YOUR MEMORIES OF MARDI GRAS
Chip Curley, MG 24/7
Nashville, Tennessee
My favorite Mardi Gras memory took place on Lundi Gras in 1991. Linda and I attended a Dr.
John concert at Spanish Plaza on the Riverfront. We couldn't see the stage, but we joined
hundreds of people surrounding the fountain enjoying the music. It was an incredible night
and there was magic in the air. When Dr. John went into "Good Nite Irene", the
entire group on the rim of the fountain began a synchronized kick to the music. We were
packed in tight and there was no where to go, arm in arm kicking for all we were worth.
Half way through the song I could feel my right shoe begin to come loose and I knew that
any moment it would go sailing out into space (and the water), never to be found and I
would have to limp back to the hotel. Pitiful me, spending Fat Tuesday hobbling about on
my one shoe. Nevertheless, I never missed a beat, the shoe stayed on and that night will
live with me forever. Mardi Gras is just like that.
Tom Wilk NYC, NY
March 6, 1996
I said to my companions on Fat Tuesday" Lets try to find Dead Elvis" "
There's too many people to find him" After walking on Charteres or Royal street (I
forget) not five minutes who do we see but Dead Elvis and Elvira. It was very cool to meet
you, and thanks for the bumper sticker, my car will wear it proudly.
Bob Goldberg, Brooklyn
March 24, 1996
It was the craziest time I've ever had. We're thinking about doing it again next year. I
can't remember when I've ever had as much fun. With luck I'll see you next year!
Rob Leitner
March 6, 1996
I'm a freshman at Tulane University, and Mardi Gras 96 was my first Mardi Gras. While I've
learned not to take anything for granted as far as New Orleans goes (I swear "Only in
NOLA" is my mantra!!), I still was unprepared for Mardi Gras. I was trapped on campus
with tests and practices until Friday and Hermes, but I managed to cram in the 5 big
parades- Endymion, Bacchus, Orpheus, Zulu and Rex. I knew something was very different
when I left my dorm for Hermes and none of the people on campus looked like they attended
Tulane (I think it was the fact that they were just not wearing enough clothing- it was in
the 50's. Freezing weather, if you've lived here for a while!) I absolutely loved the
parades, and I can't begin to describe all the wonderful experiences I had. The very fact
that despite standing for five hours and then being trapped on a bus that had to wait
forty minutes for all the street cleaning machines to exit St. Charles while a man
urinated ON THE BUS ! did not IN A WAY mar my wholly enthusiatisc opinion of the
festivities and did nothing to dissuade me from heading out again. I agree 100% with your
assessments of Endymion and Orpheus; both krewes were extremely generous, and I think that
their floats were probably my favorite. It was a great shared experience with my friends,
and it only affirmed my decision to go to college here. It must have to be SO BORING
anywhere else. Next year, now that I know the ropes, will be even better I'm sure, and, of
course, after telling all my high school friends of how great Mardi Gras really is, I'm
sure I'll have the pleasure (and it definitely is a pleasure!) of sharing Mardi Gras and
the beautiful Crescent City with a least one guest!!
Traci Zalinski
Nov 11, 1995
Sixteen of us from Law School went last year and it was the craziest time of our lives.
Trying to describe the experience to someone who has never been there is impossible. You
just have to experience it to believe it. I have never witnessed such decadence in my
life. But somehow, somehow the unacceptable in ordinary life becomes acceptable once you
enter the French Quarter, don't you agree? Overall. it was incredible, the parades, the
food, the music and the BEADS!!!!!!!!
Paul Beal, Keswick Ontario, Canada
March 16, 1996
Hi, I just loved Mardi Gras 95 when I was there, unfortunately, I missed MG 96, but MG 97
watch out!!! I have traveled all over North America, and partied everywhere that I have
been, but Mardi Gras in New Orleans rules!!! Take care until next Feb. 11, and we'll have
fun.
Pete Beer
Nov 19, 1995
I really enjoyed Mardi Gras 95. Going again this year better prepared for the rain and
planning to keep a better grip on my wallet.
Chris Hill
Nov 18, 1995
It was an amazing eye opening experience! A friend of mine and I drove from Florida to
check out Mardi Gras and to meet a friend who was there for a Physical Therapy Seminar. It
was non stop action from the moment we arrived. It is hard to describe how much fun we
actually had. I met so many different people of all types, sizes, colors, ages, even a guy
who was 80 and had been to every Mardi Gras since....well you get the picture! I also met
a most wonderful Australian gal who was touring the U.S. at the time. I have since been
keeping in contact with her, that is until recently. I haven't heard from her in about six
months. Oh well, maybe someday I'll find her on the NET! I do hope to return to Mardi Gras
someday.
David Ward
Nov 17, 1995
I attended my first MG last February as a Senior. Didn't get to stay through Tues, but
still had a great time. I can't wait because this year will be so much different. I won't
have to be back on any certain day and I can stay and enjoy the entire celebration. In
Feb, we saw Bacchus and Zeus parades. I tried to get downtown for Orpheus, but we didn't
plan enough in advance. One of my friends went down to the quarter about 4AM and stayed
there all day (through the rain and everything) to see Zulu. Her brother even caught a
coconut while they were there. She and her family line in Slidell, so they were accustomed
to the madness. It was completely new to me, but I absolutely loved it.
Kirk@gatecom.com
Nov 19, 1995
Chip, I am a krewe member in the Crescent City Truck Parade. I go to M.G. every year from
Michigan. My most vivid memory is turning the corner of St. Charles and Canal on the float
and seeing the sea of happy faces yelling "Throw me something mister". I will
look for a Dead Elvis this year and throw you something extra in thanks for the pictures
from your site.
Jason Levy
Nov 27, 1995
If I could go again I would but, I don't think my girlfriend would appreciate it-- last
time I was an animal! Other than the hurricanes, beignets, gumbo and the music, my
favorite part was the earning and giving away of beads. I spent more on beads than food
& drink.
Shannon Garrett
Nov 29, 1995
I'm from Houston, Texas so I experienced Galveston Mardi Gras before moving to Mobile,
Alabama for school. Remember, Mobile is the original Mardi Gras. The season of Mardi Gras
is like no other holiday and I am so glad that I can be a part of it each year. I pity the
poor souls who never get the chance!!!
C.T. Bond
Dec 2, 1995
I lived outside New Orleans for six and 1/2 years, and missed Mardi Gras second only to
crawfish.
Naomi Kirby
Dec 5, 1995
You've made me homesick -- three years away didn't do it, but just looking at all this
purple, green and gold makes me want to fly right over. But here I am, stuck in Melbourne,
Australia with only memories of Mardi Gras (and an annual MG party in my home) to hold me
over! Can't even begin to fit in 30 years of Mardi Gras memories! You think you're far
away --try 24 hours of flying at $1,200.00 or so. Oh well, one day I'll make it back, and
I'll stay from Mardi Gras through the Jazz Fest!
Marc A. Weitz
December 5, 1995
I was street level watching and photographing the floats...saw a girl flashing...I turned
to snap her picture just at the right moment...steady...here she
goes...focus..>>>POW>>>a float knocked me in the head! I didn't see it
or the girl...dang near knocked unconscious. 
Karen Krzystof
December 9, 1995
Our car got broken into in a parking lot. They stole our cooler and broke the rearview
mirror and drivers side window. But, we had fun anyway!
Rich Humphrey
Dec 11, 1995
This year will be my fifth Mardi Gras in as many years. My apartment mate Dave has been
for the last seven. He dresses up every year as an enormous piece of Swiss Cheese. See you
in the quarter!
Gregg
December 16, 1995
Finding my friend passed out cold in front of our hotel room door with a half eaten Lucky
Dog in his hand and chili and onions all over his face.
Brady Goodman & David Beemer
Dec 20, 1995
Mardi Gras is the goods!! Last year we drove down there to visit one of my girlfriends who
lives in LA, when she wasn't there we went to Bourbon St. and boom...there was Mardi
Gras!!! We stayed as long as we could and loved every moment of it, and it was definitely
worth the 24 hour drive back to Kansas. We have already planned our trip for 96 and hope
to see ya there with beer in hand and a chick under the arm.
Sharon Hill
Dec 22, 1995
I loved it so much I moved down here and stayed- one of those damn yankees!
Carol Veazey
Dec 26, 1995
I am presently in New Zealand and missing my ol'New Awlins. Will be home soon and
definitely in time for MARDI GRAS. I'll be out on the neutral ground with arms raised to
the "throw me something mister" howl.
HAPPY MARDI GRAS TO ALL!!!!!!!
Rob Wexler
Dec 25, 1995
I went to Mardi Gras for the first time in 1991. I was wasted and was wearing one of those
glow-in-the-dark necklaces and went into a bar, my head was spinning. Anyway, this really
great looking girl came up to me and said she really liked my necklace and would I give
her one. I handed one over and she took me in her arms and gave me the best kiss any
stranger had ever given me. That was the last time I saw her.
Erling Overaa, NORWAY
Dec 28, 1995
I barely survived in 92. But I am ready to try again!!! Hopefully in 96. Thank you for
hosting and guiding me in92 Eric. Let's collect some beads and stuff again. To all others,
DON'T MISS IT!
Wayne Stocky
Dec 27, 1995
Thank God it only comes once a year! Takes that long to recover.
Juli Shaw
Dec 30, 1995
Hi, I'm a TOTAL Mardi Gras VIRGIN!!! I've been hearing some nasty rumors about what I'm
going to have to do to "EARN" beads at Mardi Gras. Is there any truth to this?
If so, what should I expect?
Penny M. Vicari (Tulane)
Jan 5, 1996
Mardi Gras is the best party!
John Marek
Jan 8, 1996
1995 was our first Mardi Gras and we made our reservations for 96 as soon as we got home.
Mardi Gras is simply the only trip I've ever taken that turned out to be grander than
expected!
Robert Dauluga, Jr.
Jan 11, 1996
This will be my fourth Mardi Gras in a row and I can't see the streak coming to an end
very soon. I spend all my time uptown and very seldom get down to the QT. It's the
vacation that I can't wait for year in and year out. I go down with a group of friends and
that makes all the more fun. Will be going to the Orpheus Ball this year, my first ball
ever and next year hope to ride in Orpheus. While down at Mardi Gras enjoy a glass of
Abita Springs Beer. Most of all pace yourself because Mardi Gras is a marathon, not a
sprint!!!!!!!! Bob in Vegas
Mike Main
Jan 13, 1996
Beautiful Cajun Lady introduced me to Mardi Gras 4 years ago. I now ride in Bacchus as a
full member. For 1996 I will be riding in float 25 (the last float in Bacchus. Look for me
on the driver side lower level in the center.
Thomas Cummins
Jan 19, 1996
As a six time veteran while in college, too many memories... Wendy and the pond of love,
being down with OPP(24 hrs to get released on bail?!? and those nice Australian girls who
provided a place to sleep right off Quarter. By the way, beware of Chinese restaurants
that are dumb enough to let drunk kids into the kitchen and actually cook customers meals.
Have fun boys and drink a few for me.
Michael Dayton
Monday - 15/Jan/96
Me and 3 buddies went last year. CRAZY! We're going again this year. Mardi Gras is the
only experience that has even came close to living up to its stories. We had a lot of
adventure in only two short days
Amberle.
Jan 9, 1996
I came down to New Orleans from Chicago for my first Mardi Gras last year totally
unprepared for what I experienced.I had a BLAST! By midday Fat Tuesday I was wandering
around with so many beads around my neck it was hard to even standup! I moved down to the
New Orleans area last July, and can't wait to experience the season start to finish, I've
already had my first King Cake of the year. If you have a chance to get here for Mardi
Gras, take it!
Jim Venticinque
Jan 21, 1996
After 20 years going to Mardi Gras, you would think you've seen it all, but every year
it's another surprise. I don't think I'll ever get tired of NEW ORLEANS or MARDI GRAS.
Jim Caputo
Feb 21, 1996
Dammit! Sounds great.
Robert Siegrist
22/Feb/96
I witnessed a man walking what appeared to be a skinned cat on a leash. Yes, It was dead.
Michael Carberry
Feb 22, 1996
I have never seen so many women flash men for plastic beads... It was absolutely insane
down there in the French Quarter. I had a great time. I hope all my pictures come out
well. What an experience. I am definitely going back.
Tatia Johnson
Feb 23, 1996
The last time I was at Mardi Gras, I was so hungover that I spent the entire day in the
car trying to sleep it off. We were staying with some friends who live in Metarie. I had
to go with them or miss the entire day. Not even an oyster Po Boy from Acme Oyster Bar
could bring me around. By about 6pm I was well enough to hit the Cats Meow balcony and
hang out watching the crowd, but drinking was absolutely out of the question. I manage to
do this to myself at least once every time I go to New Orleans. I have just resigned
myself to that fact. Oh well, it wouldn't be the same if I were sober the whole time.
Randy Greenspon
24/Feb/96
Mardi Gras was much more then I expected. It was so great I may be back next year. You can
really only understand the value of beads if you have been there. You should inform people
to get the largest and longest beads possible, they won't regret it.
Keith
Feb 24, 1996
Was supposed to be more controlled than last year...my experience was that it was twice as
wild as last year. More of everything you wanted to see and experience at mardi gras. If
you have never been, you do not know what you're missing, it is amazing what a bead will
get you!!!!!!!
Sarah Coviello
Feb 24, 1996
My favorite memory is of an officer on horseback who was, shall we say, enjoying the
spirit of Mardi Gras as much as everyone else. Beer in hand he gracefully fell off his
horse and then was graciously helped back onto his mount by some people standing nearby.
Where else would this happen! Mardi Gras is the best party on Earth and it is something
which can never be successfully replicated anywhere else.
Charlie Riordan
Feb 27, 1996
hotel on canal st., canal st. parades, finding a free keg on a river paddleboat, color of
the river! six days. no sleep (to speak of), beads, boobs, balconies, and beers, front of
the terrace table at Sammys Seafood, gumbo, MUSIC, streetplayers, good cops with rocking
vans of drunks, Hurricane glasses, more boobs, more booze, more balconies, the Mansions
outside the city, dinner in the rock gardens behind one of them. the cleanup crews with
the fire engines following the police escort down Bourbon at midnight on Fat Tuesday, and
the sleepy trip home... WOW...what a time! (is that enough?) see ya later!!
Rich Randall
Feb 27, 1996
- Myself and four college friends rented a mini van and attended Mardi Gras 96'. It was
the most amazing party I have ever been to!!!!!!!
Darrin Carroll Hattiesburg, MS 39401
Feb 27, 1996
I was unable to view any of your pictures but I was able to take a few of my own this
year. I had a wonderful time and I'm already making plans for next year. I'm going to tell
my brother about your pages, he also lives in Nashville but unfortunately he was unable to
attend. HAPPY MARDI GRAS!!!!!!!
Johnny C. Vancouver,British Columbia,Canada
Feb 27, 1996
Mardi Gras virgin here....was a blast, never seen anything like that in my life....the
city itself is great, throw a party and man! do you have the recipe for fun or what!? Met
so many people from all over. Ate some great food. Saw the sites....Before I went I knew I
should at least bring back a bead or two to show my friends and family, but man I came
back with pounds of beads,cups,coins etc. I was worried that Canadian customs would levy a
duty on them trinkets. I also met a special person who will always be dear to my heart.
Anybody heading to the French Quarter, check up Giovanni's the Sequel located on St.Philip
street, close to Chartres street. It's a small but vibrant bar. Say hi to Melvin the
bartender and tell him Johnny from Vancouver sends his regards too.Get down with the
locals! Until next time!....anybody wants to leave me e-mail do so! Share the experiences!
Dwan, Miami
Feb 29m 1996
I a New Orleans native, living in South Florida (7 years now) and I haven't been back home
for Mardi Gras since the late 1980's. I used to be the captain of my high school dance
team and marched in parades for four years. Great fun and wonderful memories. I truly miss
the fun!
Mark Sottek - Bourbon Street - NOLA
Feb 28, 1996
We we're looking for you from the perch of our fabulous Bourbon Street balcony (aka - The Krewe of Queenateenas). Didn't see YOU among the sea of people. We did, however, see plenty. I did manage to save some "you show we throw" beads! Even though you really didn't "earn them" and it was tempting to "trade" ALL our beads- I thought your Mardi Gras services were enough to justify us sending you some. I managed to hide some of the better beads in my panties so they'd be safer. I need your snail mail address. Congrats on the mention of your site in PEOPLE magazine (Feb 26 - 1996). And, thanks again for listing Gay Mardi Gras...
Marc Goins - Austin, Tx.
Feb 29, 1996
Memories of Mardi Gras '96 - trading beads on Bourbon Street and giving away a pearl
necklace in the "R.V. of Love" while my friends sat in lawn chairs outside!
George Patterson, New Orleans
Feb 29, 1996
Great page. It always takes someone far away to show the locals what they take for
granted. However, my employer, AMBUSH MAG 2000, has done a good job with its
gayneworleans.com, gaymardigras.com and soon to come gaydecadence.com. You must be swamped
from the PEOPLE MAG. thing; however,it was gaymardigras.com (another AMBUSH page) that
caused them to run the picture of Wess Hughes, who also graces gayneworleans.com. PEOPLE
MAG. took that pic. of him three years ago -- I made the costume for a Krewe of Petronius
ball (my life partner is the captain of the krewe). Anyway,my only regret with your page
is its misleading URL -- thought I was going to hear Country music or something!!
Jennifer Roberts Columbia
29/Feb/96
I was standing on the corner of Bourbon and Canal waiting for the pay phone so I could
call the police station to see if my friends had been arrested. When the kids in front of
me got off the phone it rang. this guy said he was from a radio station in Detroit and
wanted to put me on the air. So I told him all about my friends who might be in jail and
how we got kicked out of our hotel room. And how we were drunk as **** wandering around
the streets. Sunday was the worst night as far as walking on bourbon st. goes. Every time
a girl showed her tits the whole block stopped to look. My friend was pulling my through
the whole time while I was stumbling along behind. It was a really good time and I'm
definitely going back next year!
John Mino Castaic, CA
March 1, 1996
Boy was I suprised. That's my sister in the opening picture on the home page. She's the
one on the left in the white tit teeshirt. Crack me up.
Dave Banks Bowling Green OH
March 5, 1996
I can't even explain my experience. Mardi Gras is the best thing I have ever experienced
in my life, well except for the first time I had sex. But anyway, You can do whatever you
want, you can see whatever you want, and you can do anything you want. It's the most
amazing party in the world!!!!!!!!!!
Vic Christensen, San Pedro, CA
March 7, 1996
Great Web page! I attended Mardi Gras this year and you've got the descriptions right,
though probably quite subdued from reality (you can't really describe in words the true
experience!).
| Name : Johnny Dreyer Referred by : Just Surfed On In! From : Delcambre, LA Time : December 2, 1996 Comments : Iived in South Louisiana for 20 years. I moved to Tulsa 10 years ago. Have been to a couple of Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans, and several in small outlying towns. People can't get the true feeling of the festivities until actually being there. Unbelievable! Enjoyed the page, keep up the good work. Oh by the way, my mom just moved to White Bluff, that's near you. I'll be there next summer. |
| Name: Jim Pruette aka MAGNA , Pensacola, Florida Time : December 1, 1996 Comments : Actually, I was born and raised in Mobile, Alabama which is, as we all know, the _original_ home of Mardi Gras. But as proud of that little bit of trivia as I am, I admit quickly and freely that it certainly is not the home of the _BEST_ Mardi Gras !! That distinction has and long will belong to the Crescent City !! Maybe I will see you there. I can't tell you what I will be dressed like, yet. I usually walk with the Krewe of Kosmic Debris ! |
| Name : Michael From : New Orleans Time : November 29, 1996 Comments : I love living here!!! Mardi Gras is unreal!!! Com on nah sher enjoy Nawlins. |
Visitor: David Date: November 21, 1996
| Comments: I truly enjoyed your site. It really makes me homesick, but anxious for Carnival. I only get a chance to go back to New Orleans once a year , so I go for a week at Mardi Gras. I haven't missed one in since 1986. I still have my apartment on Bourbon, so it's pretty easy for me to get into the party once I get home. As I go through all the Mardi Gras sites I see tons of photos of my wife or our guests. It's great to be able to go online and relish the memories. Thanks again for the great job. |
Visitor: Mike Bialey, College Station, TX Date: November 6, 1996
| Comments: I can't wait for Mardi Gras. Every year after it is over I get depressed thinking that I have to wait another year for a party that is this great. |
Visitor: John Biddle, jackson mississippi Date: October 15, 1996
| Comments: Mardi Gras is not an event its a way of life--hope to see yall there!!! |
Visitor: Frann Harris Location: Odessa, TX Date: Fri, Nov 14, 1997
| Comments: I went to Mardi Gras several years ago. Being from Chicago I thought I had seen it all. WRONG!!! It was a ball, I loved it and we will be part of the throng this year and I can't wait. If you need a break from party, go to the JAX BREWERY. Good coffee and jazz in the background. I am not wearing sandals this time! |
Visitor: Renee Kutcher Location: New Orleans Date: Thurs, Nov 20, 1997
| Comments: Hey there! So glad you are sharing a New Orleans treasure with the rest of the world. Unfortunately I was born a yankee but have become a Naturalized Southerner since moving here 17 years ago. I ride in the Iris parade and my 2 sons and husband ride in Bacchus every year. There is nothing like the thrill of turning the corner from Napoleon Ave onto St. Charles and seeing the crowds! Canal street is cardiac overload. It is so wonderful to see someone promoting the good things about the city! Laisser les bonnes temps rouler! |
Visitor: Margie Brennan Location: new york Date: Fri, Dec 19, 1997
| Comments: I went to the mardi gras in 1982. I was five months pregnant with my first child. I was the designated driver for the group of friends who went down especially for the mardi gras. I think i was the only sober person in new orleans during that time. I was just amazed at the sites that i saw. |
Visitor: ART NEVILLE Location: NEW ORLEANS Date: Tuesday, Jan 07, 1997 at 19:50:00 (EST)
| Comments: This site is cold-blooded! It is
great.
|
Visitor: Judy Weitz Location: Mardi Gras Central!!! WebSite: MardiGrasNewOrleans.com & Experience New Orleans! Contact: bigeasy@neosoft.com Date: Tuesday, Jan 14, 1997 at 22:33:59 (EST)
| Comments: You asked for a memory; here's my
very favorite! My husband couldn't take his eyes off of a woman next to me who wanted to
catch the eyes of the float riders to get some beads (if you know what I mean!) He finally
took out his camera; got just the perfect angle so he could capture the memory on film;
and I watched as the float hit him right smack on the head! |
Visitor: Steve Smith Location: Austin, TX Date: Thurs, Jan 16, 1997 at 16:36:49 (EST)
| Comments: Ah, the memories of Mardi Gras past. I've stayed in the back of a truck, an RV parked across the street from Phillips Bar & Grill and on the floor of the apartment of some guy who didn't even like us. Hotels make for a more comfortable stay, but not a more adventurous one. And I still hold a fond spot in my heart for those two Cajun women who gave me my first three-way kiss. Earn them beads, girls. |
Visitor: Ella Skinner Location: Brooklyn, NY Date: Sun, Jan 19, 1997 at 13:09:34 (EST)
| Comments: My first visit to New Orleans Mardi Gras was last year. I was impressed by the sights and sounds and foods of the city, so I am coming to visit again this year. Mardi Gras is no stranger to me as I am from Mobile, Alabama and we have been doing it 100 years before you all. But New Orleans Mardi Gras is truly a one of a kind event and I am just happy to be alive to experience it. May it last forever! |
Visitor: Scott Phillips Location: St.Albans, West Virginia Date: Fri, Jan 24, 1997
| Comments: I was in New Orleans for the first time 3 years ago, loved it so much I went down for Mardi Gras 96. Had so much fun during that trip, that I swore to myself I would be down every year for Mardi Gras season until I'm too old or too sick to do so. There is an atmosphere that is tangible, it can be seen, heard, smelled, felt and tasted more so than any place I've ever been. The simple mention of New Orleans brings up a warm feeling deep inside, and an itching desire to be their. See ya this year! |
Visitor: Zach Location: Austin, Tx. Date: Sun, Jan 26, 1997 at 17:59:23 (EST)
| Comments: Groovy page dude! This will be my 2cd consecutive MG. The first was awe-inspiring!!! WOWS! What a trip that was! Can't wait to get back. My 'fondest' memory of MG past; the Bourbon Street Awards, Fat Tuesday. Greatest Costumes! Winners: group of guys with HUGE barbie-doll houses on heads! With Ken dolls and all! How'd they keep them up there? Wild and friendly people-MG Is what life is all about! |
Visitor: Will Manuel Location: Jackson, MS Date: Tuesday, Jan 28, 1997
| Comments: On a beautiful sunny Mardi Gras weekend in 1994, I was lucky enough to meet the woman who was to become my wife. Like something out of a N'Awlins ballad, I was standing on the corner of St. Charles and Napoleon (I had just picked up a twelve pack at the K&B) when I saw her. Although I was extremely hung over, true love shone through and cleared my head enough for me to mumble I can lift you on my shoulders to get some good beads. We spent the rest of the day together. Although I headed back to Charlottesville two days later, her slurred voice never left my mind. We kept in touch and were engaged in Dec 1994. We have been back together every year (she is originally from there) and we always visit our street corner. Some sappy stuff, eh? |
Visitor: Dave Stone Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada Date: Sun, Feb 02, 1997
Comments: Hi there, Just wanted to say that I
love your site. I took my wife to Mardi Gras last year for our honeymoon. We had been
married only a couple of months and couldn't afford a honeymoon off the bat. I was able to
put together enough by Jan last year and decided to fulfill one of my wife's fantasies.
Let me tell you, getting a hotel room was difficult. But anyway, we made it and had the
time of our lives. It's amazing to go to a party in the streets with over a
million of your soon to be closest friends. I just can't find the words to describe the
atmosphere, and the only caveat I would mention other than the pick pockets that work the
crowds, is the shoe shine scammers and their I can tell you where you got your shoes scam.
We got hit by them for about $20.00 US (Which in Canadian money is enough to buy a small
house |
Visitor: Bill Putnam Location: Wilmington, NC via many stops Date: Mon, Apr 14, 1997 at 19:23:09 (EDT)
| Comments: My most memorable (if not most enjoyable) Mardi Gras moment came in 1995's carnival. I was on Bourbon St. with everyone else in New Orleans and the crowd was just surging back and forth. We were shoulder to shoulder. It was a rather cool evening and I had taken my wedding band off because it had been sliding up and down my finger too easily. At any rate, with my hands in my pockets I was just going with the flow of the crowd. Suddenly, for some reason I never did find out the crowd took a sudden move toward one side of the street. I quickly brought my hands out of my pockets to steady myself. As I yanked my hands out every sound in the city disappeared and I couldn't hear anything except the clinking of a ring on the pavement below me. In a panic I dropped to my knees in search of my wedding ring. I could feel people stepping over, on and around me as they were taken with the crowd. I popped back up for a second and my friend says to me What the hell are you doing?. I'm dropped my wedding ring! I told him. Then a third voice chimed in, Wedding Ring?!, Everybody watch out!. It was another guy in the crowd and he was with his fraternity brothers and they just parted the crowd around me and all went down on their hands and knees in search of my ring. I've got it!, shouted one of the guys. My ring was returned to my finger, cold or not, not to be taken off again for a very long time. My wife, who was not there with me, told me the story was too crazy not to believe. Another case of truth being stranger than fiction. |
Visitor: Lindsay Location: Pittsburgh Date: Sat, Sep 20, 1997 at 02:29:06 (EDT)
| Comments: Well I went to my first Mardi Gras last year(Mardi Gras 97'). And I'm not sure how I imagined it would be, but when I got there I was so blown away by what it was. It was definitely something I could never imagine in my wildest dreams. Its just crazy, such freedom, everyone getting naked and drunk, and having the best time in their life. I had a cop take a picture of me flash some guys on a balcony. On Fri night I had to go crash finally at 6:00 am, after 20 hours of driving, and Bourbon was still a zoo. The party never ends. I fell in love with New Orleans the moment I got there, and I'm going back every year for Mardi Gras as long as I shall live. I hope to move there someday. I'm still trying to make reservations for this year. I know I should of planned a lot earlier but I've been so busy with work. If ya know of anything, or can help me out, pleeeeease let me know, thanx.. |
Visitor: Frank J. Becvar Location: Chicago, IL Date: Thurs, Feb 12, 1998 at 14:02:29 (EST)
| Comments: I experienced Mardi Gras for the first time last year when my roommate (who had visited New Orleans on numerous occasions) and I decided (at the last minute) to call in sick to work and drive to Mardi Gras '97. I had heard the stories of Mardi Gras decadence and indulgence from my roommate for some time now; however, I had been on countless spring breaks and had done my share of traveling, so I figured (in my infinite wisdom) that this would be sort of a glorified block party. Obviously, I discovered nothing could be further from the truth. I had more fun at Mardi Gras than EVER before. It was truly an amazing experience. The people were absolutely wonderful and friendly, and I was exhausted by the end of the three day adventure. We're making a return trip (flying this time) for Mardi Gras '98 and will be there Feb 21st through the 24th. We're counting the days at this point! |
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