The trip back to the Crescent City this time may have been spawned from my need to get away from stresses at home, but I couldn't have asked for a better vacation place.

Early in November, Fate (my mouse) and I drove out to visit my friend Damian. Once I got there, I pretty much did nothing but lounge around, catching up on my reading, playing with the cat (Lilith) and picking on Damian. Well, to be fair, I *was* on vacation. :)

Seriously, I did manage to get out of the house every now and again. One of the more memorable excursions was to the zoo, with Damian's roommate, Lisa - who is an amazingly fun girl to hang out with, and I'm not just saying that because we are like each other in many silly ways (down to the birthmark!!). The zoo was a blast. We saw many monkeys, and a capybara (world's largest rodent), and we got to hear a lion roar twice (the bastard shut up the second we got to the cage -  both times).

Spent many afternoons in the French Quarter, checking out antique shops and shopping for postcards... and lots of window shopping for impulse buys that I didn't quite give in to this time around.

Managed to get out to a couple different cemetaries for some fantastic photos. Lafayette tended to be less photogenic than I thought it would be, considering its reputation, and taking photos in Metarie nearly gave me the flu from all the rain. I just *had* to try out the new camera tho'.

It wouldn't be me to not hit a couple of the clubs in town. Naturally, Devil Bunny went along and was rather a hit. I got my little dance fix. And Damian had fun writing on his chest in electrical tape. :) When we weren't at the clubs, we were often out at Pirate's Alley Cafe and the Cigar Shop in the Quarter.

Before I left, Damian and I stopped by Suzanne's to say hello (Suzanne being Damian's old roommie). She's got a fantastic sense for decorating (Jesus bunny is her doing), and a silly cat (Oscar, see morgue kitty, right).

Eventually, after a couple of weeks, I packed up my mouse (who was also feeling better) and headed back home in record time (driving over 1000 miles a day even).

Until next time.

lion