Saturday, 15 May 2010

Travels in New Orleans: Garden District

Photos taken on Easter Sunday, 4 April 2010.
The Garden District, a neighburhood of New Orleans, is noted for its streetscapes and architecture. The area was originally settled by wealthy Americans who did not want to live in the French Quarter. Nowadays it is a destination for tourists. You may choose to experience the Garden District on board the historic St. Charles Streetcar, or like us, get off at a stop and explore the area on foot. We got off near Tulane University and Loyola University and took a lovely stroll through the neighbourhood.

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The historic St. Charles Streetcar. A one-way ride is $1.25.

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The interior of the streetcar.

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Tulane University.

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Loyla University.

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Audobon Park, located near Tulane University and Loyola University.

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Multi-million dollar homes near Audubon Park.

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Commander's Palace is an upscale restaurant located in the Garden District. It was built in 1880, and is regarded as an institution in New Orleans.

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Colonel Short's Villa at 1448 Fourth Street. A notable aspect about this house is the cornstalk fence.

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Women's Opera Guild House at 2504 Prytania Street. The house combines Greek Revival and Queen Anne styles.

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Adams-Jones House (1860 - 1861) at 2423 Prytania Street,

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Penrose-sere House at 2300 Prytania Street.

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Pritchard-Pigott house at 1407 First Street. It is an example of a Greek Revival double-galleried town house.

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Robinson House (1862-66) at 1415 Third Street.

Other interesting houses in the Garden District:
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New Orleans's cemeteries are also a tourist destination. The one seen here is Lafayette Cemetery. Established in 1833 and located near Commander's Palace, Lafayette Cemetery is one of New Orleans's oldest cemeteries. The cemeteries of New Orleans are often called “cities of the dead.” The reason for this is that the cemeteries are organized with streets (and street signs) much like the cities of the living.

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Here are examples of aboveground tombs. A unique burial technique in New Orleans is that the dead are buried aboveground. The reason for this is because the city is located below sea level, so when the water level rises, the water would sometimes push the coffins up through the earth, causing both a gruesome sight and a health hazard. Another burial technique practiced in New Orleans is to bury all the family members in the same tomb. Hence, you'll notice the tombs themselves are quite tall, like miniture buildings.

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