Endlessly Interesting, Ceaselessly captivating, Inexhaustibly intriguing, Forever Fresh

Far more eloquent writers and poets have described the mix of cultures, arts and style that summarize New Orleans. The most European of any American city whether you call it “The Crescent City” or the “Big Easy” it is a pleasure to explore, experience and enjoy. The language and curious customs allow even a tourist interloper to want to learn more about this rich and challenging place. Twenty years after Hurricane Katrina devastated the city and region, you can see the scars but feel the resilience.









The location as a port city on the Mississippi explains part of the melange of influences. Certainly the beautiful French Quarter architecture with Spanish and French influences are romantic. It is worth considering the aboriginal people who settled on the bayous and lived off the natural abundance. There are also many reminders of the slave trade for those who care to look. Audobon Park is named for the pioneer ornithologist who sold human beings in order to relocate to New Orleans.









We visited the The Historic New Orleans Collection. It is highly recommended for a jumping off point to understand the city.


A back story to this scene at Lilly's Cafe.

A terrific multi media presentation presented the people who shaped the arts and civil rights movements that make New Orleans so compelling. There was also a very moving yet disturbing exhibit about hospice care for death row inmates.









“A Vanishing Bounty” reflected the precarious nature of the bayou and environment due to global challenges such as climate change.

The food scene in New Orleans represents all the influences of naturally abundant ingredients and cultures that now call the Big Easy home. The memory of the music and meals is the stuff of bucket lists. -- Nancy Zellmer

A few suggestions:

The Mosquito Supper Club
Pesce
Commander's Palace
Heard Dat
Lilly's Place
The Chloe (mind the ventilation)
Maple Leaf Bar
Saba
Bacchanal Wine

Sleeping Well

"I've got a place 10 miles west of Phoenix. Small. A few trees with a hammock. Even on the hottest days, I enjoy breezes with that hammock in the shade. I sleep out there some nights as well." - a Hertz bus driver years ago at Phoenix Airport.

I have learned to seek a great night's sleep when traveling - sleeping on a cloud surrounded by fresh air. An airbath. Unfortunately, this is no small challenge.

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So many US hotels - old and new - are sealed up tight with terrible air circulation. The room hvac often seems to only recirculate the air in the small space, with no ability to mix fresh air.



I recently stayed at the otherwise pleasant Chloe in New Orleans. "Housed in a 19th-century Uptown mansion", the appeal and location were promising. A local's recommendation sealed the deal for me. We settled in for the evening (temperatures in the low 60's at the time) and I attempted to open a window and enjoy the beautiful air. Not a chance. The 2020 LeBlanc + Smith mansion renovation apparently sealed the beautiful old windows and closed the upper deck.



The limited air circulation lead to poor sleeping conditions.

Similarly, Galveston's Grand Galvez - located on the Gulf of Mexico (!) - also features sealed windows. Guests cannot enjoy the superb breezes.

"Delight your customers"

So said W. Edwards Deming.

Studio Jewelers is a delightful experience.

Their artisan team not only have expertise, but share exquisite taste. Sarah helped us transform family jewels into heirlooms. The earrings originated as a great grandmother's pins.

Thank you for making our Christmas vision come to life. There are so many lovely things in the studio. Check them out.

Shine on Bright Zoo Lights!

Out of a family tragedy an enduring community resource was created. In 1904 the Vilas Family, former U.S.Senator William F. Vilas and his wife Annie, donated $18,000 for a 63 acre tract of land designated for Vilas Park.

Henry Vilas died at a young age due to complications from diabetes. His family had the foresight to think of other children. They stipulated no admission to their namesake Henry Vilas Park and Zoo could ever be charged.

The Vilas gift was developed under the management of of the Madison Park and Pleasure Association. The group raised private funds to maintain scenic access to drives and parks. The leaders of the group acquired and designated park land that continues to provide public access to nature. Many of the iconic roads with lake access such as Lake Mendota and Farwell Drive were conceived and paid for by this group of private citizens.

The Zoo is a beloved, egalitarian community space with a long history. The first animal exhibits opened in 1911. The animals were decidedly less exotic and diverse than the current exhibits. There were no flamingoes, giraffes or red pandas at the start. In fact, many of the animals are visible in the “wilds” around the zoo today. Deer, eagles, squirrels, rabbits, raccoons and a red fox were part of the inaugural menagerie.

In the first decade bear, monkey and lion exhibits were added. The Madison Park and Pleasure Drive Association ceased to exist once the City of Madison established its Parks Foundation The City of Madison transferred the ownership of the Zoo to Dane County. The process took a decade but the original mission of no admission fees was maintained.

So how does a vibrant, growing organization keep such a pledge? Vilas Zoo is proud to be one of only a few admission-free, community-supported zoos across the country. The Zoo is dedicated to exceptional animal care and conserving wildlife through local engagement and global partnerships. Fund raising and a long term capital campaign have brought the Zoo expanded education and variety of exhibits.

One of the most beloved and fun events of the holiday season is the Zoo Lights. Ticket holders may enter the Zoo after hours and experience a display of over a million lights. Carousel rides are unlimited, Santa is available for photos and adults over 21 years of age may even partake in adult beverages. It is a beautiful, fun and celebratory tradition not to be missed! -- Nancy Zellmer

Details on tickets and admission may be found here:

Immersive view using amuz on Vision Pro.

Friday Flying in FLW country

Purchase tickets for the 2024 Henry Vilas Zoo lights here.

Perspective

Starting with a quote from Robert Falcon Scott [britannica].

Explore The Polar Museum in amuz on iOS, android and visionOS.