Free Spirits in New Orleans - Part 1

Is New Orleans a good option for a weekend trip?

Most people would say yes—especially for the free-spirited who love to party. And they’re right, but let me share three free spirit experiences that that might inspire you to try something new.

Free Spirit No. 1:

New Orleans is often ranked as one of the most haunted cities in America, making it the perfect place to meet a spirit. To increase your odds of communing with the dead, why not stay in a hotel known for paranormal activity? While there are plenty of haunted hotels to choose from, especially in New Orleans, I’m rather picky about where I stay and naturally prefer to commune with like-minded spirits. I had my eye on Hotel Monteleone and just as I was about to click the Reserve button, I hit my first curveball! My sister and cousin were united in their preference for a spirit-free abode. I pleaded in vain, but had to give in.

Main Hallway to the schoolrooms (Photo Courtesy Kavitha)

Fortunately, my second choice, Hotel Peter and Paul, a hotel with buildings dating from 1861, including a schoolhouse, a church, a rectory, and a convent (see this link for details on the restoration - it’s an inspiring story), was a place I had wanted to visit for a long time. I was excited about the opportunity to stay in a hotel with such rich history. Besides, what could be more appropriate for three girls who completed their schooling in a convent?

All the world's a stage

12-foot-high ceilings—plenty of space for ghosts to float around

However, I made a small miscalculation. My cousin (yes, the one who had visited the seven most perilous places in the world at the most dangerous times to boot) was adamant that the hotel was haunted. Despite my not-so-earnest pleas that no self-respecting spirit would haunt a church, she voiced her fears until the wee hours of the night, finally lulled to sleep after watching hours of her favorite soap opera. The plot, based on what she shared with us over the next few days, was confusing enough to frighten away any spirit that dared peek over her shoulder. Was it because of that, or the church’s influence, that we didn’t experience any spirits for free?

We’ll never know.

St. Peter and Paul Church towering in the night (Photo Courtesy Kavitha)

We were lucky to experience a block party in the hotel the day we checked in (Photo Courtesy Kavitha)

Tip No. 1: If you enjoy staying in places with a spooky atmosphere like me while, like my sister and cousin, prefer to be safe from actual haunts, try Hotel Peter and Paul. It gives you the best of both worlds, and you might want to emulate my cousin and tune in to the famed  'Jhanak'  as extra insurance to ward off any lingering ghosts!

Want to read more? Stay tuned for Free Spirit No. 2, coming soon.

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