Sat - Apr 21/12

A light rain during the night left us with a cloudy and cool morning. We slept in a little before continuing our Louisiana adventure. We decided on Cajun Country RV park due to it's proximity to New Orleans and (of course) Cajun Country - duh! It is also 1/3 the price of the parks in NOLA (as New Orleans, LA is common referred to down here).

I met true Louisiana hospitality in the person of Gary and James when I went outside the RV this morning to turn on the water. I hooked it up last night but forgot to flip the lever on. Folks like these are what makes RVing so enjoyable. Being friends and neighbours in the park they were chatting over morning coffee (as I'm sure they often do) at Gary's RV and did not hesitate to give me a big Louisiana welcome which included some BBQ'd alligator sausage. (Can't wait for supper! - grin)

My theory on the loss of "socializing" in our communities is a direct result of developers after WWII seeking to maximize profits while making homes for the returning servicemen affordable by removing the sidewalks, front porches, picket fences and garages at the end of driveways from their new subdivision designs. Everyone migrated to the backyard or the "Rec Room" in the basement (or back of the house) to watch the newly arrived sensation - Television. The double garage under the house bedrooms or attached to the side of the house was not quite the same meeting place as the one in the back yard that housed the refrigerator with cold beer. People stopped communicating and kids no longer played in the streets. Remember when word about where you were or what you did got home (often over a (telephone) party line) quicker then you did.

Today if you wave and say hello to a total stranger in most cities you get a strange look and a quick departure which probably would also include (as Robert De Niro would say) - - "You lookin' at me?!!!"

Thankfully, these old fashioned friendly values are alive and well today in RV parks across the country! In fact, I have met several folks who spend more time living in their RV than in their home because of this very reason (as well as the good fishing). Meeting nice folks is like real cream in your coffee - it sure enriches the flavour (of life).

Our first destination this morning was Houmas House Plantation and Gardens, considered the "Crown Jewel of Louisiana's River Road" in Darrow, LA. This is one of several plantations along the "river" that is open to the public either as a tour, museum or bed and breakfast. Houmas House; however,  is so much more than just a tour of a grand antebellum estate. It is "The Sugar Palace" and displays the splendour of the south when "sugar was king" in Louisiana. The tour (16 of the rooms) is a showcase for period antiques and Louisiana artwork. It's 38 acres of lush gardens, ponds and a majestic live oak alley are beautiful to behold. Rumour has it that the signature southern drink, the Mint Julep, may have originated here. |(If not, I am sure many were served!)

Prior to our tour we had lunch at "Latil's Landing Restaurant". The were crowded and without hesitation squeezed in an extra table and two chairs to seat us. This is one of the three restaurants on the property. It is located in the French House, built in the 1770's by Alexander Latil and is now the rear wing of the Houmas House Mansion. The 230 year old house, complete with original beamed ceilings, cypress mantels, wood burning fireplaces, and original wood floors, is set between the Garden Carriageway and the Hampton Fountain and Gardens. We were surrounded with museum quality art and furnishings and served on replicas of the original "Houmas" French Limoge china and dinner service which was first created for Wade Hampton, a later owner, in the 1830's.

"Cafe Burnside" and "Le Petit Houmas" are the other two restaurants on the property. The Houmas House also has excellent reception facilities which were being utilized by two weddings parties that were now arriving by chartered coach. These restaurants at Houmas House are considered in the top 20 in America and feature the talented creations of Award winning Executive Chef Jeremy Langlois. After dining we can easily understood why.

Charlotte and I each enjoyed the Chicken and Andouille (Sausage) Gumbo and the Bourbon Shrimp (crispy sauteed jumbo shrimp tossed in a Jack Daniels Glaze and served over roasted potatoes and sweet peas).....mmmm good!

After lunch we self-toured the fabulous gardens while waiting for the next guide (every half hour) to ring the bell to summon us to meet.

Our guide, Susan, was dressed in period attire. Her wit,charm and knowledge, not to mention her southern accent, made the tour a step above exceptional.

I thought the Boone Hall Plantation in Mount Pleasant, SC ("Tara" in "Gone With The Wind") had a tremendous free standing spiral staircase. The one at Houmas House spiralled up 3 stories - Wow!

Next we were off to NOLA. As in past visits I like to park in the French Market parking area accessed beside the JAX Brewery. This is long term parking that is close (relatively speaking) to everything. It is also less expensive than turning to the right even though both are labelled "Public Parking".

Once out of the car our first stop was "Aunt Sally's Pralines". The smell of sweet pralines bubbling as they are being stirred in an old copper pot then poured out to harden is one of our favourite sights, sounds and smells of New Orleans. The original recipe is now being made by 4th generation family members. We think these are the very best pralines, bar none! (Yes Girls - we are bring back some for you, too).

Next door, another "must" stop on our "To Do" list for every visit  to NOLA is "Cafe du Monde" - the "Original French Market Coffee Stand". There are 8 other locations; but only the original has such a unique atmosphere. This is the one to visit. Don't let the line on the street keep you away - it is worth the wait! The original opened in 1862 and is open 24/7 except for Christmas Day (and the occasional hurricane - grin). Each serving of it's signature "Beignets" (bay-nay: French style square doughnuts - no hole) comes with a heaping load of confectioners sugar. The dark roasted coffee and chicory only comes black or "Au Lait" (mixed half and half w/hot milk). Being veterans of this venue we come to the back entrance (take-out line area) and enter here. It is much quicker than waiting in line with a hundred or more others on Decatur Street. (Ooops! maybe I should not have said that?)

Like going to San Francisco and not riding the Cable Cars would be considered gross negligence - coming to NOLA and not riding the (St. Charles Street Car would be equally as sinful. The RTA (Regional Transit Authority) Riverfront line runs between the French Market and the water. Get a $3 pass that is good for the day (12 hours?). Take the street car to RiverWalk/Harrah's Casino stop (Canal Street) then get off and walk to the Canal Street boarding area nearby for a short trip up a few blocks to St Charles Avenue. Get off and cross the street to the St Charles (Avenue) Line which runs down the grassy median through the historic section of New Orleans. The "Avenue" ride encompasses the great houses (and Universities) of New Orleans. At the end you get off, cross the street and catch the next street car coming back. Relax and enjoy the sights!

Our driver stopped to get a coffee at a convenience store. I couldn't resist the opportunity for a picture in his seat! How often can you do that?

After switching street cars and returning to Canal Street we walked over to Harrah's Casino to play the slots. Our limit is $20. We consider it an entertainment fee. Where else can you play video games for a few hours for so little?

Walking across the street from Harrah's to Riverwalk we caught the Riverfront Street Car back to the French Market. Our car was just steps from the stop.

An little over an hour later we were back at the RV.  Bed was soon to follow.