FGES TOUR #14: A Tragic End to a Magical New Year's Eve in New Orleans

 

 New Orleans, Louisiana. NOLA. The Big Easy. Fascinating city. So much to see and do.

The first picture was actually taken on the 29th. I was waiting on the gallery of a bar on Bourbon Street (yes, THAT Bourbon Street) for my friends Becky and Mark to join me.

The other pics were taken on New Year's Eve. At midnight the sky above the river erupted with a massive display of fireworks that lasted about 20 minutes. 

I finally got back to my campground around 2 in the morning. When I woke, I was confused to find messages on my phone from family and friends asking if I was OK. When I found out what had happened (if you don't know, Google "New Orleans New Year's attack). I had a sick feeling in my stomach the rest of the day. Flags are still hanging at half-staff here. I get a pang in my guts when I see one.

Very sad.

FGES TOUR #13: Gramercy, Louisiana

 On Christmas Eve, residents near the Mississippi River in Louisiana build bonfires atop the levee, on both sides. The fires stretch for 30 miles, with Gramercy (about 45 miles north of New Orleans) being at the southern end. The purpose of the fires is to guide Papa Noel (Cajun Santa Claus) as he follows the course of the river. 

Most of the bonfires take the form shown here, a sturdy pyramid chock-a-block with fire wood. Some, however, are more elaborate. I saw a very realistic recreation of a large farm tractor. There were rumors of a giant wooden deer somewhere. 

At precisely 7 p.m. the structures are set alight. The red "ribbons" on the one behind me are actually strips of firecrackers. Thousands of fireworks were going off for hours.

There were also food vendors along the road. I had some delicious gumbo, and delightful crawdad nachos.

A splendid time was had by all.

FGES TOUR #12: Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

 The Shorts visited the Capitol Building of the Pelican State. 450 feet of Art Deco erection. Some interesting artwork in and on the structure, including how some 1930 artist perceived Black people.

The Shorts are embarrassed for America, and apologize to the world on its behalf. 

FGES TOUR #11: Buc-ee's, Luling, Texas

 

I couldn't resist paying a visit to "the largest convenience store in the world". It's like a mash-up of convenience store, department store, and a Crackerbarrel restaurant. Lots of Buc-ee (the Beaver) merchandise, including a waffle maker. It's weird when the store itself becomes a destination, rather than a stop along the way. Incredibly nice restrooms, though. 

I didn't know Buc-ee himself was going to be there, or I would have taken the Shorts inside with me.

FGES Tour #10: Austin, Texas

 I have been remiss in my posting! I ended up stuck in Austin, Texas for 18 days because Terry -- my non-binary Volkswagen EuroVan camper -- needed repairs. If you have to be stuck in Texas, there are worse places than Austin.

I didn't get around much, except early on, when my friend Becky, who, with her husband Mark, is also a nomad, took me out for a walk along the river downtown. There we encountered this statue of local musical legend Stevie Ray Vaughn.

Traveler's tip: if you're ever in Austin, you owe it to yourself to get pizza from The Meteor. Best pizza I've ever had. Also, go to a donut shop and ask for kolaches ("kuh-law-cheese").

FGES TOUR #9 : Albuquerque, New Mexico

 

Fans of "Breaking Bad" and "Better Call Saul" may recognize the location in the first three images. The Dog House is a local institution in its own right, and curiously, nowhere on the premises does it allude to its being used in the shows.

For the last picture I visited the Breaking Bad Museum and Store. The museum is usually free to the public, but on this day they were doing a fundraiser for a local animal shelter. For a minimum 5 dollar donation, you could visit the museum and have your picture taken with "Heisen-Claus". He's a real human lookalike, not a dummy. If I had known in advance, I would have taken the Shorts with me.

The museum, though small, is chock-a-block with costumes, props, signed photos of the series' actors, etc. A splendid time was had by me.

FGES TOUR #8: Meteor Crater, Arizona

 

It may look like just a big hole in the ground, but the science and history behind it are fascinating. Wonderful visitor center.