How to Sound Pretentious...

...in One Easy Lesson.

As anyone who knows me will tell you, I'm really okay sounding pretentious. I do, however, prefer to plan on it and do it intentionally. Not like yesterday in the customs line.

When Lithus and I got down to the sorting section, there was a line for Canadians and a line for non-Canadians. So, we split up. Once in my non-Canadian line, I asked an official if, for future reference, my Canadian husband and I could go through the same line. Yes, we could. Either line, actually, whichever is shortest. I just can't use the kiosks on the Canadian side. Excellent. And thank you.

At which point, the lovely American couple behind me started up a conversation...

LAC: Is this your first time to Canada?
Pobble: Oh, no.
LAC: Just the first time traveling with your husband?
Pobble: Oh, no. We just usually clear customs through the FBO.
LAC: What's the FBO?
Pobble: The part of the airport set up for private aircraft.
LAC: Oooohhhhhh...


Ah well.

Audubon Zoo

We went to the zoo. You probably know that already, but it seemed like a good idea to start with the basic summary of this post. Here, you will find tons of pictures, a few words, but mostly, it's a photo dump. Enjoy.

First come the flamingos.

The the Asian bears. I like bears. Always have.

In the center of the zoo, is the fountain. The really cool fountain.

And there are monkeys, of course, because what's a zoo without monkeys?

The NOLA zoo has a section called "The Swamp." In it are fish exhibits focused on fish that can be found in local waters. Fish like catfish. With...what? Helpful, informative cards, telling you all about the catfish, like you might find in an aquarium?

Not quite...

Grilled Catfish with Blue Crab Sauce.

 Birds, and turtles, and more birds, and more turtles.

And more primates, too.

On the grounds of Audubon Park ~

And on the walk home, not part of the zoo at all, just someone's front yard ~ and their mongohuge palm trees!

Mongohuge: the technical term for palm trees this large

French Quarter Fest 2014

Lithus was in town for French Quarter Fest this year (he wasn't for last year), so I dragged him into the crowds. Now, he isn't any bigger a fan of tourist crowds than I, so we simply did a loop, took pictures, people watched, and stayed in our own little bubble. Makes for a great weekend.


We started Thursday evening, as did FQF, at one of our neighborhood live music/good food/great atmosphere places ~ the Little Gem Saloon ~ and the musical stylings of Sarah Gromko. I highly recommend this evening, regardless of the addition of FQF.

Friday, there were treats at our neighborhood smackerel shop:

Then, Saturday, we braved the crowds and actually made it across Canal, into the Quarter...

Somehow, I managed to get randomly mustard-ed by someone and something, which I admit, required an alcohol wipe once we got home.

All in all, it was a good weekend.