Mardi Gras goes crazy

Who would have thought that I would party more here in Washington, D.C. for Mardi Gras than I have for the actual event in New Orleans the last few years. This entire week has been filled with great king cake parties, happy hours and most importantly, Louisiana food. From Hot Boudin to white chocolate bread pudding, it was like being home for the week. The arrival of a few of my friends from Baton Rouge and New Orleans helped make the week go by quickly (especially since I spent a lot less time sleeping and a lot more time out and about).

And it all led up to the D.C. Mardi Gras ball last night (and this morning). I didn't return back to my apartment until about 4 a.m. In a word, it was amazing. Definitely the most fun I've ever had at a Mardi Gras event.

We began the day Saturday around 1 p.m. at Old Ebbitt Grill for my friend (and old roommate) Jason Doré's birthday. Needless to say that's where the drinking started. About five hours (and a number of cocktails) later I found myself in my tuxedo in Rep. Bobby Jindal's suite. Jason and I took the picture with the man who wants to be Louisiana's next governor.



I met up with the rest of the LSU in DC crew at Rep. Richard Baker's suite. All of the congressional delgation as well as the ball's royalty had hospitality suites where they invited constituents and friends to come and eat, drink and basically be merry.



After the suite-hopping we went down to the actual ball, where a few of my friends and I had secured a place in Bobby Jindal's box (thanks to his communications director). From there we watched the parade of princesses and queens, the krewe and the congressional delegations' entourages.
(Below) King of Washington Mardi Gras Boysie Bollinger and Queen Elizabeth Chance, an LSU student, from their seat on their float which toured the football field-sized ballroom.


The most fun thing about the ball for me was walking around and playing find the politicians. Kathleen Blanco, Mitch Landrieu, Ron Forman, the entire Louisiana congressional delegation and a few former legislators as well.

As the night began to wind down, my new roommate Veronica and I caught up with former Sen. John Breaux.


It was a great night. Definitely one for the books.