Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras is upon us in New Orleans! Actually it started around 2 weeks ago, but thanks to a football game, the two weeks were split with a week between, so we had a nice week off in between the weeks of debauchery and what not. In the spirit of all things gold, purple, and green, I have decided to do a post on Mardi Gras essentials- the things that you need to have a good time while Mardi Gras is going on.

1. A bike. Getting a bike changed my life for the much much better. New Orleans is very flat and relatively compact. Mardi Gras is an absolute disaster in terms of parking and traffic, and a bike solves these transportation problems very effectively. Even better than a bike, a tandem bike!

from-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Rower_wieloosobowy_by_Zureks.jpg

Okay, maybe not for this many people. But a bicycle built for two is super fun for Mardi Gras! A dear dear friend let me borrow his a few years ago and it has become the best transportation around town.

2. Kleenex- trust me, you'll need this one.

3. Hand sanitizer- again, trust me.

4. Plenty of koozies- because you will most likely lose a few. Even better- bring a few of your own and catch a few off the floats!

5. Wigs- it's Mardi Gras... why not wear a wig? Also, if when weird stuff gets dumped on your head, at least you have a little protection.

http://www.costumecraze.com/WIG576.html

6. Clothes- only tourists take their clothes off for Mardi Gras. Lock it up.

7. Friends with a tent/spot on the parade route. Preferably those who can cook or have access to a bathroom. Bring them something nice!

8. Adult beverages. Whatever you're into. But if you take a shot in the street from a stranger, you might regret it (speaking from experience).

9. Popeye's. Even if you only eat fried chicken once a year, let it be from Popeye's during Mardi Gras. I don't know what it is, but something about Mardi Gras makes that chicken taste so so good. Don't forget a biscuit. It'll sop up whatever is in your stomach.

10. I'm having trouble thinking of a tenth thing. So we'll just leave it at 9 essential things for Mardi Gras.

Have fun!