ALONG THE TECHE...
...in New Iberia, Jeanerette, Morgan City, sugar cane plantations, rice fields, tourism, heavy duty marine and petroleum industries, restored historical districts, rich and poor and people living simply. The Teche meanders 120 muddy miles through three parishes and termniates where it joins some lakes which then empty into the Port of Morgan City.
Yeah-yeah, they're just rusty old gears, but they reminded me of sun bursts. OK...rusty, burnt sunbursts. Eye of the beholder you know!
Rice cakes are still made at the Konrico Rice Mill.
A sugar cane plantation home -- could have been transported from Hawaii.
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NEW IBERIA...
...the Queen City of the Teche, and the domain of Dave Robicheaux, the imaginary Cajun sheriff of New Iberia Parish, whose creator is the local and legendary prize-winning author, James Lee Burke. New Iberia is a place where "people never meet a stranger." Downtown is a historic district and nestled amongst moss-draped live oaks, scores of homes along the Teche are on the National Register of Historic Places. One can take a walking tour of "Dave's Domain" and maybe even run into his originator at Victor's Cafeteria, his favorite eatery. I was not so lucky that day, but I got the T-Shirt!
And occupants of this humble abode...
look at this one across the street!
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MAMOU...
...made famous by Fred's Lounge, a major Cajun music hot spot where you are admonished not to dance on the cigarette machines. Take yourself to Fred's this coming Saturday -- I dare you! http://tinyurl.com/cygaq4
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AVERY ISLAND ...
...owned by the McIlhenny family of Tabasco fame, is an island of salt left by an ancient, retreating saltwater ocean. It is now surrounded by swamps and marshes and is home to salt mine workers, a hot sauce bottling facility, exotic birds and jungle gardens, and a country store where one can buy hot stuff. Yes, of course I did!
The plant is almost entirely automated. The only people visible are men making sure the equipment is properly maintained and functioning.
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CITY OF RAYNE...
...claims it's the Frog Capital of the World and celebrates that distinction with whimsical murals throughout the town, all painted by different artists.
