16th Day New Orleans

Today is our last day of the tour and I can't believe that we have only been away 2 weeks as it seems a lot longer. This morning we were off on our last excursion and to an Alligator Farm! We were surprised to learn that the female only grows to 6-8 ft and the male up to 12-13 ft which makes them so much smaller than our crocodiles. We travelled on a pontoon boat up the bayou seeing the alligators swimming around watching us watching them. We also saw turtles and wild pigs and a few heron birds and were told lots of info re the wetlands and which areas are canals (man made) or natural bayou. We also got to hold a small alligator and had our picture taken. After a quick lunch (at Subway) we took a taxi to the French Market for a look. It wasn't really any different from any other market with lots of jewellery! handbags! clothing etc? I did want to buy something but couldn't decide so no go. We popped in to the Cathedral again for a photo and then walked back to the hotel through the French Quarter yet again. There was a bit of music but no Jazz being played. Most people we spoke to ( from the tour) said they were disappointed with Bourbon St in general. The music playing was more country/rock. It is legal to walk around the area carrying your alcohol in the street as long as it is in a plastic container and not glass. Of course most drinks are big and in decorative containers. As well most don't ask for ID so it is a haven for the young wanting a GOOD time! We got back to our hotel at 3pm and had a nap as we will be up at 4am tomorrow. Then it was get dressed in our glad rags for the a Farewell Dinner at an up market restaurant called Arnauds, family owned since 1918!There were lots of photos on the wall showing where they had hosted presidents from Reagan, Clinton etc. Eric says it was the best meal of the trip. The main course was Gulf Fish Amandine which was a sautéed Demi- filet topped with sliced almonds and lemon Butter sauce followed by a small steak that was so tender you didn't need a steak knife - so tender. Then it was time to pack our bags and get to bed to get some shut eye before our 4am alarm. We said goodbye to Bill and Margaret and off to bed.