Date
April 8, 2018
Area
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Companion
Adventures With Alyson
What a whirlwind fun week it was! We loved having Alyson with us and showing her some of our favorite sights. Monday we drove over the Mississippi bridge intending to take the ferry back across the river, but the high water level had closed the ferry for the day. We enjoyed driving through LSU student area and around the lakeside homes adjacent to campus. Our next stop was the new (and tallest in the U.S.) State Capitol building built by Governor Huey Long reputedly as a monument to himself. On the ground floor we saw the Senate chamber and the spot where Huey Long was critically wounded by an assailant, or was it an errant shot fired by the guards coming to the Governor's defense? We then took the elevator to the 27th floor to a small deck with a panoramic dramatic view of the city. For lunch we picked up take-out at Tony's, the locals favorite seafood deli and introduced Aly to a little bit of gumbo, jambalaya, boudin balls, and hush puppies. The fried cornbread balls and mac and cheese were the samples of choice for her.
Tuesday was the warmest day of the week and perfect for seeing lots of alligators at the Cajun Pride Swamp Tour in LaPlace. Our guide was the real deal having been raised in the swamp, working, and guiding tours there his whole life. He kept us mesmerized with fascinating swamp and Cajun culture details for an hour and a half, and of course the tour was topped off with a baby alligator passed around to hold. On our way home, we had a yummy lunch at Chili's in LaPlace thanks to our brother's generous gift card.
Wednesday took us to New Orleans to visit Jackson Square and the French Market. Walking along the river levy with the Mississippi river boat Natchez in view and Dixieland music playing was the perfect welcome to the French Quarter. In an open air cafe we enjoyed lunch listening to a great jazz combo with a trumpeter who played and sang great Louis Armstrong favorites. We next wandered through the French outdoor market with typical Southern foods, jewelry, clothing, and souvenirs. Elder Jones bought a native shirt from a man from Mali who spoke French. I bought a colorful skirt from a Creole in more colorful garb, and Alyson finally found the perfect little sterling silver ring among hundreds of options. Mid afternoon, when the lines had shortened at Cafe Du Mond, we sampled their famous beignets and hot chocolate which were delicious. Our final activity was a trolley car ride along St. Charles Street where we'd hoped for Aly to get a good look at the fashionable Southern homes and Tulane and Loyola Universities. Our timing was a bit off however as the trolleys became over crowded with rush hour riders blocking the scenic views. Wednesday evening we all enjoyed a special private showing of The Greatest Showman...what a treat again!
Thursday morning Alyson and I went to ATT where we upgraded our I Phones. I can now SEE my messages with her 7 plus phone, and she is au currant with the latest model. After lunch at the downtown City Grill, we visited the Old State Capitol viewing the Ghost in the Castle movie in the round about the history and preservation of the building, the Huey Long history rooms, an art exhibit, and the spectacular stained glass dome. From the Capitol it was a short walk to the levy where we lingered for a rest and a last look at the grand Mississippi water front. We could feel our time together slipping away Thursday evening and packed in all the visiting we could. A father's priesthood blessing for Alyson was a comfort for all of us. It's been such a highlight to have the children visit us here and share the Louisiana people, culture, sights, and our missionary activities with them.
Culminating a wonderful week, the Sabbath was filled with the sweetest blessings. Our friend Bob came to church and bore a powerful testimony of the Book of Mormon. The promptings of the Spirit led us to meet together for a Gospel Principles class with Sister Seeley and Sister Tingey and Brother Heirtzler where more testimonies and spiritual missionary experiences were shared. While I attended Ward Council meeting, Elder Jones was able to talk with Bob and participate in giving him a Priesthood blessing. Bob was invited to join with us for dinner at President Brian's home. On our way we came across a car stopped in the middle of the road. The driver, a young man, needed gas and had neither a phone or anyone he could call for help. We returned to a station in Slaughter for gas, and while filling up a can Elder Jones was approached by a Filipino man who noticed Dad's missionary plaque. He said his mother was a member of the Church in Guam and that he'd had some contact with the missionaries. We gave him the address of the church in Slaughter and our contact information. The young man with the stalled car was so grateful for the gas we brought him and the money Dad tucked into his hand. Bob recognized the man as one recently fired from his job at the prison and noted that he was driving on a spare tire and that the car was not registered. It was a tender opportunity to be of help and meet a potential missionary contact. Dinner with the Brian family was enjoyable as always and a special time for Bob to be enveloped in their hospitality. He said this had been one of the happiest days he could remember.