Pax Gaea Human Rights World Post

New Orleans to Galveston

Despite having to get a few loads of laundry done before we could leave (Pen woke at 5:00 as the only washer and dryer at the hotel was tied up the entire evening before) we were on the road by 9 a.m. heading west on Interstate 10. We jumped off the interstate at Lafayette and found ourselves in the middle of rice and cajun country. The friendliness of the people was immediately obvious as we struck up a conversation with a man outside a convenience store who was taken with Rommel.

A few words about our dog. Rommel is a Rottweiler/Pit/Chow/Hound mix with the most intense russet hues. Despite the aggressive mix, Rom is as gentle and passive as they come. But his colors and unique face and body tend to be quite striking and always a great conversation starter. This gentleman was captivated with Rommel's sweet disposition. It ws fascinating listening to his deep cajun drawl. Having just turned 70 and retired from a life as a professional diver whose career had carried him all around the world, he seemed rather thrilled that we opted to venture off the beaten path and explore cajun country. We found a cajun radio station and drove through fields of rice, enjoying the intoxicating xydeco rythms until we reached Sulfur, Louisiana and a roadside barbecue stand called the Pink Pig.

The ribs and barbecue sandwiches were to die for! We had our first sampling of boudin, a deep fried rolled ball of rice, pork and spices. Spicy, succulent... what a great culinary treat at this bright pink drive thru restaurant. We sat and enjoyed authentic cajun dining at outdoor tables as the rain pounded on the tin above. Back on the road and Interstate 10 as we crossed the Sabine River into Texas. We ventured once again off the interstate as soon as we entered Orange Texas, making our way down the Bolivar Peninsula to the Galveston Ferry. Despite the long lines we were able to get on board fairly quickly and joined the passengers who crowded along the bow to watch three of four pods of dolphins playing along side the boat. The highlight of the free show was when one rolled over and slid along on his back while the other leaped out of the water over him. It was better than an aquarium show!

We had made reservations at La Quinta and got a fabulous room at a ridiculously low price right across from the Seawall. After checking in we crossed the street and made our way to the beach and took a quick dip in the bathwater warm Gulf of Mexico just as the moon was rising. The sight from the beach was fabulous and we ran along the sand and the tidal pools filled with millions of tiny fish and returned to the hotel to feast on Dominos Pizza.

Tomorrow we push on to Brownsville, Texas and prepare for the border crossing into Matamoros. One more day in the states and we start the Mexico leg of our drive. We'll hug the Gulf of Mexico as long as we can until we turn west into the interior and climb to Patzcuaro.

More to come from Brownsville.

posted by Dave Carroll @ 8/06/2006 10:23:00 PM