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What did I see?

A few years ago, was sitting with a coworker at Coop’s on a Wednesday evening. We were at one of the tables to the side of the bar, and I was facing the door/window. Suddenly, I said “hey, there’s my friend K….” whom I had not seen in at least 6 months.
I excused myself, hurried outside but could not see him in the groups of people walking down Decatur, even though he was pretty tall.
I even looked down the side street but it seemed like he had disappeared.
Went back and mentioned it to my fellow diner and told her about him, and went on with our previous conversation. What I told her was that he was a great dinner companion, lively and a reputation for petty grift. Always had an angle/plan/situation, and his finances always seemed better than they should, based on where he worked. He never conned me; quite possibly like many of those types that are in New Orleans, he knew where and when to use those skills and where and when not to.
So the next weekend I went with my mom to the North Shore to tend to the family plot at the cemetery. While there, my cell phone rang. Mom was off getting water for my great grandmother’s grave, so I decided to answered it. (just so you know, grave tending is a normal family activity in New Orleans- that’s not the weird part).
“Hello. Is this D?”
“yes”
You don’t know me, but I am K’s _____ father. We have not heard from him in over 3 months and so am looking through his phone book. You’re the last name.” (W begins my last name)
I couldn’t believe it. I told him what had happened that week and tried to explain I was not a kook, making up stories. We talked for 10 minutes with my mother watching me curiously as she watered.
I asked him to call me back to tell me when he did hear from K…
I never got another call even though my number remains the same.
I think that I might have seen K….. because he wanted me to tell his father that he was okay. And so I guess I did my task.
This makes the second ghost I think I have seen.
Both of them in the French Quarter.

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Real massage in the quarter

Many people refer to the “massage places” on Iberville et al as the “happy endings” places, whether true or not.
True enough that they look skanky and dark and are clearly not for the uninitiated. Whatever they are, yucchh.

By the way, it seems to me that restoring Storyville prostitution rules would be a sensible idea. Managing it as a separate district only on Iberville and with limits on how many spots and how business would have to be conducted might work, with our casino and 24 nightlife culture.

In any case, there are some new places for massage cropping up in the Quarter that are NOT associated with the Iberville ones. I had noticed the place on Chartres next to Chart Room (they have their own hawkers), but have not looked further. Luckily for me, my workplace recently decided to treat their employees with a “chill” potluck afternoon and as an extra treat, 20 minute chair massages. I had just had 2 massages that weekend to cure an aching neck so passed while they were there but then this weekend went to the same ladies on Decatur.
Foot Reflexology Center in the 1200 block of Decatur is worth the time to wait (sometimes) and the uneven opening hours (seems to always open by 11:30 and is open late til 9 or so.)
The massage therapists are Chinese and this location is usually staffed by women, very sweet ladies. They have strong hands to do back and neck at the chair, or foot reflexology while you very comfortably lay on the chaise lounges. Laying there getting an excellent foot treatment while watching rain fall outside and people chattering as they passed by was as close to a perfect Sunday afternoon in the Quarter as I have had for a while.
Prices are good and they are very professional, using gloves always and hot towels to wipe the oil off your feet when done. I got a back/neck massage on Friday and feet done on Sunday. I slept like a rock afterwards and have had more energy and no morning aches. If more in-depth massage is necessary, check out the independent therapists/healers just down the road at St. Roch and St. Claude.

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It’s a Complicated Life

Originally written by Ray Davies of the Kinks, this song is performed by the Preservation Hall Jazz Band featuring Clint Maedgen on vocals. Filmed mid-2005, this music video features Clint Maedgen, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band and a guest appearance by the New Orleans Bingo! Show.

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Desire better transportation and more poetry

Desire streetcar ran down Decatur through the French Market, over to Royal and down to Canal, then back down Bourbon.

"They told me to take a streetcar named Desire, and then transfer to one called Cemeteries and ride six blocks and get off at Elysian Fields" Blanche DuBois "A Streetcar Named Desire", 1947

Where’s our new streetcar?

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Tales of the Cocktail

One of the brightest lights that has been added to the French Quarter and downtown cafe scene over the last few years is the Tales of the Cocktail festival. True to the New Orleanian spirit of expecting tasty drinks at every event (yes even breakfast), they hold interesting and fun events that teach and inspire at the same time.
I attended the first, but have often found myself on work trips at the same time this is held since. THIS year, no trips planned so am looking forward to many of their events- although they sell out fast!
And I do, I do encourage you to spend some of your cocktail and food budget on this, there are quite a few free events to attend:

http://talesofthecocktail.com/events/complimentary_events

What I like about our festivals is that the good ones are directly tied to preserving and expanding our culture and TOTC is one of the best on that level as well.
The New Orleans Culinary and Cultural Preservation Society is a non-profit organization committed to preserving the unique culture of dining and drinking in New Orleans and the storied bars and restaurants that have contributed to the city's world-wide culinary acclaim. This organization supports members of the hospitality industry through education and the production of events like Tales of the Cocktail and, most recently, Trails of the Cocktail, a scholarship program for emerging talent in the New Orleans cocktail industry.
Held at the lovely Monteleone Hotel, its easy to get there and then get around to the other venues from there.

So, bring a go cup and some time to sip.