Mardi Gras Day

People used to take psilocybin to get the kind of sensory overload it is possible to experience at the corner of Frenchmen and Chartres Streets on Mardi Gras Day.

Somebody sets up huge loud speakers in the intersection and Caribbean rhythms play all day long. A makeshift bar is set up in the street, serving drinks to gyrating, costumed dancers.

I've thought: I could stay here forever. I feel absolutely no pain, especially after drinking a potent Bloody Mary.

A few out-of-towners tried to drive through, apparently on their way to the airport. I hope they started early because it might have taken 20 minutes just to get through the dancers.

People come and go all day long, but they all mix and mingle and dance with whomever they chance.