Day 21: May 7, 2018
WWII Museum Day

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I planned to visit the World War II museum while my son, Crispian, was working. I asked him about places for breakfast near the museum and I picked Surrey's Cafe and Juice Bar from his suggestions. A fun and friendly place with excellent pain perdu.

I'd used Uber to get to breakfast and I now walked to the National World War II Museum. When I saw signs pointing to an entrance, I went in. The building I entered first is normally the last one visited but I obviously wasn't the first person to do that. I was able to buy a ticket (actually a little clip-on badge) and proceed to roam about the displays. This is the building with the big stuff and there are multiple levels with open walkways to observe it from lots of angles.

When I finally reached the main entry point I instantly felt pretty good about my mistake. At the "wrong" building, I had walked right up to the counter and bought my badge. Here people stood in long lines for that.

First up was a simulated train ride with videos shown on seat-back mounted screens. Exhibits explained the buildup to war, America's role as the "Arsenal of Democracy", the bombing of Pearl Harbor, and the D-Day invasion. An Enigma Machine, a German high tech encryption device, is among the artifacts displayed.


The war in Europe ended before the war in Asia so maybe I did this part backwards, too, but that's just how things worked out. My Dad was a courier in Europe and a Jeep was pretty much his constant companion. I tend to photograph every WWII Jeep I see. I took the last picture because of the two Ernie Pyle books.

From the museum, I walked to where I was to meet my son at the end of his work day. I mistakenly thought it was closed, but it was way too early anyway. I walked a little farther and had a beer at Crescent City Brewhouse. Then, since I was already pretty close, I headed on to Jackson Square. I got distracted and forgot my intention of walking past the 300 year anniversary sign (NOLA was founded in 1718) to look at the river, but I did wave at Andy and listen to some great street musicians. There was still had a little time to kill, so I stopped by the Napoleon House for a beer. The current restaurant/bar has only been in business since 1914 but the house has been around since 1814.

I arrived at Beachbum Berry's Latitude 29 just a few minutes ahead of Crispian. Again I have no pictures but I did forego beer in favor of a couple of rum based Tiki drinks that were used to wash down my first Banh Mi. A great evening with my son with hasty goodbyes outside when my Uber arrived.


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