Mardi Gras!

Going to meetings down in New Orleans during Mardi Gras for the first time since Katrina was not a difficult part of my job. Last time I was there, I was much younger and accompanied by my family. I remember the glittery floats and colorful beads, but aside from the few memories I was anxious to see the city's parades and festivities from an older perspective, and in the wake of the city's renovations and changes. After a long day of meetings, I had the pleasure of going to a delicious, authentic New Orleans dinner at Red Fish Grill. Our entire team tried red fish (most of us for the first time) in one preparation or another and were blown away by the different spices and flavors. After dinner, we were lucky enough to get VIP passes to the Druids Mardi Gras parade, so we were standing on a balcony at the same level as people in the parade floats. We were told this was a smaller Mardi Gras parade, but the streets were packed and people were out in costume and high spirits. The beads came flying in—literally—and by the end of the first parade we each had about 10lbs of beads hanging around our necks. About half an hour later we saw a second parade (it was supposed to run earlier that week but got rescheduled due to weather) with its own unique marching bands, floats, and costumes. The whole experience was truly amazing; it was fun for everybody regardless of age. We were all giddy from the experience and before the night had ended, we were already asking our client about plans for next year.

I really feel that Mardi Gras was thrilling both as a kid and an adult. The experience is universally charming and truly unique to New Orleans' culture and traditions. The joys and magnetism of the city very much came alive during Mardi Gras, and I was pleased to see the French Quarter so well manicured amidst the masses of people and city-wide renovations. I had a fabulous time at Mardi Gras and can't wait to visit the city again!