- The cocktail was invented in New Orleans. We were at the source, so we visited fancy bars (like in the Roosevelt Hotel on Christmas Day) and drank fancy cocktails. You know, because we value history.
- The party was invented in New Orleans, or so you can be led to believe. We were at the source, so we visited a frozen “daiquiri” bar, which basically sells slushies mixed with alcohol. Six bucks for 32 ounces. You know, because we value a bargain.
- We saw several examples of eye-catching apparel while walking through the French Quarter (beautiful drag queens, sequined and feathered Mardi Gras tunics, and even an “alien” in platform shoes), and everyone in the family was mature enough to not stop and gawk and point.
- The cuisine is amazing in New Orleans. We ate everything from gumbos to soul food to po’boys to oysters to Caribbean-inspired dishes (College Boy ate turtle soup–twice!), and everyone in the family was mature enough to not turn down anything presented on the plate.
- While staying at a lovely shotgun-style rental home, Husband and I didn’t have to act parental and scold and safeguard all the original artwork and mercury glass on display. Honestly, the kids admired it all, and probably picked up some interior decorating ideas.
- While the family was enjoying the long series of Christmas Eve bonfires along the Mississippi River levee, Husband and I didn’t have to act parental and vigilant and caution the kids to stay back from the roaring flames. In fact, we were glad the kids were bold enough to get close, because the photos they took are awesome.
- While walking down Bourbon Street, Husband and I didn’t have to act parental and blush and stammer and explain any of the debauchery we saw and heard. Face it, our kids have the internet, and they all know what strippers do.
- Our kids might not have been affected by the phallic-shaped glasses wielded by tourists on Bourbon Street, but they sure did giggle at one of the stops on the St. Charles Streetcar Line–Peniston Street.
- Not only were our kids old enough to be admitted to all the bars playing all the amazing music, they are also old enough to have jobs and therefore had the money to buy their parents a round or two.
- Not only were our kids old enough enough to be admitted to all the bars playing all the amazing music, they were also old enough to appreciate jazz, from Dixieland to ragtime piano to hard-driving street-funk.
- Not only were our kids old enough to be admitted to all the bars playing all the amazing music, they were also old enough to participate with us in a 90 minute mixology class at one of these bars on Frenchmen Street. We learned how to make classic New Orleans cocktails, because we value education. And cocktails. We value cocktails.
- No one fell asleep at Midnight Mass.
- No one seemed embarrassed that Mom and Dad were dancing, or singing to the music, or taking photos of themselves wearing beads and shiny costumes at Mardi Gras World.
- No one needed supervision in Marie Laveau’s House of Voodoo.
- No one needed supervision anytime, really. And I barely texted the kids during those few times they went exploring on their own.
- Toward the end of our stay, while watching the local news, we took notice of a story about locally-made kombucha, valued for its restorative properties. We groaned collectively, since we had been eating and drinking so much. Then the news reporter ended the story by pointing out that kombucha can be delicious when mixed with alcohol and served as a cocktail. Yup. Only in New Orleans.
- Santa didn’t bring any presents, and no gifts were exchanged. No one pouted. Our gift to ourselves and to the kids was this family vacation, the memories we made, and some great cocktail recipes.
Monica Lists 