I was in downtown New Orleans, near the French Quarter, for a conference last week.  The streets were narrow, the houses had upper floor balconies, the river wound through it, hookers and homeless people were on the streets at all hours, the trolleys were special – all these were anticipated. 

I had heard about Southern Hospitality but was still surprised at the pleasant and friendly manner of the natives I ran into. Linnea and Diane had suggested Beignets – deep-fried pastry with powdered sugar on top; these were delicious, as advertised (see below).  I was pleased for a couple of unexpected opportunities to pray for people in our group.

But the weirdest, most unforeseen happening was walking out of the air-conditioned hotel into the sultry 90 degree heat and having my glasses fog up! This was the opposite of Michigan fogginess, which only happens when you come inside from the frosty winter weather.