It is difficult to describe my home state in just one page. The best way to begin is by using the travel book's method of dividing it into 5 diverse, different regions. There is greater New Orleans, which everyone is familiar with--unless you're some alien being from the planet zygonon. N'awlins is host of the wildest party in the United States, every February, known as Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday. I encourage everyone to visit the Crescent City (a.k.a. the "big easy") at least once. Some of my favorite spots are the Audubon Zoo, Aquarium, French Quarter and the Super Dome. Another region is Southeastern Louisiana, known as plantation country. I was born in this region, which consists of the capital city of Baton Rouge. Baton Rouge is a university town with Louisiana State (go tigers!) and Southern (go Jaguars!) Universities. Visitors to this region will see many plantation homes, such as Nottoway the largest antebellum home in the South, and acres of sugar cane fields, a top commodity. The third region is Cajun Country (Southern Louisiana). The inhabitants of Cajun country have preserved their heritage. There are the Creole people (African and French) and the Cajun (Acadian, from Nova Scotia) who are dedicated to keeping the culture and language. Cajun Country consists of the city of Lafayette, which hosts the 2nd largest Mardi Gras parade in Louisiana. In Northern Louisiana there is an abundance of good food and good music. One of the foods that you will find is the little guy used as an icon (see below) on this page-the crawfish or "mud bug". Also, Northern Louisiana gave birth to the sweet sounds of Zydeco music (hear sample below). (NOTE: Every February Fairfield University's Regina Quick Center showcases a different Zydeco band in celebration of Mardi Gras). I must admit to having visited each of the remaining two regions on one occasion, so there is no first hand information. Central Louisiana is the Crossroads Region, wherein Africans were brought during the 18th century slave trade. And Northern Louisiana is Sportsman's Paradise. It is nirvana to those who enjoy the outdoor activities of boating, hunting and fishing. It's been said that Louisianans will eat everything that hops, walks or crawls--Hey, I didn't say it! Sportsman's Paradise consists of the city of Shreveport and the infamous Grambling University. |