Nov 10--New Orleans Cemetery

This cemetery is one of the oldest in the city and was just a couple of blocks away from where we were staying. Because the water table is so close to the ground surface, all of New Orleans buries their dead above ground in vaults. Some of these vaults were underwater during Katrina, so they need a bit of cleaning and look are looking even a little more worn because of that.

The vault with all the triple-X's on it is where it is believed the original New Orleans Voodoo Queen, Marie Laveau, is buried, and people still come to ask her for help in getting their wishes granted. The triple-X is apparently part of the request process. You can read more about it here: http://www.hauntedneworleanstours.com/marielaveau/marielaveaustomb/

Also found a tomb draped in gauzy decorations for the Day of the Dead celebration, and another one that had been finger-painted and decorated by friends and family.