Despite the southern comfort of Hotel Monteleone, a day off from driving is not restful in moist, moody New Orleans (“pronounce it N’Arlins”—Dickie W.).
The sense of joyousness on the streets is so powerful you just want to go out and mesh with it.
Cafe Beignet on Royal Street is a dandy alternative to the iconic Cafe du Monde, where tourists form a long queue for the same coffee and donuts with the fancy French name.
At Zombies Voodoo Shop I strive to find a companion for Doo-doo (Voodoo’s little brother), which I adopted in October 2017 at this occult boutique.
But all they had this time round was trinkets & trash.
Further on at M.S. Rau—more a museum than a mere shop—I happen upon an object d’art in a category I never knew existed: A Japanese Scholar Stone (circa 1900).
“Historically, Japanese scholar stones, also known as suiseki, have been appreciated for their aesthetic qualities and are frequently used in meditation and contemplation. The act of focusing on the stone was believed to create a sense of calmness, mindfulness, and as a conduit to connect with nature.”
Perhaps the perfect trophy for my studies into spirituality and mindfulness along with unstuck-ness, part of an ongoing journey to Metanoia.
Further on at Boutique du Vampyre, St. Germaine speaks to me…
“You will soon realize that solitude is bliss…”
Past tense, St. G!
Having done Galatoire’s, there’s only one other place to dine: Mr. B’s.
Dinner at the bar.
Not only.
“The Magic Corner,” says Larry the bartender.
And the magic breaks ice.
An adventure seeker from Switzerland who resides near the Valais, from which the name Eringer emanates, explains that my whole life I’ve been mispronouncing my surname. The true name is Herens (pronounced "Air-ns"), deriving from a breed of Alpine cattle known for their high-spirited (and combative) nature, bestowing my Clubhouse on Wheels—COW—new significance.
Message from the universe: Visit Heremence—my town—and lay claim to…