In New Orleans we took a break from driving, and got a taste of real Southern Hospitality. We stayed with Tom, who had a beautiful leafy green property and a pond in his yard that was bursting with life. Turtles, bass, dragon flies, tiny snakes and possums, his place was a haven for wildlife. He also had two very friendly dogs that kept us company.
We were also spoiled for food as Michael and Larry cooked up a storm of Cajun and Creole delights. Cat fish Po-boys, Jambalayas, beignets, local crab, chicken and veg and fried green tomatoes. It was nice after so long in the car just the two of us to have people to chat to, and get to hear about living life in the swamp, growing up in New Orleans, or about the local history and culture of the local area. Tom was kind enough to take us into town for a day, and show us the sights.
New Orleans is an artsy city, filled with life, music and creativity. It is well known for its French and Spanish Creole architecture, as well as food. The birth place of Jazz, the city still hums with music today. It’s home to the best buskers I have ever heard on city streets.
On the way out of town, we stopped in to visit the South's largest remaining antebellum mansion; Nottoway. Completed in 1859 for an estimated $80,000, Nottoway has a total of three floors, six staircases, 22 square columns, 64 rooms, (including 26 closets and three bathrooms) and a 10-pin bowling alley for the children of the house. In total, there are 365 doors or windows in the house (one for every day of the year), but as doors and windows were taxed at the time of construction, John Randolph ensured they function as both doors and windows simultaneously, and as such, were untaxable.
We were also spoiled for food as Michael and Larry cooked up a storm of Cajun and Creole delights. Cat fish Po-boys, Jambalayas, beignets, local crab, chicken and veg and fried green tomatoes. It was nice after so long in the car just the two of us to have people to chat to, and get to hear about living life in the swamp, growing up in New Orleans, or about the local history and culture of the local area. Tom was kind enough to take us into town for a day, and show us the sights.
New Orleans is an artsy city, filled with life, music and creativity. It is well known for its French and Spanish Creole architecture, as well as food. The birth place of Jazz, the city still hums with music today. It’s home to the best buskers I have ever heard on city streets.
On the way out of town, we stopped in to visit the South's largest remaining antebellum mansion; Nottoway. Completed in 1859 for an estimated $80,000, Nottoway has a total of three floors, six staircases, 22 square columns, 64 rooms, (including 26 closets and three bathrooms) and a 10-pin bowling alley for the children of the house. In total, there are 365 doors or windows in the house (one for every day of the year), but as doors and windows were taxed at the time of construction, John Randolph ensured they function as both doors and windows simultaneously, and as such, were untaxable.