Spirits of New Orleans

EXCERPTS
Recently I returned back to my "roots," to the great state of Louisiana and spent some time in one of my favorite places in the world, the French Quarter of New Orleans. One never runs out of things to do and experience in NOLA, (short for New Orleans, Louisiana). Truly, it is captivating, a veritable feast for all of five senses as well as the sixth sense.
The best way to describe how I feel in this city would be to use the word, "charmed." New Orleans is many things to many people, but for me, it's charming and embodies a spirit, a joy for living (joie de vivre) that is expressed throughout the city.
The last time I had been able to visit the city was four months before Katrina hit and I had no idea how the vibe of the city would feel after having going through such a horrific experience. My heart was thrilled to see that the great lady was holding her own with a state of grace, while still undergoing major renovations on the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual planes.
I traveled around parts of the city by riding the streetcars, taking in each neighborhood and the smell of jasmine in the air, enjoying the stunning architecture, and chuckling at the sight of mardi gras beads still hanging from the boughs of trees. As the streetcar delivered me near the French Market, the smell of beignets and chickory coffee coming from Cafe du Monde further lifted my spirit. Yes, I sighed with relief, New Orleans has been through the worst and still she stands, proud, strong and vibrant.
It is my sincere belief that New Orleans is 'charmed'. Charmed by the artists and musicians as their music and art spill into the streets touching the soul at the core with its beauty, charmed by the chefs who tantalize our taste buds in sweet rhapsody with their culinary delights, and charmed by the people who are kind, good natured, and some of the most loving and joyful people that I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.
A Charming Entrance
The entrance to the Court of Two Sisters restaurant in the French Quarter is the perfect place to reconnect with the rich cultural treasures in New Orleans. The restaurant offers the most delightful courtyard in which to enjoy a meal. In the courtyard, the trees have interlocked and connected creating a natural canopy over the courtyard, bringing the space alive with sunlight peeking through the leaves, highlighted by the presence of a bubbling fountain.
The daily jazz brunch at Court of Two Sisters is the perfect respite from an evening spent on Bourbon Street and the accompanying strolling jazz trio lifts the heart. You begin to wonder, 'Is there any other way that one should ever dine? The overall effect creates a feeling that one has just stepped into a painting. The scene is filled with old world charm, caught in a moment of boundless spring, and highlighted by the tinkle of laughter coming from guests sitting at crisp white tablecloths enjoying private moments. Stepping into this courtyard, one walks back in time and the city around you no longer exists. This is the enchantment of the courtyards designed in New Orleans, where homes were built with the courtyard in the middle so that residents could enjoy a protected and peaceful atmosphere.
The name Court of Two Sisters originates from the previous owners, two Creole sisters named Emma and Bertha Camors. Their shop was here on Royal Street and they made their living providing women in New Orleans the best gowns, gloves, perfumes and other fashions. The two sisters (born in 1858 and 1860) spent their entire lives together and according to the history reported by the restaurant, were buried side by side in 1944 at St. Louis Cemetery #3 in New Orleans.
While the charm of the two sisters and their courtyard are delightful on their own, there's true magic to be found at this location. Located at the entrance of the restaurant on Royal Street, are 'charm gates', given to the two sisters by Queen Isabella of Spain. These gates were blessed with magic and are reported to be lucky if you touch them and of course, the first thing I had to do was place both hands firmly upon them to tap into the energy. At first touch, the iron was cold, but quickly warmed to my hand. Closing my eyes, I was swept away by the energy of the gate and all of the people who had visited her over the decades. There is a presence connected with the gate, that might best be described as the gate keeper, a energy being of such attached to the iron.
Enchanted items like the charm gate are best shared with others. As the old saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words and so I d like to share the charm gate with you. Place your hand on the charm gate photo below and allow the charm and magic to pass through to you. Your adventure has just begun. May the magic of New Orleans and the blessings of Queen Isabella fill you with great luck!
Kala's tips on how best to enjoy The Court of Two Sisters:
Best enjoyed in spring, fall or winter, summer is too hot and muggy to enjoy sitting outdoors
Try drinking a Sazerac here from the bar, one of the oldest cocktails in New Orleans
It's a buffet, and unless you're from Louisiana, you may not recognize some of the dishes prepared. It's ok, be adventurous, you might like something new and if you don't, that's ok too, there's plenty to sample.
Have someone take your photo while you are touching the charm gate, this way you ll have the image to connect with and tap into the energy any time you d like.
Save room for bananas foster, a must have!
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