it for granted; that is, until I stopped going and realized just how spectacular.

I woke up in Biloxi this morning, and immediately flung aside the curtains to capitalize on our impressive view, and an impressive view it was. I know I go to school in a land with allegedly 10,000 lakes, but the vastness of the ocean goes unmatched compared to all of those put together. While daunting, the ocean provides a calming sentiment as well; I understand the geographic parameters of the Gulf of Mexico, but so much of it remains a mystery as well. We went down for a peaceful walk along the beach as a family. It was a warm enough day - about 70 degrees - but the water itself wasn't the most inviting, so we dipped the occasional toe in and admittedly played in the sand for a little bit before heading back to the room.

Only about an hour and a half from New Orleans, we took our time with the day. In Gulfport, the Mississippi Gulf Coast's main city, we found a seafood restaurant called Back Bay that was great and authentic in both food and atmosphere. We chowed down on frog legs, gator, flounder, shrimp, gumbo, and Creole pasta. An added perk: the restaurant claims to have the world's longest handicapped ramp, and I'm inclined to believe the legitimacy of that claim after having made the long and winding trek up it.

Outlining the Gulf along the scenic U.S. Route 90, we made our way towards New Orleans, eventually making it into our hotel after driving past lakes and bayous. As we approached the city, the effects of Hurricane Katrina became more visible as we drove by abandoned and damaged homes, buildings, and even a large hotel. It's saddening that the destruction is still so apparent, whether it's physically to the structures or psychologically to its former residents.

After settling into our hotel rooms and resting for a bit, we decided to make the night's adventure to the French Quarter. Typical? Yes. Essential? There's no denying it. We unintentionally but gladly embarked for the Vieux Carré just before dusk, so we observed as the city transformed from one with unique architecture to one of even more unique dwellers on our 20-minute stroll.

Bourbon Street is one part Amsterdam, one part frat party, one part Sanfermines, and one part Times Square. Sleazy, chintzy, tawdry, and tacky, it's also hard to deny its appeal, and not necessarily from an overindulgent standpoint. The bright lights, the live music, and the diversity of outlandish personalities and characters all come together on this festive rue for an ambiance that's just as intoxicating as the shots that the nearly bare-skinned ladies use to lure in bacchanalian out-of-towners. Even though I could hardly handle stimulation on the casual walk down the street, it's definitely an entertaining experience, and one we'll see it in even fuller force tomorrow for the New Year's Eve celebrations.

As the night dwindled down, we had some dinner, and then went to the all-important stop at Café du Monde for beignets, which are well worth the feeling of selling out to the typical New Orleans traveler's itinerary. Right by Jackson Square, the city's main park, we made our way up a ramp to perch that overlooked the park and gazed upon the St. Louis Cathedral, which looks like Disney World's Cinderella Castle's little brother.

Like I said earlier, after tonight, we're well aware of the undertaking that navigating through the French Quarter, Jackson Square, and any other part of New Orleans, so getting plenty rest is a priority for us. Even if the Big Easy proves to have its share of challenges tomorrow night, we're up for the adventure, and making 2012's initial moments ones to remember in the City the City That Care Forgot.