Mardi Gras 06, a set on Flickr.
We lived in New Orleans for 9 years, from 1997-2006. Our last Mardi Gras was the one following Katrina. The whole event of Mardi Gras leaves me with mixed feelings. The debauchery in the French Quarter is so extreme it is ridiculous, but the family aspect of the earlier parades and the fun that the kids can have is endearing. The catharsis of the ’06 Mardi Gras, however, was absolutely necessary.
Later today I will share why my friend Jim West is wrong about Lent (and why King Cakes are so yummy).
We lived in New Orleans for 3 years (2001-2004) and absolutely loved it. Mardi Gras was great fun–I only wish our kids could have experienced one of the big parades! Where did you live in NO?
We lived for 1 year in River Ridge, 2 years right on Palmer Ave by Tulane and then 6 years in Covington, north of Lake Ponchartrain.
Oh, and my wife keeps the tradition alive here in TX by baking King Cakes throughout the season!
Luckily the Giant up here makes them, but it is the only store. (And not the greatest, but it is something.)