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.
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.
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.
