Voodoo Child Pt.2

New Orleans left me speechless. As I said in the first part, it's like being in a movie with all the street performers, art shows, live music, and food. The only thing that was bad about the trip was the weather. It's hot in Texas (with humidity), but New Orleans weather is even worse! It's so muggy and gross, it made me want to throw up. But I miss it already. I fell in love with the town even though I know I could never live there (weather conditions ruin everything), but it's definitely a place I plan on going back to. I know this wasn't my last train ride either. Louis Armstrong couldn't have said it better.

 

I got the film developed! I used a UO camera with special frames and I feel like it gave the pictures the perfect New Orleans feel (minus the fiesta thing because it's a french state...). Probably the best part of the trip was when we took a taxi cab over to Magazine Street AKA the best street in New Orleans. The whole street is over 5 miles long and it's filled with vintage shops, locally owned restaurants, the cutest town houses, dogs (a lot of people have dogs in New Orleans, like wow), uneven sidewalks, organic make-up shops, and much more. It was really, really fabulous. Oh, and just a warning in advance: I'm not good at taking pictures at all. Sorry.

 Yeah I can take pictures (NOT). This shop was called Rag Doll (facebook), and unfortunately I didn't get any good pictures of the shop, but it's a very swell place. They sell vintage and vintage inspired clothing/accessories.

 I assume Magazine St. is a parade street because there were beads in all the trees, on telephone lines, fences, etc. It gave the street a real dreamy vibe, and I really loved it. And if you were wondering, that's my sister with the hat.

 I love that ostrich on the chair. It reminds me of the Muppets or the Labyrinth.

 This was at the wonderful vintage shop Miss Claudia's Vintage Clothing & Costumes (Here's their facebook page). The lady who was working there was super cool and told me I reminded her of Nancy Sinatra. She ended up helping me pick out the most comfortable tank top EVER.

 Last but not least was my absolute favourite part of the trip; The Revival Outpost (facebook, tumblr). There were vintage, new, used, handmade clothing and accessories to choose from. From the minute I walked into this shop I was in love. Everyone who works there is so nice and helpful and just plain awesome. The owner (I wish I knew her name!!) actually asked if she could take a picture of me for the website because they dug my style. That was really exciting for me (and I hope for them!), and I miss that place so much already. When I was there I bought a pair of shorts and the coolest flower crown ever (real flowers that had been dried and hand dyed). If you're ever in New Orleans you HAVE to check out this shop, because it really is fantastic (the prices are really good, too).
(And the next four pictures aren't on magazine street)

A lot of the One Way signs were graffitied to say One Day.

 This church was so pretty and looked liked the disney castle. (look at all the tourists!! I love it.)

 Street Performers were everywhere.

These four guys sang the best doo-wop I have ever heard.

***
It wasn't on Magazine St., but my favourite restaurant we went to was called Murielle's. They had an open court yard in the middle of the building, fantastic food, a live jazz band, and my favourite part- a spot in the restaurant that had wine and bread for ghosts. One of the ghosts were one of the old owners (he lost the restaurant in a card game and hung himself IN the restaurant), and they don't know who the other ghost is. Everyday the food and wine is always gone by the end of the day (how spooky!). They also have ominous music playing as you go up the stairs to the seance room (which is a really decorative room where they have wine tastings and such). The feel of Murielle's was just really authentic (especially for New Orleans), and overall really wonderful.

On other news, tomorrow is my birthday! I'm finally turning 16, and by celebrating that I'm going to the Goodwill with my mom in the morning (I have the best mom in the world). The day after my birthday I'm going to Arkansas with a friend and her family for a week and I'm very excited! 

I haven't realized it up until right now, but I feel like this is the best summer I've ever had. I know I have a lot more summers ahead of me, but this summer felt perfect. I did lots of traveling, I got to hang out with all my fabulous friends, I saw the Beach Boys in concert, and I didn't die of a heatstroke! Wow, reflecting on summer just makes me realize that I have to go back to school in a few weeks. Oh well, I know I'll make the best of it by drawing all over my notes, snoozing, and talking to people (Which really means sitting in silence unless I know somebody or someone talks to me). Nah, high school isn't that bad (yes it is). 

There isn't anything else I have to talk about, but I hope everyone is having an awesome summers. Because everyone deserves an awesome summer.