In working on our front vestibule project, we've taken inspiration from many different locations. This includes salvage yards, neighborhood houses, internet photos, and even trips to other cities. 

Several months ago, Wendy had to travel to New Orleans for business. Being the supportive husband that I am, I decided to take a few days off of work and head down to NOLA with her the weekend before her meetings began so we could spend some time touring the city. I had never been to The Big Easy, but had wanted to go for years. We were thinking about the trip several years before, but Katrina hit and thus our trip plans were put on hold.

Since Wendy's job was the reason we were going, I was able to tag along, only needing to pay for airfare, food, and the hotel nights over the weekend. It is really the ultimate in spouse perks, and a tough life, I assure you.

Given the age and charm of the city, we've long wanted to go. We're not really party people (whoomp there it is), so Bourbon Street wasn't really the draw for us. We appreciate the historic architecture and the food above all else. But, given the cold of January in D.C., the weather of the deep south was also a draw.

We stayed in the Ritz Carlton on the edge of the French Quarter, so walking around the French Quarter was fun and easy. As soon as we arrived, we set out to begin exploring the area. After a quick stroll down Bourbon Street, we quickly moved to the side streets to enjoy the slightly less seedy places. 

The whole time we were walking around the French Quarter, we felt at ease. I think it was because the city really reminded us of Old Town. The age of the buildings, style of architecture, and feeling of the cleaner streets all felt familiar. The main difference was the cast iron balconies. If you put several levels of balconies on Old Town homes, you'd have a very similar city.