The name of “New Orleans” conjures up a succulent variety of images, from the soft sounds of jazz to whirring ceiling fans, wrought iron gates, and spicy food. Along the swollen Mississippi River, the city dozes, only to come alive at night with the revelry of its people and the blare of music and laughter from all throughout the French Quarter. These are the images that many people think of, but there is another side to the city as well, a darkness that is as carefully hidden as the gates to the small gardens which lurk between buildings here. This dark side is there, just like the spectacular courtyards, but you have to know where to look for it. It’s liable to sneak out and surprise you when you least expect it. The dark side is as compelling as the chicory-laced coffee & the delicious “beignets” however it’s a dark side which is filled with the seductive images of voodoo, vampires and ghosts. Only in New Orleans could darkness and death seem so appealing!