For whatever reason, there were Events all over the Quart...

For whatever reason, there were Events all over the Quarter: when I went walking in the morning, I passed Latrobe's (formerly a bank owned by a former husband of the notorious Madame Lalaurie) and saw guys setting up a courtyard-entry ON THE SIDEWALK made of white plastic planters containing green plastic hedges. Very silly. The house I use as a model for Ben and Rose's seems to be no longer open to the public (it's always hit or miss whether one finds it open - I've only been inside it once), but there was an even being set up THERE, so I sneaked into the courtyard, at least.

In the evening, the sidwalks were CRAWLING with people; it was like being at Comic Con. I kept the hell away from Bourbon Street (except for dropping briefly by Arnaud's to say Hi to my friend Charles, who's the headwaiter there). I was glad to see my favorite walking-tours company, Le Monde Creole, is still in business (they also operate the best plantation tour in town, the tour of Laura Plantation).

On Royal Street, every day I've stopped to listen to Tanya and Dorise, AMAZING duo of violin-and-guitar. Somewhere a respectable set of Chinese parents is tearing their hair out - "For THIS we gave our daughter violin-lessons?" I've heard some very good street-music here, but they're definitely the best. (And, they said, they sell their CDs on line). Last time I was here I heard the totally amazing G-String Ensemble (or quartet) - I've missed seeing them this time.

Other than that horrific thunderstorm the first night, the weather's been gorgeous - always a comfort, if one is flying out.

A panel this morning (on, How to end a story); then a cheap lunch someplace in the Quarter (the jambalaya at Maspero's is fantastic), and head off for the airport.