Rejuvenation - Creole Style

When life gets busy and a little stressful, sometimes you have to let go, vibe out and adopt an "I don't give a damn" attitude like my friend in the picture above.

On Thursday of this past week, I declared that I was going to do nothing this weekend but sleep in and rot my brain with reality television shows. I was dead tired, and I felt that my body and mind needed a huge break. However, Friday rolled around and the weather was perfect. I then checked the weather report and discovered that Saturday would be beautiful as well. I told myself that I would rest Friday evening and take advantage of Saturday. I woke up Saturday morning and had that "do something" energy within me. I needed to get out of the house and bask in the lovely weather that Louisiana was experiencing. We do not get many pleasant, warm days here - so I wasn't letting this one slide.

I decided to get dressed, pack my camera and head south to New Orleans, LA (NOLA). NOLA holds a special place in my heart. There is a vibrant spirit in that city, and I feel it each time I visit. I love the culture, the cuisine, the free spirits, the art, and the music; it all envelops me.

I walked miles around the downtown area just to see what I could see. It was entertaining to say the least (as usual), and it was also refreshing and relaxing - just what my weekend needed. Check out what I captured in NOLA below.

I quickly gave this man a dollar....I was about to give him $5 but I remembered that I wanted to eat later on.

Jazz art in the French Quarter.

Here vibe was peaceful.

Window art on Royal Street.

I thought he was a cool subject to shoot. #fashionablyliberated

I love the architecture in NOLA. The detailing and colors of the houses are so artsy.

Art on the front of a building on Frenchmen Street.

A creepy bar that I won't be having a Bloody Mary at....ever.

People watching.

A simple wedding on Bourbon Street.

Somebody literally read my mind and put it on a shirt! Ha!!

A cool band taking a break in between sets.

I am trying to take a picture while she is asking me to reveal my breast. Obviously the party and ignorance never dies on Bourbon Street.

I was tempted to sit next to her.

My sentiments, exactly.

After being flipped off by the silver man above, I felt is was time to dip into a cool restaurant, take a break from walking and feed my face. I went into Bourbon House (a restaurant on Bourbon Street) that specializes in Creole cuisine. Check out what I feasted on below.

For starters, I had charbroiled oysters topped with crawfish. It was dreamy and delicious.

For my main course, I had Catfish Pecan served with sautéed shrimp, popcorn rice, Creole meunière, and seasonal vegetables. God is good.

After dinner, I was back at it. I recorded some live video of a jazz band playing on the street. The video came out blurry so I won't be sharing it; nonetheless, the music was jumping.

Overall, my time in NOLA was an adventurous one. I thoroughly enjoyed my weekend, and now I am rejuvenated and ready to tackle another week. Until next time!

What do you like to do to rejuvenate your mind and spirit?

- Samjah Iman