A plantation, a bit of Alabama, and a bit of Missisippi

Mardi Gras "done and dusted", it was time to start our roadtrip, that was to take us across a bit of Missisippi, a bit of Alabama, and into Florida, the final destination being Miami. After a rather sturdy breakfast on Canal street, we wandered down to the car rental office, crossing a bit of the Trema neighbourhood on the way there (Trema is a predominantly black neighbourhood, that was hit pretty badly by Katrina).

Before venturing into Alabama, the plan was to check out a plantation. Plantations are, of course, and important, if controversial chapter in the history of the Southern states. We picked one of the less famous plantations called Destrehan plantation. We really enjoyed our visit. The plantation has been very faithfully restored to its original state, and our guide (in period dress, of course) was very well-informed and friendly.

Not only did we learn plenty about the plantation itself, but also about Louisiana in general. Of course, we knew that Louisiana had been French in the past, but what came as a surprise is that parts of the Napoleonic law is still applied in Louisiana! Of course, when one visits a plantation, the subject of slavery can't be avoided. Apparently, slaves suffered less under the French slavery system, than under the Anglo-Saxon system. The slaves only worked 5 days a week, and 7 hours a day. How nice of the French, eh ? (as slavery is still a controversial subject in this part of the world, I would just like to state clearly that I was being ironic there! ;) ). Anyway, all in all, a very interesting visit. 

From there on, we started our long-ish drive to Florida. Our drive took us through some pretty evocative, bayou-resembling landscapes in Alabama, through the city of Mobile (famous as the docking place of the battleship USS Alabama).

We long pondered where to have lunch (those are the important questions in life, eh?). This being the US of A, there are plenty of fast food options available along the way. We were a bit tempted by the Waffle House. But eventually, we were tempted by a sign guiding us to a place called The Shed, a BBQ joint in Ocean Springs, Mississippi.

And what a cool choice it was. This place is about as American as a restaurant can get. The food, of course, is American BBQ. I had a rather tasty burger. The service was very friendly, as one would expect in the this part of the States - and delivered with a darn authentic ol' Southern accent. They have a pretty cool collection of car registration plates and other weird memorabilia, as well. The moose's head hanging above the men's toilet was almost menacing!

Our appetites sated, we carried on, and arrived in Pensacola, Florida after a couple of hours more driving.