Trip to Louisiana - Day 2 continues..

We were on our way to Baton Rouge around 3 after visiting the plantation, as we weren't decided about where to go next. But unexpectedly, we saw an air boat with passengers all ready for a swamp tour on the way and there we were - buying our tickets for the same tour. It was raining, so we were given colorful rain coats to wear before settling down in the boat. Within minutes we were in the swamps - with dirty water, damp smell, alligators and snakes.

The fast speed of the boat and rain was making it really hard to keep the eyes open, but we were able to manage after the rain stopped. On top of that, the driver drove so fast that once it actually hit one of the tree branches and the women sitting on that side got very scared. After a crazy ride, the driver slowed down and turned the boat into a narrow space between the trees and stopped. And then came the shock - he asked us if we wanted to catch an alligator and if we do - then we'll have to get down into the water and catch it.  

For a moment, everyone was quite and suddenly the lady who was already scared said, "I  don't want to do anything like that". 

And that was it, the driver came to the front of the boat and without saying a single word, opened the box and there came a baby alligator. Some of us actually jumped off the seats. 

Well, the mouth of the alligator was tied, so no one was worried and we all actually started holding it one by one and also clicked pictures. And then the driver gave us some interesting facts about alligators and the story behind the baby alligator. It was super fun and once the story time was over, the alligator went back in the box and we turned back to the open areas of the swamp. The tour lasted for about one and a half hour - with super speed and rain; and it ended with a side drop off a wall (that was scary) and it felt like the boat had almost turned over in the swamp. 

It was our first swamp tour and was definitely an amazing experience. Good, that we decided to do this, as no trip to Louisiana is complete without one. 

Now that it was almost evening, we thought of going to the' Mardi Gras World'. The last tour available was for 4:30, so we really had to rush. We were there just on time, bought the tickets and waited for the tour to begin. The guide took us inside the warehouse where all the magic happens - where  the floats & figures are sculpted for the famous parade. It was incredible to see the craftsmanship, designs and details with which the work is done. And we also saw the painters and sculptors actually working on some of the models, as the work goes on all year round in preparation for February carnival.

                                                             Inside the Mardi Gras World

After the tour, we saw a 20 minute video of the parade and how it is put together. And the best part, we also got to dress up in some of those costumes and click pictures. It was the best possible way to experience 'Mardi Gras' in November.

From there, we went to the french quarter again and this time just for food at the Acme Oyster House. The most obvious thing to order at an oyster house is of-course oysters, so we ordered 'chargrilled oysters' for starters. And for the main course, it was 'New Orleans Medley' and 'shrimp po-boy'. The food was delicious and the oysters were unforgettable. After a great dinner, we left for Baton Rouge and stayed there for a couple of days before going back home.

I have to say this - what a Fabulous trip it was - we visited most of the famous places in New Orleans, relished cajun-creole cuisine and experienced some of the craziest things as well. 

                                                                     Our Trip on map

Trip to Louisiana - day 2

The following day, we left early around 9:30 in the morning to see the 'Oak Alley Plantation'. The first time I saw it was on a show on TV and now to see it for real, I was super excited. 

Firstly, the name itself transports you to the world of novels, and in reality too, it looks like a dream. While driving on the way to the plantation, the front side of the mansion can be seen from behind the iron gate - and it's a breathtaking view. The mansion stands perfectly in the center of a row of giant oak trees on both the sides, it almost seems like looking through the lens of trees. 

It feels so surreal as if the house was actually a painting. The view was out of this world, with the river right outside the gate and the way lined with massive trees. Because of these incredible views, the plantation has featured in many magazines, commercials, TV shows, music videos (Beyonce's 'Deja Vu') and numerous movies (Primary Colors, Interview with the vampire). 

We were there in time, parked our car and went to the ticket booth to get the tickets. Got the tour tickets for 11:30, meanwhile we clicked some amazing pictures and then, went to the big house. As we were waiting for the tour to begin, it started raining and that made the experience even better. 

                                                             Our tickets to the Plantation

The tour guide opened the door of the house and it felt like she was welcoming guests inside for a dinner party. She was dressed in a gown resembling the outfits worn in 19th century by women. We were ushered in to the living room and the guide gave us a brief introduction about the house and its owners. And took us around the house while explaining how a  particular room was used. 

Some of the things were pretty interesting like in those times kitchen was not a part of the house due to frequent fires and even the dining table & chairs were way shorter than normal as people used to be much shorter in height than today. The view from the balcony on the second floor was again beyond words. And it took us almost 30 minutes to tour the whole house, though some parts were closed off from the public. 

By the time we came out, the rain had stopped and everything looked so fresh. We clicked some pictures with the guide and tried the famous 'mint julep'. The plantation was so picturesque, we just couldn't stop clicking and enjoying the beautiful surroundings. We also got to see the slave quarters, sugar kettles and the Stewart gardens and from there went straight to the restaurant (originally it was the quarter house built for tenant workers). And once again, it was time to try some more of creole-cajun cuisine and we ordered 'french quarter crepes' (the special of the day) and 'seafood gumbo'. 

The 15-minute wait for the food seemed like forever and we took almost no time in finishing it when it finally came. The food was heavenly - crepes were filled with cheese and the seafood gumbo with mimosa was all one could ask for. Extremely satisfied with the overall visit, we went to the souvenir shop to buy some stuff and hurried to the car, as it had started raining again. 

                                           Plantation on the cover of National Geographic magazine

Trip to Louisiana

We planned this trip during the hurricane week, as there was power outage and the restoration was to take seven to ten days. So, it was the right time for a vacation and what could be better than Louisiana. I flew to New Orleans on the 1st of November.

Back to light- it was actually shocking for a moment to see the lights on, after being without power for so long. And I was so happy to find a charging point for my phone on the airport (my phone was almost dead). It is totally unbelievable how power outage can affect the way we look at things and how even normal day to day things can make us happy. 

Being in New Orleans, away from all the 'sandy' mess - it was great. We decided to begin the next day, with a visit to the garden district. The first place we saw was the Lafayette cemetery - a 200-year old above-ground burial place. It was quite unusual to see above ground tombs and more so, some of those even had many generations of a family together in the same tomb. It was a completely different experience.

 

 Lafayette Cemetery

After spending some time there, we walked out to the garden district. It is definitely one of the most beautiful places, with palatial mansions built in Greek revival and Italianate architectural styles. It was a stroll through history- magnificent houses, long French windows and lush manicured gardens which looked perfectly ready for a party. And there were also houses of celebrities who have lived in the district like author Anne Rice, the Mannings etc.

We clicked some great pictures and drove around the lower garden district as well. It is for sure one of the best places to visit when in New Orleans. But of-course, nothing can beat the French quarters.

                                                               Garden District Gallery

Next, we headed to the famous French quarters - cobblestone streets with decorated overlooking balconies, it looked unreal. It reminded me of the beautiful Savannah, a British colony during 18th century; it also has the same feel, great architecture and beautiful houses. And one of my friend also told me - 'If you liked Savannah so much, you'll love New Orleans' and that came out to be true. 

We drove through the narrow lanes overcrowded with people and found a good public parking few blocks away from the 'Party Street'. Well, am referring to world famous 'Bourbon Street', the place to be in New Orleans. We walked by the mysterious alleys to the brightly-lit party street and there we were amidst the maddening crowd. People were dancing, singing, drinking and throwing beads from the balconies; it felt like we have suddenly landed on a movie set.  

The sound of jazz music, laughter and clinking beads - it was the sound of enjoyment. Everyone was lost in themselves, I have never seen a more lively place than this. We had a jolly good time walking on the street, collecting beads and dancing to the jazzy tunes. Spent quite some time there, clicked some funny pictures and got in line for dinner @ Desire Oyster Bar. We had to wait for about 15 minutes to get in the crowded restaurant.  

Then, it was time to try the cajun & creole cuisine and we ordered 'jambalaya' and 'crawfish Etouffee'. The food was so flavorful and different from any other cuisine we had ever tried. And it was a perfect finish for our day, we left for hotel after enjoying this delectable meal. 

I would recommend everyone to visit bourbon street at least once, to experience the craziness of this 'party street'.