The Oldest House in New Orleans

Photo by me.

I recently took a trip to New Orleans, which is actually quite an interesting and mysterious city. Because I love old things, I sought out the oldest house in New Orleans, and found it in a more out-of-the-way part of the city. Called the Spanish Custom House, and built in 1784, it looks like something straight out of Gone With the Wind or a Southern Gothic novel. There must be so much history that has taken place in a house as old as this.

Let's Escape Winter in a Faraway Land

I know people are probably getting tired of the ice and snow now. But there's nothing you can do about it, so why don't you look at pictures of beautiful places instead? Take a look at these fabulous pictures by David Clapp of the Hebrides, which are the islands off the west coast of Scotland.

David Clapp, Isle of Harris, Outer Hebrides, Scotland, www.davidclapp.co.uk

David Clapp, Callanish Stone Circle in Callanais, Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, Scotland, www.davidclapp.co.uk

The Hebrides are a part of the British Isles particularly steeped in myth and legend. Before Christianity it was reputed to be the retreat of holy men and this holds water, considering Fingal's Cave (an incredible place I hope to visit someday) and all the standing stones that are to be found on the islands. Later, Colum Cille (Saint Columba) established a monastery on Iona, one of the Hebrides, and spread Christianity to the Picts. It's no wonder holy men liked it there. I think I could be perfectly happy to live in austerity in a place like this...

David Clapp, Luskentyre, Isle of Harris, Outer Hebrides, Scotland, www.davidclapp.co.uk

The scenery is so stunning too. Ethereal and mysterious are adjectives that come to mind.

David Clapp, Elgol, Skye, Outer Hebrides, Scotland, www.davidclapp.co.uk

David Clapp, Mangurstadh, Isle of Harris, Outer Hebrides, Scotland, www.davidclap.co.uk

So, is anybody coming with me?