Exploring the French Market.
Wade through the cheap Mardi Gras beads and masks, past the knock-off handbags and predictable logo'd T-shirts and you are sure to find the hidden gems.``
Maybe its the intricate copper pendants, painstakingly crafted from scraps of metal and tin salvaged from debris of Hurricane Katrina. Or one-of-a-kind custom bracelets made from the guitar strings of local street musicians, the callouses on the artist's fingers speak to the difficulty working with the stiff and unyielding material.
Everywhere artisans see beauty in unexpected items and places and New Orleans is no exception.
Here New Orleans' famed French Market runs for 6 city blocks along the riverfront from Jackson Square to the Esplanade, bordered between Decatur and N. Peters Streets.
The Market finds its roots as a Native American trading post, where back in 1784, authorities decreed that all retailing activity be conducted in this one spot. Having survived hurricanes and the test of time, the Market remains, modernized in 1936 to 1938 to resemble the present date structure - rows of long, warehouse-like buildings, roofed to protect from the elements but open-sided to permit airflow and access to the surrounding area. Each building houses row upon row of tables and kiosks offering every imaginable novelty, craft or souvenir.
Like Valerie at Bi-Valves by Val, offering meticulous and detailed scenes hand-painted on the inside of discarded local oyster shells. The tiny dioramas are exquisite; I marvel at the colors, rich and vibrant, some including sparkling and glittering accents. "That's because I use exclusively nail polish to do the painting," Valerie explains. "That gives the color and sheen and durability I need." They are indeed unique. As Val explains, no one has been able to emulate her technique, it is just too tedious and no one has bothered to take the time or effort. She has been doing this for 12 years.
Passing into the next building I encounter the Food Building. Here you can pick up Cajun and Creole spices, fresh fruits and vegetables or a plate of spicy shrimp or fish.
The unmistakable beat of jazz beckons, drawing me further in, past the photo-imprinted tiles, tropical plants and hand-thrown pottery. The whine a blues guitar is nearer now. I stop, listening and watching the musician's talented fingers skimming across the strings. Dropping into the welcoming cobalt blue bistro stools at the Gazebo Café, we sample the specialty, Daiquiri Ice Cream, tapping to the irresistible beat and enjoying the respite from the humidity and heat.
Continuing, we visit the impressive golden statue of Saint Joan of Arc, patron saint of New Orleans, a gift from France to the city. Lastly, we make our way to Santa's Quarters on Decatur Street. I love browsing through Christmas-themed shops even if it is hovering around 30 degrees outside.
Finally, we wander back toward Canal Street and the hotel, following the walkways of Riverfront Park along the banks of the Mississippi.
Wade through the cheap Mardi Gras beads and masks, past the knock-off handbags and predictable logo'd T-shirts and you are sure to find the hidden gems.``
Maybe its the intricate copper pendants, painstakingly crafted from scraps of metal and tin salvaged from debris of Hurricane Katrina. Or one-of-a-kind custom bracelets made from the guitar strings of local street musicians, the callouses on the artist's fingers speak to the difficulty working with the stiff and unyielding material.
Everywhere artisans see beauty in unexpected items and places and New Orleans is no exception.
Here New Orleans' famed French Market runs for 6 city blocks along the riverfront from Jackson Square to the Esplanade, bordered between Decatur and N. Peters Streets.
The Market finds its roots as a Native American trading post, where back in 1784, authorities decreed that all retailing activity be conducted in this one spot. Having survived hurricanes and the test of time, the Market remains, modernized in 1936 to 1938 to resemble the present date structure - rows of long, warehouse-like buildings, roofed to protect from the elements but open-sided to permit airflow and access to the surrounding area. Each building houses row upon row of tables and kiosks offering every imaginable novelty, craft or souvenir.
Like Valerie at Bi-Valves by Val, offering meticulous and detailed scenes hand-painted on the inside of discarded local oyster shells. The tiny dioramas are exquisite; I marvel at the colors, rich and vibrant, some including sparkling and glittering accents. "That's because I use exclusively nail polish to do the painting," Valerie explains. "That gives the color and sheen and durability I need." They are indeed unique. As Val explains, no one has been able to emulate her technique, it is just too tedious and no one has bothered to take the time or effort. She has been doing this for 12 years.
Passing into the next building I encounter the Food Building. Here you can pick up Cajun and Creole spices, fresh fruits and vegetables or a plate of spicy shrimp or fish. 
The unmistakable beat of jazz beckons, drawing me further in, past the photo-imprinted tiles, tropical plants and hand-thrown pottery. The whine a blues guitar is nearer now. I stop, listening and watching the musician's talented fingers skimming across the strings. Dropping into the welcoming cobalt blue bistro stools at the Gazebo Café, we sample the specialty, Daiquiri Ice Cream, tapping to the irresistible beat and enjoying the respite from the humidity and heat.
Continuing, we visit the impressive golden statue of Saint Joan of Arc, patron saint of New Orleans, a gift from France to the city. Lastly, we make our way to Santa's Quarters on Decatur Street. I love browsing through Christmas-themed shops even if it is hovering around 30 degrees outside.
Finally, we wander back toward Canal Street and the hotel, following the walkways of Riverfront Park along the banks of the Mississippi.
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