Sunset Limited

It's been nearly two weeks ago now, but Victoria and I took a week's vacation to New Orleans, traveling via Amtrak's Sunset Limited.

The train connects from LA, Tuscon, El Paso, San Antonio, and various stops along the way to New Orleans, taking a little over 48 hours in total.

A train is a very relaxing and unique way to travel; certainly something to try if you haven't already. Amtrak has quite a few routes, the best of which we've heard are the California Zephyr and the Empire Builder, due to the scenery along those lines. We traveled in a "roomette", which is a small private cabin with two seats that fold down into a bed, with another bed that swings down from above.

Much like a cruise, it seemed like most of our time was spent eating, but the time available for reading could encourage me to just take the train for a couple days out and back to anywhere. Except that the food wasn't all that great.

We hit all of the touristy places: Cafe du Monde, Bourbon Street, street car to Garden District, cemetary, swamp tour, plantation tours. I'm afraid that I had the CdM's beignets and coffee more than a few mornings, and am now trying to shed a couple pounds...


On the last night we finally made it to an area on Frenchman Street with what must have been 10-15 bars all crammed into a couple blocks, each one with a live band, and none of the neon of Bourbon Street. Definately check that out if you go, and be prepared to stay out late!

We attended the Thursday local-music day of Jazz Festival, but the combination of the heat and lots of people kept it from being too enjoyable...and Thursday is the least-attended day of all. The premium-pass with reserved seating areas would be a must-have if you're thinking of attending.

The best thing about Jazz Fest was the food. There are what seemed like hundreds of options, with local vendors and families selling their signature items from rented booths. We had spinach and artichoke salad, fried green tomatos, sweet potato pone, a greek plate, rose-infused iced tea, mango sorbet, ice cream... Did I mention that I am working on losing a few pounds?