A tornado watch had meant that my stay with Juanita & Chris in Pecan Island was extended to two nights, but Juanita made sure I would get to New Orleans for Christmas. Even though she had left the house at 1:30 am and not got back until around 1 pm for a ride to Houston to pick up a couple of stranded previous guests, she had no problem driving me to my next host in Norco. Juanita is a simply amazing person.
In Norco, I stayed with Judith and her room-mate Ellis. She’s from Alabama and so I could learn lots about the south including that Mobile is apparently the home of Mardi Gras and not New Orleans. Who knew! He is from Florida and talking to him gave me plenty to think about as far as sailing in the Caribbean goes. That’s one of the possible ways I’m thinking of using to get to go to some of the countries down there as flying between the islands would bankrupt me pretty quickly!
Leaving Norco, I only had about 25 miles to go until I got to Darryl’s place. There were a couple of options, but I decided to take the main road rather than following the Mississippi as it wiggled it’s way to New Orleans. There was a decent shoulder, but the smell was pretty bad from all the refineries. I saw a rather rare sight of a person parked in the shoulder and so I stopped to make sure they were OK. I found Joe trying to re-attach the bumper to his car so gave him a hand.. or at least tried to. I wasn’t really sure how to do it so my main job was to shine my torch so he could see what he was doing. I’ve had so many people stop to help me when I’ve been on the side of the road and it felt good to return some of the kindness that I’ve received on the trip to him and his mum.
The rest of the ride into town was a bit less enjoyable when the shoulder vanished, but it wasn’t too long a ride and soon I found myself in NOLA (New Orleans Louisiana, one of the names locals use). Darryl, my host, was about to go to work so he took me to the pizza shop he helps run and we spoke for a while while eating pizza. He mentioned he had two more guests staying with him, one from Bulgaria and one from Germany so we contacted them and worked out where we could meet up. Darryl had to work that night so me, Diana and Martina hung out wandering round New Orleans and then met up with some other couchsurfers they had met during their time in NOLA. It was a really enjoyable way to spend Christmas Eve and while it still only felt a little festive, it was definitely good to be spending it with others.
The 23rd
The 24th
Talking with Juanita
Summary of the two days recorded when I got to New Orleans
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
I hope you had good Xmas Dominic, we are enjoying reading your blog, see you when you get to Oz.
I had a wonderful Christmas! Met some lovely people in New Orleans and spent it with them. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing you in Oz
Glad to see you made it past New Orleans. Best wishes on your journey. I will be “stalking” you on your blog. Not really stalking just keeping up with your progress.
Take care.
If you ever need a couch again and are in the vicinity, look me up.
Judith
I look forward to being stalked and will definitely let you know if I’m ever back in the NOLA area. I am in your home state of Alabama now although will be crossing into Florida tomorrow. Such a short visit.
Hi Bumblebee!
I have just now gotten a chance to look at your blog stuff today. It has been a REVOLVING DOOR around here since you left! Since chunking you off in almost New Orleans (Norco), Chris and I have had 2 1/2 days of the house to ourselves. (I really have an excellant husband who indulges my “hostessing” desires, I AM A BLESSED WOMAN!! I don’t know of too many men who would indulge their wives/women in this manner.) The last pair that left yesterday morning, found themselves in Cameron (“city limits”) having a row amongst themselves and when the deputy rolled up on them, made the bad judgemnet call to verbally insult (the guy in the relationship) an officer, while she decided to physically assault an officer. The fella called from jail, collect ,and left a message that he had called (I was out with the chickens). I called the Police dept. to find out details and just to let you know that I may be “generous”, I’m not stupid enough to bail them out. So you see, I do have a line that even I will not cross. However, because I am nosy, tomorrow after I clean the rig trailers in Grand Cheniere, I will trot to the courthouse/jailhouse to get more information and have an inapproppiate giggle in the parking lot after I get all the “dirt” on the situation. I guess I do have too much free time on my hands!! Tee hee.
Harald and Heather finally made it oout of the house the end of the second week of January, heading east towards Florida. They ‘ve made it there and have finally decided (two days ago) to take a plane from Fla. to Mexico, bypassing the border. Which could have been done right after Christmas/New Years from Lafayette, La. I guess some decisions are harder to make than others (??)!
Anyway, I want you to know that I look forward to our next meeting, wherever that may be, and your Mama (or Mum), still has done a great job raising you. Let Miss Janet know, as I (well, not exactly me….others) have misplaced your familys’ e-mail address.
You are a good man, Charlie Brown, and Chris and I both think of you with great affection.
Joy, dammit,
Juanita and the herd!!