For some reason, this is really been my 1st opportunity to go into New Orleans during Mardi Gras and experience its magic. Jim grew up with this insanity and, sort of ,takes it for granted. We were invited by our neighbors to go into the garden district of New Orleans and watch one of the night parades during the nights preceding Mardi Gras day. For 2 weeks before fat Tuesday, different Krewes put on extravagant parades with their members. Some Krewes or well over 100 years old and their parade becomes a mobile party for the people of New Orleans. Kids grow up attending the parades and competing for beads, unusual novelties, and trinkets thrown to them by the masked people on the floats. They learn to yell the traditional," throw me something Mr.", chant, and wave their arms with a big smile. It's all part of growing up in this unique culture. Our friends, Glenn and Laura, took it upon themselves to show me what it was all about. The love and connection of the local people to their city really becomes apparent during Mardi Gras. unfortunately, we have to leave for the Coconut Grove show in Miami and won't be able to go down to the French quarter Mardi Gras day. maybe next year!!!
