Day 3 - New Orleans

Woke up to a beautiful, crystal clear, blue sky - definite improvement on yesterday. Headed off for breakfast at The Ruby Slipper in Magazine Street (as recommended by Gillian's sister, Linda) which included cocktails (alcoholic), whilst we waited for a table, for both Miss Gillian and Miss Tracey!

Next, down to the Riverfront to embark upon a 2 hour river cruise on the Mississippi aboard one of only 2 remaining steam paddle steamers, Natchez As we joined the line to go aboard we were entertained by a lady playing a steam driven organ, a calliope

The afternoon saw us swap the river for the road as we took the Gray Line City Express Tour hosted by Mike Merino - it was fascinating to hear and see how the city has been rebuilt since the devastation of Hurricane Katrina and to see the Garden District with its "old money" antebellum homes along St Charles Avenue.

After the bus tour, Chris and Tracey joined the line outside The Preservation Hall for the 5pm performance of the Preservation Hall Jazz Band - as featured in Dave "Foo Fighters" Grohl's documentary TV series and inspiration for a track on the Foo Fighters' album of the same name, "Sonic Highways" It was a performance lasting little more than 45 minutes but utterly captivating and an experience never to be forgotten - a near religious experience, in fact.

Rejoining Gillian and Jan we dined in the House of Blues (recommended by the guy from Baton Rouge on the 'plane coming over). As we wandered back to our hotel a band playing live in one of the bars was playing "Route 66" - serendipitous, eh?