We are not makers of history, we are made by history. – Martin Luther King Jr.

History may not always be pretty, but it lets us know who we are. Where we have come from and helps shape where we are going. In December, I visited the Whitney Plantation in South Louisiana. I can honestly say that this was a great experience. I have never experienced so many different emotions during a tour. I went from happy, to sad, to angry. It gave me an honest look into what life was like on the Planation, showing both the good and bad sides of slavery. It made me appreciate the history of my home state no matter how brutal it was. This plantation, along with many others, is a must see if you are visiting Louisiana. It is about an hours’ drive from New Orleans.

The Whitney Plantation

The Whitney Plantation dates back to the mid-1700’s with the Haydel family, who emigrated from Germany to Louisiana in 1721. The Plantation’s major operations were the production of indigo and then sugar. Many of the original drums used in the process of making sugar can be found throughout the property.

You can find numerous statues throughout the property of the children said to have lived on the plantation during its active years. If you look closely at the statues, you’ll notice that none of the children have eyes. Purposely done by the sculptor as record keeping was pretty much non-existent during those days.

Enough about the history, I hope you enjoy the stories that these photos tell.

History has a way of teaching us something. Hopefully my pictures provided an accurate description of the emotions I felt while visiting this beautiful plantation.

Have you ever been to an old Plantation Home? Let me know in the comments.

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World War II is the greatest drama in human history, the biggest war ever and a true battle of good and evil. I imagine writers will continue to get stories from it. And readers will continue to enjoy them for many more years. – Ken Follett

Formerly known as the D-Day museum, the National WWII Museum is a must see when visiting New Orleans. What’s better than being greeted by those who have served our country – there to answer questions and recount stories of the past. All of the exhibits were full of history and painted the picture of the events that took place during WWII. In addition to the awesome exhibits, the US Freedom Pavillon was my favorite. Filled with war birds, war vehicles, and a submarine experience. If you are afraid of heights, do not go to the top floor. There were warning signs…eek! In the Laborde Service Gallery, I learned about the numerous African American men and woman who played a significant role in WWII. Such as Lavinia Breaux- the first African American woman in the Women’s Army Corp. Check out some of my favorite snaps from my visit! After all that learning, I stepped back in time to enjoy a panini and root beer float from Jerry Nims Soda Shop.

Neat New Orleans Facts

Many may wonder why the museum is in New Orleans. It was interesting to learn about the contributions my hometown of New Orleans provided to WWII.

• Andrew Jackson Higgins, a Louisiana native, was dubbed by Eisenhower as “the man who won the war for us.”
• Higgins the owner of Higgins boats, created the LCVP (Landing Craft Vehicle, Personnel). The LCVP was shallow water craft vehicle adapted to a land craft vehicle.
• New Orleans supplied more than 20,000 Higgins Boats to the military – which helped get troops to the beaches of Normandy.

WWII Museum Tips

• Purchase tickets online. Lines on weekends can be slow moving and lengthy.
• Wear comfortable shoes. Due to the size of the museum, there is a lot of walking, climbing stairs, and waiting for elevators.
• Stop and speak to a WWII Veteran. I mean… why not?!
• Bring your camera! They say history is best kept in photos. There are plenty photo-op moments.

Know any veterans?

Thanks for stoping by!

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Laissez le bon temps rouler!

Let the good times roll!!!! This statement embodies everything that Mardi Gras is about… good times! Mardi Gras can be traced back to the 17th/18th century. From Europe to the US, Mardi Gras was celebrated by many during that time period. It wasn’t until the early 1740’s that New Orleans celebrated its first Mardi Gras. It consisted of a lavish ball only, a far cry from the festivities that take place today. Nowadays you can find numerous activities taking place during the Mardi Gras holiday. Festivities typically begin at the beginning of January and ending on Shrove or Fat Tuesday.

The best part of Mardi Gras, in my opinion, is the parades. Admiring the detail each Krewe places on their floats. Yelling “Throw me something, mister!!!” for the best throws. And surrounded by people who are “letting the good times roll!”

Throws are items thrown by crew members – doubloons, beads, cups, homemade trinkets, toys, stuffed animals, and coconuts (Zulu).

Kern Studios

In 1932, Kern Studios started as a float building company in New Orleans for parades. Since then, Kern Studios has become the premier builder working on Mardi Gras floats year round. During my tour, they were already working on float plans and creations for 2019. In addition to float building, Kern Studios also brings life to creative theming by custom props, advertising, and themed environments. Ever notice the Chic Fil-A cows or props at Disney or Universal. Yup, that’s Kern Studios. One of their many warehouses is located in New Orleans. Mardi Gras World is a 300,000 square foot working warehouse with a gift shop and event center. There are daily tours that you can learn the history of Kern Studios and see how the floats are built or recycled.

Touring Mardi Gras World

I did not realize how much detail and time went into building a parade float. Growing up, I was always in awe of the unique, beautiful floats. If you want to know more about the history of Mardi Gras and how floats are made, I recommend visiting Mardi Gras World. You even get a slice of king cake after the tour and take part of the king cake baby tradition. Whoever has the piece with the baby has to buy the next king cake!!

Here are some of my phots from the tour…

The magic begins here. The designs are uploaded into an imager…

…And pixie (the motorized sculpting arm) creates!

There were huge stacks of styrofaom everywhere.

Caught a worker in the paper mache station before the tour began, she was so helpful.

An actual float used in the Krewe of Orpheus parade.

I could not pass up the emblem of my favorite football team… Go Saints!!

One of the most interesting parts of the tour was the viewing of the Grand Oaks Mansion. The mansion was completely indoors. If you looked up at the ceiling, it resembled a starry night sky. Everything, except the water in the ponds, was completely artificial. Made out of styrofoam and paper mache. All inspired by a man’s vision for a casino that fell through.

Have you ever experienced Mardi Gras? If not, you need to experience it at least once in your life. If not New Orleans, at least one of the many other cities offering up their own version of the festive carnival.

Until next time….

Nadia

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Historic Fact: From 1708 to 1819, present day Kenner was known as Cannes Brûlées, also known as Burnt Canes.

Located between the shore of the Mississippi Rives and Kenner’s Rivertown, LaSalle’s Landing (named after Sieur de La Salle) pays tribute to the history of the city of Kenner. Many historic moments have occurred at LaSalle’s Landing, such as the World’s first heavy-weight bare knuckle championship on May 10, 1870. The Landing also served as a trade port for its early European inhabitants. Now remembered as a dilapidated boat launch extending to the Mississippi River. The flags of 10 different countries flew high signifying the countries that had once governed Louisiana. Now only a solo U.S. flag remains.

Visitors can make their way to the top of the levee and enjoy the beauty of the Mississippi River. Enjoying sights of the magnificent ships, tugboats and other vessels that navigate the river. On beautiful days, you can find people enjoying a nice walk or bike ride on the levee. In addition to enjoying the landing, visitors can enjoy the cultural and family attractions like the Kenner Planetarium, Rivertown Space Science Complex, and Rivertown Theater of Performing Arts. Just to name a few, all within a short walking distance from LaSalle’s Landing.

LaSalle’s Landing is still photo worthy on even the most glorious, sunny days.

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A nations culture resides in the heart and the soul of its people. – Mahatma Gandhi

Bayou Bacchanal

Good vibes, food, and music are three of the most important things in my life. That’s exactly what Bayou Bacchanal brings. Brought to you by Friends of Culture, Bayou Bacchanal brings Caribbean culture to the Greater New Orleans area. This annual event, that takes place every November during the first Saturday, is also known as “Carnival”. Not to confuse it with traditional carnivals, Bayou Bacchanal is a West Indian style carnival. Some of the Caribean islands represented are-Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Antigua, Guyana, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Barbados, Greneda, to name a few. The weekend is filled with parties, a parade downtown, and ends with good times in the park.

Free and open to the public, Bayou Bacchanal shares rich Caribbean culture with the general public. Introducing them to the unique and festive traditions that are celebrated through food, music, and dance. The festivities begin with a parade.  Masquerades begin downtown and works their way to Armstrong Park. They range from the young to the elderly. Some dressed in extravagant costumes. Brightly colored, intricately detailed. Alternatively, you can find them in a t-shirt and shorts- covered in paint, baby powder and oil. Parading up and down the street, dancing to their favorite soca music. The parade ends with a huge fete in the park.

Fête in the Park

fête /fāt/- n. a celebration or festival

As with any celebration or festival- food, music, drink and a good time are the common themes. With Bayou Bacchanal it was no different. Taking place in the iconic Congo Square in Armstrong Park- walkers by can take part in the good food and feel good soca and reggae music. Vendors are available as well.  Selling items unique to the Caribbean culture, such as flags, jewerly, clothing, and car accessories.

Party-goers can taste caribbean delicacies. Such as fried shark po-boys, curried chicken, goat, beef and roti, pelau, even vegan options. Caribbean drinks such as sorrel and mauby were also available to try. Bayou Bacchanal definitely links the Greater New Orleans area with its local caribbean culture. Giving eveyone who wishes to partake, a peek at true island culture. My favorite part of Carnival is the music. There’s something about the feel good vibes Caribbean music brings. I danced non-stop to the beat.

If you’re ever in the New Orleans area during the 1st weekend in November, I urge you to stop by- try good food and groove to the beat. Have you ever been to a Caribbean carnival? Let me know your most memorable experience(s) in the comments.

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