Surviving the summer

It's the hottest and most miserable time of the year here in Louisiana, but we are surviving by going to the pool, splash parks, the lake, and staying in A/C play areas like the mall and children's museum.


Well besides surviving the heat we have started experiencing what life will be like in Louisiana. We have met so many nice people who have invited us to dinners, parties, and play groups. The people here are great, but we are still not sure what to think of Louisiana. I am convinced Louisiana is unlike anywhere else on the planet. I was raised in Houston, which is only 2 hours away, but it is totally different. I think the only similarities are the southern hospitality, climate, and pride. I know Texas is known for its "Texas pride", but Louisiana is right there with them. I had no idea how proud they would be of their culture, ancestry, and food. I have already learned alot about what it is to be Cajun, Acadian, and even a Coonass. I have learned what a fleurs-de-lis is. I have learned about different foods, such as crayfish, gumbo, turducken, boudin, alligator, jambalaya, and I'm sure there is more to come. I have learned that if you pronounce words like they are spelled than you are saying things incorrectly. They have some very interesting names for things. They call a county a parish, and the parish that I live in is named Calcasieu, pronounced (Cal-cu-zoo). Everything has a french name, so I'm having a hard time knowing how to say things.
We've only been here a few weeks and we have already had great and interesting experiences here in Louisiana. Lake Charles is a nice, family friendly town although there are a few dumpy areas too. We are looking forward to our new adventures here in the south.