ANZAC DAY 2014 – Lest we forget

On April 25, 2014 By oceangirl63In Uncategorized1 Comment

Each year on the 25th of April, Australians and New Zealanders commemorate ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) Day to recognise the sacrifices that Australian and New Zealand soldiers , sailors, airmen and airwomen have made.

Anzac day is about courage and selflessness. It is strength and endurance of the human spirit. It is of humility and heroism, but more importantly it is of remembrance.

Anzac is legend and it is not that we as a nation celebrate nor glorify war, but rather we honour and remember events which so dramatically shaped our history. It is our way of saying thankyou to the many thousands of service men and women who have fought for our freedom and rights as Australians. It is beyond extraordinary their deeds, and as a nation we will always, always remember and honour them.

Our history as Australians is identifiable by their sacrifices and we can never imagine the appalling and unspeakable conditions they endured. It is on days such as these that I miss our golden wattle, our unique and beautiful gum trees and our stunningly beautiful country. I especially miss our Anzac day dawn services, parades and commemorative services held throughout Australia.

Today, Friday 25th of April 2014, we celebrated Anzac Day with a dawn service at the Museum of Aviation Robins AFB Warner Robins Georgia USA. In doing so we say to all, we have not forgotten your sacrifice and we will never forget.

They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them……..

Author, Author….

On April 19, 2014April 20, 2014 By oceangirl63In UncategorizedLeave a comment

One of my most pleasurable things to do is to curl up with a good book. I love books. That tactile act of holding the book in my hands to the simple pleasure of just turning the page. When we moved to America I was unable to bring my book ‘collection’ with me. Those books are currently in storage and I do miss seeing them sitting on their shelves in our little old cottage back in South Australia. Since moving to Georgia I have managed to pick up a couple of books therein starting a new collection here. Most of my best book finds have been from ‘Friends of Library Book Sales’, the odd second hand shop and the occasional yard (garage) sale thrown in just for good measure.

Latest reading material – two of which are on my ‘must-do-reading-list’

And as much as I love a wondrous book, I also love a library. As soon as we decided on the area we were going to move to in Georgia I googled then joined my local library. Joining my local library has allowed me to indulge my rather ambitious goal of beginning my ‘must-do-reading-list’. This is a list of books I have complied that I want to read – generally American classics – while residing in America. So far I have worked my way through: ‘The Grapes of Wrath’, ‘Uncle Tom’s Cabin’, ‘The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn’, ‘The Colour Purple’, ‘Fahrenheit 451’ and ‘Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Café’. And I only have thirty four classics to go, so it is fortunate that I will be here in the US for another two years and seven months. Together with my ‘must-do’ list, I usually manage to read four to six books a week. When the night is dark and most of the worlds inhabitants are in quiet slumber I read. Its the perfect solution for my habitual sleeplessness (or it could well be the cause of it).

My local library – the Houston County Library

Recently I also acquired a couple of cook books. I always gauge the goodness of a cook book by this – I read a recipe then want to rush to the kitchen and cook it! One book is particularly beautiful. It is a book dedicated completely to southern recipes (which was the reason I purchased it).

A recipe for ‘grilled frog legs’ however I particularly love the dress the cook is wearing.

I picked the following little gem of a book up at a ‘Friends of the Library Old Book Sale’. It was printed in 1965 and is chock full of some of the best recipes I have ever seen and read. There are chapters on almost everything. The near bordering lost art of preserving and pickling, how to light a coal stove, breads, cakes, candies…the list just goes on and on and on. I really do love this little book and I have cooked several recipes from it although I am yet to tackle the ‘sweet and sour calf’s brains’, ‘broiled sweetbreads’, ‘mock turtle soup’ or ‘how to pasteurize’ my own milk.

This dear little book has had a big life and the previous owner used a torn in half cheque (check) as a book mark. Just priceless!

I will always find that quiet moment to read a book no matter what chaos surrounds me. Its one of life’s real pleasures for me and I hope you find the same contentment in something that you do x

P.S. Easter greeting everyone xx

Atlanta Georgia USA

On April 11, 2014April 12, 2014 By oceangirl63In UncategorizedLeave a comment

I love being in a city. I’m a city girl at heart and always have been. I will very happily visit, walk, explore and live in a city. One of the things I find I like most about cities, especially those that are big and busy, is that you can still manage to maintain a respectable level of solitude while there. And cities are not about shopping for me either. I love the energy and pace of cities, I love the architecture and the streets, the way the city becomes a melting pot from prosperity to poverty, the way it feels as though it has a life and heartbeat of its own and Atlanta is no different. It is a big, brash, bold and energetic place.

Atlanta, originally established in 1837, is the capital of Georgia and is one of the most populated cities in the United States. During the civil war Atlanta was deliberately set alight and it almost burned entirely to the ground, the act of which destroyed most of the cities original historic buildings. Fear not, there are still plenty to see though which are wonderfully mixed with modern architecture. Atlanta also has three major districts – downtown, midtown and Buckhead. Downtown Atlanta is the main central business district, midtown is the second largest business district situated between the financial and commerce sectors and Buckhead is in the uptown district. It is said of Buckhead that ‘old money lives there and new money parties there’.

Atlanta is normally about one and a half hours drive from our home. Almost a 200 mile round trip. Atlanta’s traffic both in and out of the city very often come to a very slow crawl or to a complete standstill. If you have an appointment or a plane to catch it is always a good idea to leave a little extra early…….just in case. I don’t think I have ever ventured to Atlanta and not been caught up in some sort of traffic jam and this trip was no different. It actually took us just over three and a half hours to drive the Atlanta route with a jam snaking back for just over 10 miles. At times like this there is little you can do but sit back, relax and enjoy some music while watching the other drivers and how they handle the ‘go-slow’ predicament which can often swing between being very hilarious to very interesting to down right frightening! Patience in traffic in the United States is a virtue.

This trip to Atlanta was primarily to see an NBA (basketball) game between the Atlanta Hawks and the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night at the Phillips Arena. The game was good – it was our first basketball game in the States, the half time entertainment was good however I somehow enjoyed the ice hockey in Nashville much more. Having said that, I cannot wait for the baseball season to begin with my chosen team being the Atlanta Braves.

Atlanta is beautiful at present. It is spring and the town is in full bloom with tulips and daffodils, dogwoods and azaleas, cherry blossom and the ever southern magnolias. Everywhere you look there is beauty and colour.

There is plenty to see and do in Atlanta. Not only do you have the city sky line to marvel at but Skyview Atlanta (a giant Ferris wheel), impressive sporting arenas, arts, Centennial Olympic park, sports games, great food, entertainment, theatres – there is always a show on be it independent or a major production, festivals, hotels – from opulent to affordable, shopping, gardens, history, wildlife (there is always wildlife in cities – you just have to know where to look), people – be they quirky or not, general city life and southern hospitality – bless your heart I’m understanding and so enjoying southern traditions.

If you are staying in Atlanta for an extended period you can and should purchase an ‘Atlanta City Pass’ which will give you admission into 5 of Atlanta’s best attractions such as the Georgia Aquarium, Zoo Atlanta, the Atlanta History centre and Margaret Mitchells house, the world of Coca-Cola, CNN studios, the High Museum of Art or the Fernbank Museum of Natural History. The city pass for adults is around $74 (you will save approximately $64).

On this trip to Atlanta we took a ride on the Skyview……which was amazing!! You get an air conditioned booth with comfy seating to yourself and a birds eye view of a stunning city.

Against the backdrop of the city you can see how tall the ‘wheel’ is

Dining out in Atlanta is a gem. From hot dog street vendors, local established eateries such as Mary Mac’s (it has been around for just over 70 years) to where we dined this time – Ted’s Montana Grill which specialises in Bison. Bison burgers, Bison steaks, Bison meatloaf, Bison ribs. The food and service here is great which is always a bonus. It is located downtown so if you are a meat eater (and you happen to be in Atlanta) I recommend you drop in here and grab a seat at the bar.

Breakfast from street hot dog vendors. First dog of the day…beef with sauerkraut, cheese and spicy mustard

Mid morning snack – second dog of the day – beef, onion, coleslaw, spicy chipolata sauce and banana peppers washed down with the local’s favourite drink….coca cola

Bison rib eye at Ted’s Montana Grill

Atlanta day or night is great. The best way to see it is on foot (of course) but don’t approach this modern city gently. This is the sort of place where you really have to jump on in with both feet then hit the ground running xx

A Nashville Tennessee Road Trip………

On April 4, 2014June 13, 2014 By oceangirl63In Uncategorized2 Comments

‘Pardon me boy, is that the Chattanooga Choo Choo’. First stop on our trip to Nashville was Chattanooga. This lovely town is located along the banks of the Tennessee River and is surrounded by several high mountain ranges. The region of Chattanooga was the last home of the once great Cherokee Nation. When white settlers descended on Chattanooga the Cherokee were forced out along what is now known as the ‘trail of tears’ to Oklahoma. Many thousands died on route due to exposure, disease and starvation during this forced relocation. The history of some nations can be very heartbreaking.

Chattanooga is also: the famous choo choo, historic sites, civil war battlefields (5 major battles took place here which saw some of the worst fighting), the River Gallery Sculpture Garden, Lookout Mountain Incline Railway, Raccoon Mountain, Ruby Falls and the St Elmo Neighbourhood where more than 600 properties are listed on the national history register. We also had our first MoonPie in Chattanooga. The MoonPie was unleashed on the nation in 1917 when local miners wanted something quick, solid and filling to eat given they often worked very long hours without a break. It was developed and made in Chattanooga and since the 1940’s Moonpies have been sent to all US troops. There is so much on offer in Chattanooga so it was a great jumping off point before hitting Nashville.

‘When you hear the whistle blowin’ eight to the bar, then you know Tennessee is not very far….’

The ‘mini’ Moonpie hit the spot….really don’t think I could have eaten a full sized one!

Next stop. Nashville Tennessee – often referred to as the ‘home of country music’ and where the men like their checked shirts tucked in and the ladies definitely prefer their hair BIG!!! It is also where you get to wear your jeans pretty much everywhere (I think blue jeans are the mandatory dress code). It is also home of boot scootin’ – ” That’s the home of boot scootin’ (see). Oh, you gots to do boot scootin’ honey when your up there. I just love boot scootin’ ” a lovely Southern acquaintance of mine told me when I said we were heading to Nashville. Now I will pretty much happily give anything a go, but boot scootin’! We shall have to see!

Nashville is the capital of Tennessee. Tennessee is the home to the Grand Ole Opry, Elvis and Graceland, Dolly Parton, Dollyworld, boot scootin’, Memphis, moonshine, the Great Smoky Mountains, Sir J D (Jack Daniels), hush puppies (not to be confused with the shoes – they are fried cornmeal donuts), honkey tonk bars, BBQ sauce and road house grills. Tennessee is also the home of SPAM! This spam is not the computer generated spam but the odd canned – and I will use the term loosely – meat spam. And there’s a SPAM Museum!

The drive through the gentle and beautiful countryside of Tennessee is really enjoyable. The sky is big and wide and blue and the landscape is very different with plantations surrounded by bluegrass, soaring Smoky mountains, valleys of patchwork farmland, a winding river system and lush green pastoral lands where the cows look fat and happy. The state of Tennessee is wide and sprawling. So wide in fact, it is actually on two different time zones. Given it is spring, the beautiful dogwoods are in bloom at present as are stunning magnolia trees, the robins and mockingbirds are about and all was pretty perfect in Tennessee.

Once you hit Nashville you find a vibrant, relaxed and friendly town. Nashville is amazing day and night and I really did love it. Almost everything I wanted to see was situated in the city from The Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum (which takes up an entire city block), the Johnny Cash Museum, the legendary Ryman Auditorium (it looks like a church but don’t be fooled this is the former home of the Grand Ole Opry), the honky tonks along Broadway, the Bicentennial Mall (not to be confused with shopping – this structure impressively showcases 200 years of Tennessee), Ernest Tubb’s Record Shop to the Capitol building (where Parliament was sitting on the day we visited). The elegant Nashville Library is also a must see for any book lover and you don’t even have to check out a book to go there. Dotted around the city are also beautiful sculptures, memorials to the fallen, fountains, old buildings mixed with stunning modern architecture and ‘boot’ stores where if you buy one pair of cowboy or cowgirl boots you will receive another pair free.

Also notable are the farmers markets where you will find anything from Amish baked goods to purple bell peppers, from cured meats to salted fish. Markets like these are a haven for the foodie plus they are a great place to people watch while chowing down on some very fine local food. We dined on some fab Jamaican food at Jamaica Away where they serve up jerk chicken, goat curry, oxtail, ackee and saltfish stew, bammy salads and patties (very much like a spicy meat pie in flaky pastry ) Johnny cakes to an amazing Jamaican Black Cake dessert and fried plantains.

Amazing Jamaican food at the farmers markets in Nashville

Almost everywhere you go you will see menu’s with ‘meat-and-three’s’. Its a Tennessee thing. You pay a flat price for meat which could a pork chop, fried chicken or steak then add your choice of three sides such as collar greens, sweet potato, carrots or corn. You get a lot for your money in most places and just when you think you are fit to burst the wait staff will offer up pie – pecan, sweet potato, chocolate peanut butter or key lime.

Some great places I will happily recommend if you are ever in Nashville:

* Honky Tonk Row on Broadway – quite a few hole-in-the-wall juke joints and honky tonks where you order a beer and a basket of wings and sit back and enjoy some of the best blues and country music and artists this country has to offer. Just a word of warning…don’t show up before 9pm. An early arrival is considered very bad form.

* Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack – this is a local specialty of Nashville so don’t be put off by the façade of the building, the pot holed driveway and parking area or the area in which Prince’s is located. Prince’s will serve you up a portion of chicken marinated in buttermilk, breaded then sauced using a liberal rub of cayenne pepper then pan fried in cast iron. The chicken is placed on a fresh bunny bun with pickle chips. Word of warning. This chicken is HOT. Your lips will burn and tingle, your eyes will water and your nose will run….and that’s just the mild. The hot will make you cry!! It is well worth the trip to the seedier side of town for this but do take a fan and fire retardant drinks.

* Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge – I’m a huge Patsy Cline fan and this apparently was her favourite hang out. Its located on Broadway, its a bit of a dive but its worth a look as its an old honky tonk which appears as though it could have been there forever…..which in fact it has.

* Robert’s Western World – I loved this place because you can enjoy a fried bologna sandwich which comes with a packet of chips and a PBR (all for $5) while sitting back listening to some of the best rockabilly, hillybilly and country music around. Its a hoot and you can buy the coolest boots from there too. Great fun and definitely a must see and do place on honky tonk row. We ventured in a couple of times.

* Mas Tacos Por Favor – definitely yes please!! I could not recommend this wonderful little place more. It started out in the early 1970’s as a street vendor and it is now a restaurant (but don’t expect anything fancy) serving up some of the best food you will ever try. Tamales, plantains with black bean, fish tacos, sopa tarasca soup, pozole verde, Mexican soda’s and iced coffee with horchata. They don’t serve alcohol and they don’t take credit cards but they do serve up some of the best food we have ever eaten. This one gets a big 5 star rating. It is out of town though – approximately a 7-10 minute drive from the heart of Nashville.

Not fancy but some of the best food you will ever eat!

* The Bluebird Café – its a bit of a hike from Music Row then continue on 17th Avenue south to Wedgewood, turn right then walk several more blocks until left on 21st Ave South but its well worth it. All singer/songwriters wanting to make it big in the country scene flock to the Bluebird café. There are no cover versions here, its original songs all the way. A truly great experience.

* Legends Live Music Corner – once again you will hear great live music here and as with most live venues in Nashville, there is no cover charge. Legends has been voted number one country bar in Nashville and for good reason. It was another place we ventured in on more than one occasion.

There are also some very impressive craft beer breweries in Nashville. The Market Street Brewery and Public house, Yazoo Brewery, the Broadway Brewhouse and the Filling Station to name a few.

We had a great time in Nashville and we even got to take in an ice hockey game between the Nashville Predators and the Washington Capitols. Was it gritty, was there blood, were there fisty cuffs, was it a great night, was the game brilliant and fast and are the fans insanely passionate……well hell yeah!! And they even had a penalty shoot out which doesn’t really happen that often so luck was certainly on our side.

A few more random photos from Nashville………..

The start of the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park which includes a 200 foot wide granite map of Tennessee, a 1,400 foot long wall which is inscribed with the history of Tennessee, tree lined pathways, a bell carillon and time capsules. The photo next to it is the Nashville library.

Beautiful leather cowboy & cowgirl boots

Oh, and did I boot scoot’. Well I was on that wood sprung dance floor quicker than you can say “biscuits n gravy” ’cause that’s just what you do when you are in Nashville xx

Nothing says ‘Cocktails’ like a man in a tuxedo…..

On March 26, 2014May 31, 2014 By oceangirl63In Uncategorized7 Comments

It’s been a very hectic week but a really good kind of hectic. We hosted a ‘Cocktails & Canapés Housewarming Party’ this past weekend. It was a wonderful night and we thank our good new friends who bought warmth and happiness into our home in Georgia USA. Because of their friendship our night was far more memorable than we could have imagined.

We had perfect weather. A warm spring day followed by an even lovelier spring night. We served our cocktails – Mojitos, Mai Tai’s and Cosmopolitan’s in Mason jars along with non alcoholic ‘Shirley Temple’s’ to fifty plus guests. Canapés along with some classic southern food such as pulled pork and slaw, dirty Cajun rice, corn bread, baby mac and cheese, sticky fingers pork etc etc etc. was served up along side desserts of salted caramel turtle, orange fluff, pies and cheesecakes to name a few.

Although I was a little too busy to use my camera we did end up with over 200 photos (courtesy of a 2 hour photo booth) so here is just a tiny selection…….

How ‘rock n roll’ is this wonderful man and his beautiful wife

Just a couple of normal ones now…..

The gorgeous Bridgette and some of her many admirers

Sometimes a house just needs the kindness of good friends to finally make it a home.

Cherry blossom, a squirell and a photo…….

On March 18, 2014April 11, 2014 By oceangirl63In UncategorizedLeave a comment

It has been one of those weeks. The sort of long week that gives you a jumble of emotions. From the tragedy of the Daniel Morcombe case to the lost Malaysian passenger jet. From earth quakes on the West Coast to tornado warnings down here in the South. Things happen in our lives that seem a little crazy and as much as we want, we cannot for the life of us control it or fix it.

Maybe at times we take too much for granted and don’t see and appreciate the small things. Those little moments of joy that make our hearts glad and always seem to pull us through.

One of our little resident squirrels

His home – it is fascinating to watch the construction process

More stunning cherry blossom

Choppy and Corinne – my fab and very handsome youngest nephew and his beautiful wife married in Queensland Australia (March 2014)

The world just outside my door……

On March 11, 2014 By oceangirl63In UncategorizedLeave a comment

After a cold winter of snow, frost and icy temperatures spring is finally on its way – officially the 28th of March here in the United States. The daffodils I planted when we first moved in are flowering abundantly as are the pansies and sweet Williams, its cherry blossom and magnolia time, the Robins and Cardinals are nesting, the Hummingbirds likewise, the sky is a beautiful blue, the days warm and longer due to daylight savings and all seems quite right with the world just outside my door.

One for my FOGL ( Friends of the Gawler Library ) friends and other book lovers

On March 4, 2014April 11, 2014 By oceangirl63In Uncategorized7 Comments

Nothing makes me happier than a pre-loved book, except of course a Friends of the Library Book Sale wherein I find these wonderful pre-loved books. And I was fortunate enough to go to the ‘Friends of the Library Old Book Sale’ in Macon, Georgia.

I’m quite biased as I love books and public libraries and to me there is nothing better nor more comforting than to have a book nestled in your hands. I believe public libraries and the book sales the friends of these libraries hold are wonderful, essential, irreplaceable and for me completely irresistible resources in any community. And as I always say ‘don’t just like your library on facebook or twitter, get in there and actually love your library’.

Now most, if not all of the book sales by ‘friends of libraries’ are run solely by volunteers. Another wonderful resource and the back bone of any community and this book sale was no different – an eclectic mix of happy, inspiring, hardworking, amazing volunteers.

Books at these sales are generally not on the latest best seller list, nor are they the hottest, nor are they the most popular and most of the books are not the sort you will find in a chain book store. These are unique, often out of print, beautiful, different and sometimes quirky books. So if you are a true book lover then this is one of the best places to be and shop. Google your local (and not so local) ‘friends of the library events’ and go to one of these book sales. I can guarantee from experience you will love it and you will absolutely find something to take home and treasure. Another bonus with these types of books sales is that you get the opportunity to recycle. Donate your ‘gently used’ books to these organisations and everyone benefits. Giving makes a big difference in the lives of many.

Book sales by friends are fundraising events and this extravaganza for doing so was very, very impressive. Books, books, books by the thousands….actually over 150,000 to be precise and about 75 different categories were displayed. The book sale also ran over four days and was held in an area about the size of a football field. And the most amazing thing of all (to me at least), the books – all of them – were individually hand priced! Honestly, I don’t know how they did it. I am used to ‘friends’ book sales in Australia wherein you fill a green bag for usually around $10-12. An absolute bargain would you not agree! At this book sale I was a little unprepared as I had my little green bags and cash……although perhaps not quite enough of it. Anyway, I did end up dipping into the grocery money because there were a couple of books I just could not leave behind. When quizzed by my husband as to why we weren’t having the buttermilk marinated fried chicken for dinner (as I had said, okay promised I was making) I replied “I truly believe these books will feed us more”. He had no come back and was happy to eat the left over chasseur as he flicked through a 1960 print of ‘A Field Guide to the Birds – all Species found east of the Rockies’ (and chasseur always tastes so much better re-heated a day or two later).

What was also great about this particular book sale was the, with almost military precision, at which it was run. Oh and something I have never seen in a book sale in Australia – security and the representatives from the local sheriffs (police) office. Sadly or more oddly, some people can go a little over the top at events such as this. They line up early. Really, really early and the lines will become very long and very very deep with people then once the doors open the, what I refer to as the book run, is on and its pretty much every man for himself. Apart from the running there is jostling, there is pushing and there is the occasional harsh word exchanged. Can fisty cuffs break out….oh absolutely!

Very happy and friendly law enforcement and given everyone was on their best behaviour they also enjoyed the day

I had a prior commitment on the day of this book sale so I was unable witness the book run. And I know, some of you are shocked I was not there earlier however I was training……which is probably even more shocking. Now those that know me know I am not an exercising sort of person. My exercise has always been of the unconscious form – getting around on the old foot falcon (which means walking pretty much everywhere) when living in Australia and gardening. Therein I’m no gym bunny and frankly, if I am running it is probably because something is chasing me, however at just over 50 I am getting ready for a mud marathon, hence the reason I was late in getting to the sale. Anyway, back to the most important topic….books!

When I did finally arrive, which was around noon, hundreds of people had already passed through the doors. As I walked up to the venue (on mercury heels) I saw people leaving with shopping trolleys, suitcases, boxes and personal shopping carts full of books. That is correct! They had shopping trolleys full of books and the check out line was still quite long. And here is where the military precision kicks in once again: although the check out line can snake quite a way through the venue it doesn’t last long given how organised the sale is. Several volunteers man the check-out and they are in pairs: one handles the books and reads out the marked price and the other adds up on an adding machine. Quick, simple and very effective. And there is also a book sitting service and an information section, once again manned by volunteers. Just fab!

Please form an orderly line

The choices are endless and there are quirky little sections

As hard as it is to believe these shopping trolleys full of books are not mine. I promise! I was however, definitely suffering trolley envy as my haul was very modest in comparison.

What a great team: one person reads out the book price and the other adds it up (with very speedy fingers).

Book sale floor plan – handed out as you enter the building

The check out line and the volunteer check out teams

More volunteers on the floor replenishing book stocks and keeping it all orderly

What a wonderful way to spend a winters day in Georgia. Have I pencilled in the old book sale for 2015…..ABSOLUTELY! Just try and keep me away xx

Footnote: I’m a member of FOGL (Friends of the Gawler Library – South Australia) and I loved the books sales in which I was involved during my time in Gawler. Thank you to the wonderful staff at the Gawler and Evanston Gardens libraries and to all FOGL members – an incredible group of inspiring, energetic and hardworking volunteers. Your kindness, acceptance and friendship during my time there is never forgotten x

More random photographs from the previous road trip……..

On February 26, 2014 By oceangirl63In Uncategorized2 Comments

During the last road trip (please see previous blog re: beware pickpockets & loose women) we once again travelled off the major interstates and took the back roads and byways through old towns. Yes, this type of travel does add considerable mileage and time to a trip however it is in this little world of old towns you will experience the sometimes forgotten USA, the quirky USA and the unique USA.

My advice would be to plan the trip to accommodate the extra time needed to do this. It gives you a chance to enjoy the journey more and focus less on the destination.

And we did……

As I post these blogs I remember small things which may be of assistance to other travellers. In a previous blog (questions and answers) I wrote about taxes in America. Well, here is another small tip which I have just remembered: when you book your hotel room, the price will show for example $150 US per night however that price does not include further taxes such as sales tax, room tax, occupier tax, hotelier tax plus there may also be a parking tax. All or some of these will be added to the $150 initial room price on your final account. The costs of these taxes also vary from state to state. Just something to consider when arranging your travel.

And also remember to leave a tip each day for the room staff (housekeeping) which is usually only two to three dollars. You may leave this money in a conspicuous place such as a desk or table or on the pillow.

‘Beware Pickpockets and Loose Women’….by order New Orleans Police Dept

On February 21, 2014April 11, 2014 By oceangirl63In UncategorizedLeave a comment

The title of this blog post comes from an old sign we saw in New Orleans and yes, we have been road tripping again.

This road trip was a 1,375 mile round trip (2,212.8 kilometres) with the irresistible charms of Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana in our sights. This was a well planned trip (I’m nothing if not organised) so we were able to take in the towns of New Orleans, Biloxi, Jackson, Lafayette & New Iberia to name just a small few.

First Stop: Alabama (The Heart of Dixie) and the ‘buckle’ of the bible belt – the home of Hank Williams, Rosa Parks, Nat King Cole, Condoleezza Rice and Jim Nabors and also known for B.B./freedom marches, civil rights action and gator infested swamps. This state also has one of the strangest laws – wrestling matches between humans and bears is prohibited (probably for good reason) although the law – it is illegal to wear a fake moustache in church that will cause laughter ran a very close second. Alabama is also the birthplace of Harper Lee, the author of To Kill a Mockingbird.

From Alabama it was onto….

Mississippi – this is the place of where Elvis was born (Tupelo) and the state of juke joints, Antebellum mansions, champion Root Beer, very impressive southern food (vegies pretty much get the short shift here), pork (be it pulled or otherwise), catfish, hot tamales and blues music. We had some great food in Mississippi. True ‘soul food’ at a place recommended by a fascinating elderly Cajun gentleman I happened upon in a seedy Laundromat in Warner Robins (long story!) and no better recommendation have we ever had. Bully’s has been providing food to Jackson residents for over 35 years. It may be located in one of poorest sections of Jackson but the locals (true locals) of that area love the restaurant and Bully himself.

Don’t be put off by the façade, Bully’s is one of the best soul food restaurants in Mississippi. It offers up not only great southern hospitality but also black-eyed peas, rutabagas, fried okra, catfish, oxtails, ribs and chitterlings.

Never judge a book (or area) by its cover.

Next stop Louisiana – this is the place of gumbo, jambalaya, Mardi Gras, boudin, voodoo, ghosts, steamboats, riverboats, pirates, bayous, magnolias, gators, blackened catfish, frogs legs and beignets. Its New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Avery Island. Its zydeco – a lively type of Cajun music played by a small band made up of accordion, banjo and washboard. Its smoky jazz clubs and bars and blues and roots. Its an amazing place to be.

Boudin…..among other delicacies we tried at Johnsons Boucaniere in Lafayette.

Frogs legs at Boudreau & Thibodeau’s in Houma Louisiana .

In Louisiana I was also lucky enough to spend a little time in the town of New Iberia – the place where James Lee Burke (my favourite author) sets his wonderful crime fiction novels featuring Detective Dave Robicheaux.

Then it was onto……

New Orleans – to be honest I wasn’t sure what to expect in New Orleans. This is the place that was decimated by Hurricane Katrina. Hurricane Katrina hit (king hit) New Orleans in 2005 and it was one of the most destructive and deadliest hurricanes in the history of the United States. Around 1,833 people died, 705 people are still reported as missing and over 81 million dollars in damage was done. Due to the chaos, destruction and devastation the town experienced during those dark days I expected New Orleans to be a little sombre and for there to be some form of sadness at its’ losses however the city was a complete contrast to that. New Orleans is wonderful, bright, alive and breathing. And it is fantastic!! Its is slightly crazy, somewhat seedy, full of music, full of colour, full of life and you will meet some of the most wonderfully vibrant people around. And yes, I may just be slightly in love with New Orleans plus they serve up the best soft shell crab po’ boys around.

A couple of important things to pack when travelling to this part of the country are your dancing shoes and loose clothing. Especially loose pants as you will be guaranteed to put on at least 5 kilos over a weekend and if you don’t then you just weren’t trying hard enough to enjoy yourself! Bourbon Street is all the hype and more. Its a little insane, a little crazy, a little sordid (in a good New Orleans way) and a little gaudy but definitely fun. We walked most of New Orleans. The river district, the French Quarter, Bourbon Street, Frenchman Street and Jackson Square. We arrived in New Orleans the week before Mardi Gras but the party was in full swing and we loved every minute of it. The people of New Orleans decorate their town, their houses, their shops, their streets, themselves and pretty much anything standing still in beads and faux jewels, feathers and finery. It all looks (for the most part) stunning.

Maybe he stood still a little too long.

A Riverboat on the Mississippi River – the Mississippi is as brown as chocolate milk and as muddy as the Bremer River in Ipswich and as mighty as its reputation.

St Louis Cathedral – Jackson Square.

The famous beignets and coffee at Café Du Monde – they are French donuts covered in icing sugar.

Because New Orleans and other towns in the deep south are below sea level all of the graves are ‘above ground’. Early settlers struggled with burying their dead as when digging a few feet down, the grave sites would fill with water making the caskets ‘float’. Weighing them down with stones and drilling holes in the caskets didn’t help as they still rose so it was decided to make the grave sites above ground.

One of the many jazz bands we saw.

Great entertainment on almost every corner.

Mr Mardi Gras himself.

Our handiwork for someone else to enjoy.

I think I must have literally taken a gazillion photographs during this trip…….I won’t post them all however it is difficult to pick them so I will post more in the next blog post.

Oh, and the best time to go to see any of these places…….well my tip would be ANYTIME xx

oceangirl – these are my stories

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