Garden District: The Elegant Heart of New Orleans

• HelloHowdy
  [haw-dee]
• GoodbyeLaissez les bons temps rouler
  [lay-zay lay bon tom roo-lay]
• YesYa
  [yah]
• NoNon
  [nohn]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît
  [see voo play]
• Thank youMerci beaucoup
  [mair-see bo-koo]
• Excuse me/SorryPardon
  [par-don]
• How are you?Comment ça va?
  [kohm-mohn sah vah?]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et vous?
  [byen. ay voo?]
• Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [par-lay voo ahn-glay?]
• I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhuh nuh kohm-prahn pah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJ'aimerais voir le menu, s'il vous plaît
  [zhay-mair vwar luh men-yoo, see voo play]
• I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnj pah duh vyand]
• Cheers!Santé!
  [sahn-tay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray pay-yay, see voo play]

• Help!À l'aide!
  [ah layd]
• Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [ah-lay voo ahn]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-pel-ay lah plees]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-pel-ay un may-deh-sanh]
• I'm lostJe suis perdu
  [zhuh swee pair-doo]
• I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-lahd]

• I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [zhuh voo-dray ash-tay...]
• I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh ruh-gard zhust]
• How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [kohm-byen sah koot?]
• That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh shay]
• Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-vay voo bay-say luh pree?]

• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kell ur ay teel?]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel ay oon ur]
• Half past (10)Dix et demie
  [dees ay duh-mee]
• MorningMatin
  [mah-tahn]
• AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-pray mee-dee]
• EveningSoir
  [swah]
• YesterdayHier
  [yair]
• TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor-dwee]
• TomorrowDemain
  [duh-mahn]
• 1Un
  [uhn]
• 2Deux
  [duh]
• 3Trois
  [twah]
• 4Quatre
  [kat]
• 5Cinq
  [sank]
• 6Six
  [sees]
• 7Sept
  [set]
• 8Huit
  [wheat]
• 9Neuf
  [nurf]
• 10Dix
  [dees]

• Where's a/the...?Où est...?
  [oo ay...]
• What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kell ay lad-res]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [poo-vay voo muh mohn-tray (soor lah kart)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [kohn ay luh proh-shahn (bus)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ...)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor ...)]

The Garden District, initially known as the 'American Sector', began to develop in the early 19th century as wealthy Americans moved to New Orleans after the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. The area became a fashionable neighborhood, characterized by its stunning antebellum mansions, lush gardens, and oak-lined streets. The architecture reflects a blend of Greek Revival, Italianate, and Victorian styles, showcasing the affluence of its residents.

During the Civil War, the Garden District's mansions were often used as hospitals for wounded soldiers. The area remained largely intact compared to other parts of the city, which faced destruction. After the war, many homes were repurposed, and the neighborhood began to see a resurgence in its cultural and social life.

The early 20th century saw significant development in the Garden District, marked by the establishment of streetcar lines and increased commercial activity. However, with the rise of suburbanization in the mid-20th century, the neighborhood faced decline. Preservation efforts began in the 1970s as residents sought to protect the historic character of the area, leading to the designation of the Garden District as a historic district.

Hurricane Katrina in 2005 had a profound impact on New Orleans, including the Garden District. While the area was spared the worst of the flooding, many homes suffered damage. The subsequent recovery efforts highlighted the community's resilience, with residents actively participating in rebuilding their homes and neighborhoods, reinforcing a strong sense of community identity.

Today, the Garden District is celebrated not only for its architectural beauty but also for its vibrant culture, featuring art galleries, boutiques, and renowned eateries. The neighborhood is a focal point for cultural events and festivals, including Mardi Gras parades, contributing to its reputation as a quintessential New Orleans experience. The preservation of its historic homes and gardens allows visitors to explore a living museum of the city’s past.

The Garden District is easily accessible from other neighborhoods in New Orleans. If you're coming from the French Quarter, you can take the historic St. Charles Streetcar, which runs along St. Charles Avenue, directly into the heart of the Garden District. The ride takes about 20-30 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or rideshare service for a quicker option. From the Central Business District (CBD), it's a short walk or a quick streetcar ride along Canal Street to St. Charles Avenue.

The Garden District is best explored on foot to fully appreciate its stunning architecture and lush gardens. However, the St. Charles Streetcar also provides convenient transportation throughout the area. Bicycles can be rented from local shops, and bike lanes are available on some streets. Taxis and rideshare services are also readily available for longer distances or late-night travel.

The Garden District is generally safe for tourists, but it's wise to stay vigilant. While most of the area is well-lit and frequented by visitors, it's advisable to avoid walking alone late at night, especially in less populated areas like some side streets. Certain neighborhoods adjacent to the Garden District, such as parts of Central City, have higher crime rates, so exercise caution and stay aware of your surroundings.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for police, fire, or medical assistance. The nearest hospital is Tulane Medical Center, which is equipped to handle emergencies. Always keep a copy of your insurance information handy. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies within the Garden District where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking, as you'll be exploring on foot. Don't wear overly revealing clothing, especially when visiting churches. Religion: Do respect local customs, particularly when visiting historic sites. Public Transport: Do be courteous on the streetcar and give up your seat for elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly smile and 'hello.' Don't be overly formal; a casual approach is appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties at cafes and restaurants. Don't waste food or refuse hospitality, as it can be seen as rude.

To experience the Garden District like a local, take a stroll along Magazine Street, known for its eclectic shops and restaurants. Visit the local farmers' market on Saturdays for fresh produce and artisanal goods. Engage with locals at nearby cafes, where they often share stories about the neighborhood's history. Don't miss the Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, a historic cemetery that offers fascinating insights into New Orleans' unique burial traditions.