Last day of tour!!! It was a 9 hour drive to New Orleans from Austin, which I drove by myself. David had stayed up the night before so that he could sleep in the car while I drove to New Orleans, so that he could drive us home after my last gig (as we were unable to find somewhere to stay in New Orleans). Since it was my last gig, we decided to make the 9 1/2 hour drive straight home afterward. What a long day! At this point, for David and I, our patience was running out, we were tired, and sick, and just sick and tired of driving. My 9 hour drive to New Orleans was quite frustrating, with road construction and traffic. We had left San Antonio a bit late, as I was trying to get an oil change, which didn't end up working out. I was very worried I wouldn't make it on time, which was silly because I hadn't realized that New Orleans was still in the same time zone as Austin- so I ended up being an hour early to the gig in New Orleans. It worked out though, as the other act that was to perform that night did not show up. So I played a little longer, and made a few more tips.Though the drive to New Orleans was a bit frustrating in a few places (mainly Texas), the majority of the drive in Louisiana was nice. It was an overcast day- not in the usual grey sky, rain clouds kind of way. There was a thin film of clouds that covered the entire sky. The scenery changed from flat roads and pine trees to low bridges over swamps filled with cypress trees. Driving over the miles and miles of bridges that ran through the swamp, the theme song from True Blood played in my head. I imagined myself in a small row boat, floating above the pitch black water, stealing my way through the fog and spanish moss that droops from the otherwise barren cypress tree branches, with nothing but a dim lantern to light my way. I imagine docking my boat at a small shack on the waters edge, that is decorated with alligator sculls, small animal bones, and other talismans. I love the feel of Louisiana- it's timeless in a way, from the creaky old buildings in the city, to the eery foggy swamp. It's a place riddled with history and mystery.
Neutral Grounds was a very cool venue. I loved the shabby-chic ambience. I wish I could have spent more time in New Orleans altogether. It's such a cool city, with so much history. I had been once before, but only with my high school marching band. We actually got to go on historical tours and things of that nature, so I feel I got more of the experience that way. Next time I pass through town, I'm going to try to stay for longer. |
| I can't believe I didn't use the restroom the whole time I was at Neutral Grounds. David did, though, and he took this pic of the hallway leading to the restrooms. |
The barista at Neutral Grounds, Jager, was very nice. He bought a CD, passed around the tip basket for me, and gave me a list of cool venues to get booked at next time I come through town. He also put my sticker up on the wall. Though I was tired, and my voice a little scratchy from sickness, I pulled through the last gig and received positive feedback. We left pretty much right after I was done, as we were ready to put another long drive behind us and finally return home for some much needed rest, and cuddle time with our beagle, Mr. Buddy.
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