Romano Dancers 50th Reunion, Part One.

Wednesday, July 16: Made it to the airport with an hour to spare, so went directly to security to get any issues out of the way. No problems, it was smooth sailing. That settled I sat down to a breakfast of eggs and whole-wheat toast.

(Click the image of St. Louis Cathedral at right to biggen. This is what it looks like when not lit as a backdrop for a Bush Photo Op.)

The flight was full and included 8 small ones that I watched with some trepidation. The flight pulled out on time and we were airborne in a few minutes. To my great joy and amazement, the children were well behaved and busied themselves with puzzles, reading, or sleeping. Thanks be to G*d.

Arrived in NOLA 10 minutes ahead of schedule and after deplaning I set about trying to find the friends who were to meet me; after a communication mix up, we were united and on our way to Maspero’s for a lunch of Muffalettas and shrimp where another friend who also arrived that day joined us and the reunion weekend had begun.

After lunch we dropped off my bags and rested before heading out again. There were NOLA bloggers to meet at a neighborhood bar. The Golden Lantern is one of those dives where everyone knows your name. I had a great time meeting people who remain diligent regarding the slow rebuilding of the city. Loki (of Humid City fame) arrived with his neighborhood “krewe” known as the Krewe of Chartreuse. They arrived in costumes of various shades of green; Loki as a pirate sporting a chartreuse bandanna on his head. His lovely wife dressed in a dark green period gown, as well.

We talked about the bungling of rebuilding the city and gulf coast by the Bushies. Loki’s family roots go back farther than my own and there ain’t nobody going to beat him down. He has great ideas and is relentless when it comes to his love for the Crescent City. We shared sporadic conversation threads as he worked the room talking about some of his plans and ideas for more events throughout the city to bring people together. His energy was contagious, leaving me with hope for the future.

Back at the hotel there was yet another arrival – and another roommate. Bonnie is in failing health and pretty much confined to bed or wheel chair, but she was not to be left out of this big event. Fortunately, we had adjoining rooms so we could come and go at will. Each room had a balcony over looking the courtyard and pool area and we sat there enjoying an early cocktail before meeting others for dinner.

Thursday: A morning of photography with Dione began with café au lait and beignets at Café du Monde. We walked our old haunts and took photos along the way - some are better than others – before making our way to Deanie’s for lunch with the new arrivals. A beer and Oyster Po-boy was a little bit of heaven for me. Some window shopping was in order with gift ideas for friends back home before heading off to the hotel to rest and revive before dinner.

Note: I did say that NOLA is all about good food and I was going to do my level best to eat my way through the Quarter as much as possible.

The three of us, Lynn, Dione and me enjoyed a quiet dinner and a pitcher of local beer at Ralph and Kacoo’s. Back at the hotel we learn that two more are expected to arrive in the morning and will join us for lunch.

Friday: Another morning of photography after café au lait and more beignets, this time Lynn joined us for a festive and joy filled time. Lunch at the Acme Oyster House included the four roomies and the two new arrivals. This is where I devoured the best Roast Beef Po-Boy of my life. It is advertised on their menu as the “10 napkin Roast Beef” – and if you have ever had one you know what that means.

Dinner was outside the Quarter. Feelings is gorgeous place; Two more arrivals from Florida joined us for this culinary adventure. Cajun Oyster & spinach Salad and Crawfish Etouffee sent my dying taste buds over the edge of wonderful.

After a hot, humid, and eventful day we headed back to the hotel and hit the sheets early. Saturday’s events and reunion dinner, including photos, will follow soon.

And so it goes.
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