Honestly, I am not much of a shopper but I bought a few things on the streets of New Orleans. There is a saying... "All the world's a stage." In New Orleans all the world is a market, so let me do a little review of my vacation shopping. I bought a few beers and live music:

The band was just getting started, they soon packed the house, then rocked it!


We spent an evening enjoying some world class Jazz courtesy of another band. They were really fine musicians but there was a little comedy routine going on too, keeping the three of us laughing the whole time. I cannot believe I actually caught "the moment." Look at the drummer. That is a giant mirror next to him. He sat there keeping perfect time and looking bored out of his mind most of the set. Occasionally, he would turn to the mirror and admire himself. He seemed to really like what he saw, the only smile he ever broke was at his own reflection, like this...

Lookin' good, if I do say so myself!"


I bought a few meals. I confess, I was disappointed with the accents of the servers. There were some Brooklyn accents, some Chicago accents, some foreign accents, but almost no southern drawl left - in New Orleans!

I love how New Orleans restaurants open up the entire ground floor for a "patio" feel.


My co-worker had never been here before, so of COURSE we had to go by Cafe DuMond and let her get some tainted coffee. Chicory just ain't my cup of tea. Well, actually it is tea and in New Orleans they think if is coffee... poor, confused people!

We didn't buy a beignet, they are really not "all that" either but don't tell the locals I said that!


Somewhere along the way, in one of the myriad little shops tucked along Bourbon Street, I bought a few trinkets for my wife and grandkids.

Through every doorway, an array of souvenirs exactly like the ones next door is offered.


It almost seems like every store is arranged the same way. Maybe they are trying to make sure they don't confuse the drunks? On the wall to your right, you have

Feathered Masks - because every day is Mardi Gras around here!


Front and center are the cheap T-shirts, nicer ones are at the back and on the ceiling.

You want a T-shirt of a feather mask? We got that.


At the check out you can get chicory tainted coffee and meh beignet mix of your very own!

It won't taste like NOLA at home unless you dip your water from the toilet...


I bought myself two treats. I got a really good cigar at one of the shops on Bourbon Street, then I bought myself a game of chess and some interesting conversation with this gentleman:

He won, but I had a "Huge Ass Beer" and a great cigar so I sure did not lose!
Photos taken with Fuji FinePix S8300 by myself or @fishyculture and used with permission.

Thanks to @dswigle for continuing to host #MarketFriday! Be sure to check her post for more fun shops to visit, and

THANK YOU for visiting my blog!