"So three nuns walk into a bar..."

Tuesday, November 16th (Evening)

Actually it was more like fifty nuns, but I’m getting ahead of myself.

After washing up, we met up with Sisters Frances and Mary Ellen and finally met Sister Frances’ roommate, Sister Jan.  She's another CSJ who just moved in October to St. Bernard from Cleveland.  Sister Jan, like Sister Frances, works at SBP.  We all packed into our rented Toyota Corolla and headed off to the French Quarter.  This would be Sister Jan’s first visit to the French Quarter.  Never did we imagine how memorable it would be!

We started off with a quick dinner at Café Poblana, located on Jackson Square.  The Po Boys were delicious.

As we were eating, we noticed a commotion right in front of the door, right next to St. Louis Cathedral.  We were about to be treated to an impromptu outdoor concert by the kids from Roots of Music. http://www.therootsofmusic.com/  It’s a music education program, focusing on marching bands, since many middle schools no longer offer such programs.  This marching band performs throughout New Orleans;  in fact, we were told that the kids played at President Obama’s inauguration.  Again, amazing timing on our part. 

Then off to our primary destination: Tropical Isle, a bar on Bourbon Street. There was a free cocktail reception for the Nuns’ Build participants on the second floor party room with its own private balcony overlooking the street.  By the time we arrived, there were about fifty nuns reconnecting with fellow sisters and knocking back beers, daiquiris and Hand Grenades (“New Orleans Most Powerful Drink”)  I swear to God, I'm not making this up.

Here are Sister Jan, Sister Frances and Colleen nursing their drinks. 

It turns out that Pam Fortner, one of the owners of the bar, is a long-time supporter of SPG.  In fact, she has personally sponsored three SPG houses.  She just happened to see a story on the local news about SPG and decided to get involved.  She now hosts a cocktail party for every Nuns’ Build.  While making the rounds, she stopped by our table and regaled us with stories about how she ended up in New Orleans (from Nashville) and got started in the bar business. 

It turns out she has a special connection with Chicago.  A very friendly and down-to-earth lady.

I had texted Stephanie about our debauchery in the Quarter and she responded that I should order a Nasty Schoolgirl.  Turns out the bartendress didn’t know how to make one.  Then Steph suggested a Buttery Nipple. That she knew how to make. It was actually very good.  (1 oz Butterscotch Schnapps and 1/2 oz Bailey’s Irish cream)

Finishing our drinks we left the Tropical Isle and set course for the Café du Monde.  After a “nightcap” of Café au Lait and Beignets, we decided to call it a night and return home.