It is now Sunday and another sunny but very cold day. Full winter wear called for in the easterly wind that's been blowing for three days now. Mardi Gras fever is endemic here with parades everyday some times up to three.
The only snag is that from 4.00pm public transport closes down for the parades that close off the streets and I can't get to the out of town clubs in the evenings. Cabs are exploiting the situation and looking for silly money, so I'm restricted to the clubs on Frenchman St. some ten minutes away from my hotel on Nth Rampart..
It being Sunday I did of course go to church!! I had found a southern Baptist one around the corner which was modern and well cared for one. Hovering around the entrance wondering whether it was open, a black lady in her Sunday best, (including a top hat ensemble), rolled up and invited me in, where I was greeted by a whole bunch more. I was the only white there, and at the end of the service they all came to speak with me. The little kids just stared at me with rounded eyes.
The service started with a swinging Hammond organ solo. The sound equipment and lighting was superb and would have been the envy of most bands. They even had studio style screens for the rhythm section, absent this morning until a drummer later walked in, then a piano player - all the kit was already in place. Then the service proper began with bible readings, prayers and lots of impromptu responses from the congregation whilst the organ continued low profile. Then a trio of ladies, most amazing singers let rip, more prayers. Another from the trio and the sermon began brothers and sisters, running 40 minutes with a hell’s a popin preacher who dramatically worked his way up into a sung epilogue. Another from the girls, prayers and finis. A fine production. I have never experienced anything like it. I discretely recorded the girls on my camcorder - sound only, awesome! If our churches were this up to date they would be full for sure.
When I exited the church I saw a group of people with dressed up dogs, heading towards North Rampart St where my hotel is located. Upon enquiry it seems there was yet another parade due along it, a Barkus parade for dogs! It could only happen in America! Thousands of ‘em of every breed and size and then some. Marching bands were also there interspersed with dogs and their owners, all thematically dressed and/or with small floats, with owners flinging the mandatory beads in all directions to the crowds, many of whom had also brought their dogs. Not one dog fight did I see! There are a lot of pit bulls here, all well mannered!?
Off for a belated Italian lunch, I came across another street party with a stompin' band. Whoopie Goldberg was missing but her Carmelite sisters act weren't. Jigging around having a good time, it was their fundraiser event!
The streets each night are awash with drinks cartons, discarded beads and flummery, yet by the next morning all is cleared up and streets washed. Rubbish bins are located every ten to twenty yards or so and cleared by morning. Street cleaners abound. Likewise, the police erect and disassemble barriers with speed and efficiency along routes in the van of a fleet of tow trucks clearing their way of illegally parked cars, you don't mess with them though they are polite.
I wonder what tonight holds in store?
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