One morning, I woke up early and drove all day long,

*

until I found a city surrounded by plantations,

with a historic district

known for its ironwork,

food,

music,

and nightlife,

*

which was connected by a streetcar to another district

with parks

and universities,

and everywhere were sculptures,

gardens,

and bright colors,

except for the places where they interred their dead above ground,

because the city was built on the banks of a very old, and very wide, river.

Where was I?

*(These two shots aren't mine. Always remember to take an extra memory card when you travel!)