Trifter

Past the swampy marshes and sitting well below sea level, New Orleans is a city filled with intrigue and excitement.  One area in this city, however, rises above all.  Famous for the Mardi Gras parades, the intoxicating nightlife on Bourbon street defies mere description.  On this particular street, there are several bars, restaurants, live entertainment, street performers, and small gift shops.  With thousands of people gathering on Bourbon Street; everyday seems like Mardi Gras in the grand old city of New Orleans.

Street performers can be found on every corner.  These performers captivate their audience with their mystical presence.  The fires man encountered is a clown standing very silently on a box.  A fiery orange puff ball setting atop his head, he wears a huge grin upon his face.  Passing by him, he suddenly comes to life.  His voice echoes through the street asking all to name their favorite animal.  With a few twists and the squeaking of rubber he will create a balloon animal of choice.  Slightly further down the road, sits what appears to be a giant porcelain doll.  Drawing near, her eyes will beam open; she will ask softly if she should dance.  The pirouettes and flowing motions of her arms can remind the inner child of a ballerina from the inside of a music box.  While exploring the area further, notice is taken of many gold and silver people posing as statues.  In the middle of the street, a loud clomping sound can be heard.  It is the sound of twin boys’ tap dancing in the street for change.

If magic and mystery are not to be sought, the entertainment of the bars and clubs are a must.  Live music can be heard rumbling through the streets.  The clashing of the tambourines and the beating of drums makes everyone want to get up and dance.  The loud whaling of the guitar and the rowdy singers have the ability to pump up any crowd.  As the people dance, women carry trays filled with shots and weave in and out of the herds.  Sweat can be seen dripping off the faces of the people as they jump and sway.  Throughout the clubs, the stench of alcohol and sweat fills the room.  Cheerful roaring from the crowds of people shows their enthusiasm.  Above groups can be seen leaning over balconies shouting and flinging beads to the individuals partying on the ground.  The clubs can leave anyone yearning for more.

Stepping out of the clubs, a good way to top off the evening is to explore the many gift shops.  Peering in the windows it is plain to see the shops are filled with many types of trinkets and treasures.  The walls are decorated with shimmering colorful beads, while fragile porcelain masques and masquerade dolls are set along the shelves.  Racks are covered in giant furry top hats that look like something the Mad Hatter would have worn.  Snow globes are filled with metallic specks and images of Mardi Gras parades.  Decks of tarot cards are placed next to silky cloths and sweet fragrant sticks of incense.  Soft plush brightly colored feather boas give a feeling of glamour and fame to the stores, while small shrunken heads and voodoo kits give a hint of the super natural.  When visiting the city, here in these shops it is possible to bring home a piece of the magic and beauty of this place home.