For the last two years my grandfather has taken my family on week long trips to a destination of his choice. Last year we all (my parents, sister, our boyfriends, aunt, uncle) went to the Grand Canyon and this year it was a trip to New Orleans. There were nine of us in all, quite a group of characters, exploring the New Orleans area in 95 degree heat with what felt like 200 percent humidity. I have never been to the South (excluding the Carolinas) and it really was amazing how different the culture is down there. For one, New Olreans is in a class of its own. It truly is an incredible city filled with musicians, artists, and characters. I have never been to a place that felt so alive with creativity.
Of course we had to do a swamp tour while we were there and our guide was perfect. He was classic: missing teeth and hanging off the boat dangling chicken over the alligators mouths, he even had a pet alligator that he passed around the boat for everyone to hold. (poor little guy)
Our last stop was down to the plantation houses. We stayed at an old plantation called Oak Alley, where we rented the old hired help cabins. The building and grounds were beautiful, but it was a sobering experience to feel the weight of our country's past.
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