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Published: September 14th 2011
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We crossed the state line under a shower, under a gray sky.. it wasn't bad though, really, the air was still warm, but no too warm.. I remember thinking when we stopped at this one rest stop to make use of their facilities- wow, I am so happy to be here.. the weather was actually fine, I wasn't upset about the rain. I was actually excited, not because I hate the heat.. I much prefer it.. but change is always nice. Change of scenery as well.. away from Fort Worth. I love Fort Worth, I have expressed that before.. but I start to feel pained when I stay in one spot for too long.. I want to go back to South Africa, I want to head into Mozambique.. I want to be in New Zealand for the Rugby World Cup right now.. but this would do.. for the time being.
So here we were.. crossing into Louisiana. Haven't been here since 2004. A lot has happened since then. Katrina.. to name one thing. New Orleans has always intrigued me.. I love visiting NOLA, it is as close to something out of the US as you can get while still in the
US. There is a different state of mind, a different flow of things.. it's beautiful really. With us was Katt, a girl from England whom we had met in South Africa last year. She was living at the Monkeyland house with us, only knew her for about a month, but we all got along.. she said after her stint in Australia, she was going to visit the US and come see us in Texas. I thought, yeah maybe she will, we will see. She did. She came into DFW Airport, Elisha fetched her.. showed her around our town a bit, but packed up early the next morning to head east to New Orleans. The Big Easy.
We stopped at some petrol port along the way, in who knows what town etc etc, and it was entertaining- they had these hats and bandanas, American Flags and gators and the like. Katt and Elisha were trying all kinds on and this friendly guy told us we should buy LSU hats. . . said we'd take them if he payed for them.. a few laughs.. "You folks are headed to New Orleans," he asked with a bit of concern in his voice. "Picked
a bad time to go, bad weather rollin' in there today." We explained that we were well aware and thanked him for his concern..we were taking the risk, didn't think it'd be so bad and just wanted to show our friend such a historic, beautiful city. He was kind and bid us farewell.. we climbed back into the horse on wheels and continued down the road.. as we pressed further south in Louisiana, the weather actually seemed to get better, the sun was out and the rain had disappeared. We thought, hey seems like it'll be fine after all.
By the time we were in Baton Rouge, knowing we were getting quite close to NOLA, the rain had picked up again.. not too bad at first, then got heavy. windshield wipers going as fast as they could.. it was fine though, excited to be there..
Pulled into New Orleans, arrived at our hotel, not the nicest but it was fine, only a ten minute driver from the city center.. checked in, put the bags in the room, although very late.. decided to head out.. First went to the By-water area, it was dark but Katt and Elisha were already thrilled
about the houses and the classic buildings.. told them wait until it's daylight.. it is so beautiful then.. the shotgun houses, the eerie but fascinating cemeteries.. we grabbed some food at a small cafe, had a lot of vegetarian options.. sandwich was great.. went to a small bar with a live band playing classic swing and jive songs, loud good packed full of people.. smoke and the sound of bottles and glasses clinking together- felt good, different from where we were ten hours before. good.
After a few hours out, headed back into the beds at the room.. slept good. Woke up a bit later than we planned, but that's ok.. went out site seeing, wanted to see the best of the French Quarter, went to the French Market. Always liked it there, so did they- bought some trinkets and the like, had a few beers and went on a nice walk, rain started up again but just laughed it off.. do not remember where we ate.. but I think it was good. Spent more time admiring the French Quarter. Parked, walked about and got stuck amongst a massive gay extravaganza all around the area.. obviously more heavy on Bourbon
St. was fun though, had a few laughs, met a guy from South Africa now living there.. took photos, had food, had more drinks- saw the famous Preservation Hall- so great, but didn't want to pay $12 each to go inside and see jazz that is not quite as young and heartfelt as that being played down the street by fresh folks not doing it for money.. found good music, enjoyed the night.
Day three was primarily driving around, enjoying the views and houses in the Garden District, Magazine Street- Shotgun houses followed by marvelous huge houses that seem to take you back to a much earlier time- found a few turns here and there- entered more questionable areas but still have their own charm as well. Elisha and Katt wanted jackets as it was getting cold and so they went into American Apparel and came out warmer, had Mexican food of sorts, good, hit the spot, ended the night with a wonderful performance by a young band from up north country Louisiana playing gospel and jazz numbers, all brass and drums. Enjoyed it greatly.
Final day in NOLA, sad, do not want to go back.. do not want to
set foot in job. Almost vomit inducing, thinking of that.. hate job, saving and hoping- make this idea come true, so won't have to deal with sad people that eat their work and care so much for this place that cares nothing for them- cannot stand it, it's not me at all. sick. tried to take my mind off going back- headed southeast and arrived at small Cajun area. Took a great tour on the swamp, small boat, wonderful guide- Cajun fellow- it was not fake or silly tour. Real thing, real guy, loves the area, knows the swamp, knows the wildlife. We saw plenty of gators, plenty- very exciting. much closer than you can get to the ones here by the house.. learned a lot about local plants there growing in and around the swamp- his life, his friends, his house destroyed by Katrina- his great attitude, seriously good tour. Worth the $23 ..
Headed back home- late- driving far in the dark- Elisha was getting tired, stayed up with her, slapped her each time she nodded- I took over the wheel towards the end, tired myself.. got back safe and sound. . Katt left a couple days later,
didn't see her much as I was working, Elisha showed her around Dallas a bit, she headed off to New York. Interesting how things go though, when we visit the UK, we will meet up of course- unless she is living back in Australia.. and then when we visit Oz, maybe we see her there. All I know is, I enjoyed our roadtrip. I want to take Elisha on a few more, other places I've been that I think she would like.. where next? New York? San Diego? San Fransisco? I know next year we're going back to South Africa for a few weeks.. can't be tied down too long. take care..
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