Dallas
On my my third and last day in Dallas, I headed over to the Ford Center and would have loved to get a tour. Unfortunately all was sold out, but I still had a good time, playing ball on the turf on front of the building with random other sporting enthousiasts!
After a quick tour around city and seeing the JFK Memorial, I had really good pasta in what’s probably the best Italian in town. Just had a homemade pasta, but would love to come back and get a full meal with some wine!
AJ actually gave me a tour at his work the next day. Adjacent to the Ford Center I got to see a bit of the center! Visited the Sixth Floor Museum afterwards. An impressive commemoration to President Kennedy. Definitely a must-see in Dallas. I was really impressed on how they can make you experience that last day and even decade. An honourable legacy…
After having such a good time in Texas I had to leave for New Orleans. I loved the roadtrip, but one of the downsides is that I would have like to stick around a bit longer in every state. The ride was awesome though! With a stopover at Lake Charles I got to New Orleans in two days. What a majestic country!
New Orleans
Met lovely people in Lake Charles, but was excited to see the the Tabasco plant in Avery Island. Didn’t actually expect it would be like an entire village on itself. I already had plenty of sauces from Mr Black in Lockhart. Now I’ve some more!
With the race in mind I was happy to get in New Orleans and able to get a bit healthier food later on the evening. I’d gotten plenty of recommendations for New Orleans. I had to watch my budget, but one of the recommendations I got was to worry about the bill after my holiday. I started with some with some oysters over at Drago’s and got some excellent Gumbo at the Bourbon House. Then walked over the Bourbon street but headed to the BB King cafe over near the French Market. Saw a good live performance, but wouldn’t have mind to see old-school blues either. Always nice to see people perform with such passion! Whether it is the Chefs at Drago’s or the band in the bar. I actually got a chance to speak to the singers after their performance. They actually come over 5 days a week from Memphis to play in New Orleans. Had a run scheduled early in the morning so left early for New Orleans purposes. Had a great time though!
Had a good run in the morning. Was kind of in a hurry, still needed to pack and had to check out before 1200. So decided to follow Google’s advice on the fastest way home. On my way back I saw a woman carry heavy bags around the corner to a container in front of a building. There were 3 more bags waiting so I decided to help out without asking. Vicki looked a bit surprised when I came around the corner with the bags, then I was a bit surprised that there were 20-30 more bags awaiting inside. The church got hit by Katrina and has been having mould problems since. Now volunteers like Windy and Vicki were helping to renovate. I’d helped filling up the container further and then got back to the hotel for a quick shower, packing and a bit delayed check out.
I actually had dropped one of my Tabasco bottles unloading the bike. So my afternoon started with a quick bit of at the French Coffee Bar and my quest for Habanero Sauce. After leaving the last of 5 small supermarkets all over the French Quarter Eric saw my Cowboys cap and after talking some football I asked them where I’d be able to get the sauce. Gilbert actually offered me a ride back to the French Market after his drink and I joined him and his friend on the terrace. He actually plans on visiting a game in every football stadium. A solid plan!
Flight back
After getting the Sauce I rushed to back to the hotel and got picked up by a great Uber driver. Lionel Bridges indicated me the best photo op for the Mercedes Benz Superdome and we had a great talk. He insisted I’d come back for Mardi gras. My list is definitely not getting shorter!
During my flight back I met even more good people. Shook hands with another Cowboys fan before my flight to New Orleans. He actually got a chance to meet Mr. Jones. A bit jealous of him. A bit jealous of a couple of young Army recruits, an helicopter engineer, a truck driver and a chef. Especially jealous of the last one. When I graduated my college for hospitality management I asked a recruiter what possibilities I would have in the army. I always wanted to join the military Academy, but my only options at that time where in the field kitchen or officers mess. Not the action I had in mind. So when I eventually ended up working for ABN AMRO I tried to join our national reserve. Being able to help our country when necessary and helping our troops train before they leave for a tour. My love for house music left me a bit deaf and I didn’t pass the test. He is getting the Basic military training and is going to have on of the most important jobs in the army. Feeding the troops. Would settle for both other jobs as well though. Love great machinery!
I actually could have had a direct flight from New Orleans, but having booked through KLM I wanted to travel on
a blue beauty at least for one part of my journey. I enjoyed flying Delta, but KLM made me feel at home immediately! Love flying blue!