text: During Halloween weekend, I took my first trip to New Orleans, Louisiana to experience the unique sights, sounds and smells of the city during one of its most festive occasions.
  I stayed downtown, which turned out to be a great decision. It’s conveniently located between the French Quarter and Garden District, so walking and traveling by street car was easy. As I made my way to the French Quarter on foot, I was able to take in some of city’s classic art and architecture.
  The distinct marquee signs and vintage streetcars found along Canal Street, as well as the intricate wrought iron balconies decorating the French Quarter, let me know that New Orleans is a city that takes great pride in preserving its past.
  Once situated in the French Quarter, I made my way to the world-famous Cafe Du Monde. The line was long, but after tasting its delicious beignets and cafe au lait, it was well worth the wait. I’m far from a “foodie,” but I love good coffee and I must say that Cafe Du Mode serves the BEST coffee I have ever tasted. Blended with chicory, half and half and hot milk – it is absolutely delicious.
  After eating, I made my way through the rest of the French Quarter, including Jackson Square and Bourbon Street. At every turn, you see the influences of music, mysticism and celebration that draw people to New Orleans.
  Later in the evening, I returned to Bourbon Street to witness New Orleans’ take on celebrating Halloween. To say that people here take it seriously would be a grave understatement. If you were not wearing a costume (and I’m guilty of this) you were definitely in the minority. However, this definitely won’t stop you from enjoying the evening.
  From beads flying off balconies, performers capturing your attention and the light-hearted attitudes of every person crossing your path, Halloween in New Orleans is a highly recommended “must do” for anyone who enjoys a festive gatering.
  After a second round of beignets and coffee at Cafe Du Monde the following morning, I took one final stroll down Bourbon Street to witness the aftermath of the previous night. It was fairly quiet except for people scrubbing down the streets and sidewalks, but after seeing hundreds of beads hanging from balconies, power lines and street signs, there was no mistake another good time was had on Bourbon Street the night before.
  My last stop in New Orleans was the Garden District. After hopping off the streetcar I made my way to the Lafayette Cemetery. Touring cemeteries is generally not my idea of a good time, but since I was there, I took a quick look at the historic above-ground tombs.
  From there, I walked through the community (encountering dozens of other tourists) and admired some of the grand, southern homes that line the neighborhood.
  November 18, 2014 May 28, 2015 leefromep Tagged Bourbon Street, French Quarter, Garden District, Halloween, Jazz, New Orleans, Travel, Travels	Leave a comment
  
  YPO member Giovanna D’Esposito was born and raised in Italy. After graduating from college with a degree in mechanical engineering, she worked in the Rome offices of Procter & Gamble and Altran. Giovanna then earned a MBA and moved to London, United Kingdom, to focus on international business development, using her skills to help companies break into foreign markets.
  Then, Giovanna was hired by the No. 1 global online company PaddyPower Betfair, becoming the managing director of the company’s new Italian division. After her success at PaddyPower, Sky Bet, which in 2014 was valued at over a billion dollars, asked her to set up their new Italian division.