STOP

Parking garage

The most famous (arguably) section of New Orleans is the French Quarter.  There are a number of parking garages, similar to this one, that may have started out life as an industrial or warehouse structure, that has been repurposed as a parking ramp garage. Or perhaps the buildings were intentionally designed, and even "aged" to look the part of the historic district. At any rate I found them to be much more at home here than if the ramps were new and more conventional in design.

Down the street

 Looking down Chartres Street toward the St. Louis Cathedral.

The more common view of the cathedral and Jackson Square.

Royal Street

Chartres Street

Walking around the French Quarter in New Orleans presents lots of photo opportunities, especially when the sun is shining and the weather is nice.

City Hall

Stickers

 

What the heck?

I came accross this in a shop window. It is a curious art piece made from a number of musical instruments. I don't think it actually makes any sound but it is interestsing.

Bridge at Natchez

What are you drinking?

 

Porch chairs

Placesetting

Terra Cotta

Terra Cotta has long been used for architectural details, especially in the hue of burnt orange, but also with glazes to add varied colors. The wide variety of options seems unlimited, both in historic buildings as well as modern. It is relatively inexpensive to produce in quantity and quite lightweight compared to carved stone.

Belond that, the shape and geometry of this image lends itself to the square format that I love.

Bird on a pole

You need to look close to see the bird... click the photo for a larger view.

Vicksburg's strategic advantage during the Civil War was that the town was built on a high bluff. Holding the "higher ground" made it difficult to attack. Bluffs are rare along the Mississippi. 

Of course the disadvantage of building on a bluff is that getting to for from the river required steps and steep slopes.

Civil War Museum

Vicksburg was the site of a critical victory by the Union late the Civil War. The town was key to the control of the Mississippi river. The Vicksburg National Military Park and National Cemetery are just outside of town and here, on the banks of the river in downtown, is a museum recounting the historic events. 

B.B. King's

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