LOUISIANA!!!

Although we intend to go through the states alphabetically, we decided to start with the ones that inspired us take this journey.  So we begin with Louisiana, and we thank the Zatarans Gumbo box that got this whole project rolling (who knew that cleaning out the cupboards could start you on a journey?!)

Louisiana by Vega

Louisiana is a one of a kind place.  Before becoming a state on April 30^th, 1812, Louisiana had been owned by both the French and the Spanish.  Louisiana has a lot of different cultural influences, including French, African, Caribbean, and Cajun.  This makes for some crazy mixes of food, such as Gumbo, and for some wild parties, such as Mardi Gras.

Louisiana was named for King Louis XIV of France.  It is the 18^th  state.  The capital is Baton Rouge and another major city is New Orleans. 

I like that Louisiana has a state dog.  It is call a Catahoula Leopard Dog, which is known for it’s webbed feet and odd eyes.  The brown pelican is the state bird, and there is a picture of it on the state flag.

I also like that Louisiana is the shape of an “L”, and it starts with the letter “L”.  This makes it easy to find on a map.

Louisiana is an interesting state.

Food and Fun, Louisiana has it all!  By Nova Lee

Louisiana is famous for its food. Lot of cultures have inspired its cuisine’, such as the French, Italians, Spanish, African, Native American, Cajun, and Cuban.  Because of the varied cultures there are so many different styles of food throughout the state.

When you walk into a café you might find beignets or French donuts which are square, fried pastries.

 If you walk into a restaurant you will most likely find gumbo on the menu, with shrimp if you are in New Orleans, or with chicken and sausage if you are in Cajun country. Fun fact: Gumbo is actually an Africa word meaning okra.

Gumbo

Praline is a candy made from sugar, butter, cream, and pecans, which is eaten throughout the state. King Cake is a Mardi Gras desert that has a tiny plastic baby hidden in it.  This idea is based on a tradition from medieval times; whoever gets the toy has to buy the next king Cake!   

Other favorite Louisiana foods include red beans and rice (traditionally eaten on Monday), catfish, crawfish, and gator.  GATOR!?!? Who eats gator? Hmmmm…… I wonder if it would be any good?

Fun fact: Louis Armstrong the famous jazz musician often singed his letters as: Red Beans and Ricely yours!

Louisiana is also famous for its music.  New Orleans is considered to be the birthplace of both Jazz and Blues.  Zydeco music is a mix of Cajun and blues that is known for using accordions, washboards, and the fiddle. Get a feel for it here at: http://www.pandora.com/bruce-daigrepont/paradis/zydeco-2-step

Another thing Louisiana is famous for is Mardi gras.  Mardi gras is French for Fat Tuesday, which is the day before Ash Wednesday, or the start of Lent.  Lent is a 40 day period when Catholics give up something they love, such as meat, alcohol, or sweets.  So Mardi gras is a festival of indulgence before the fast begins.  It is said that during Mardi gras, everyone is forgiven for their sins.  In New Orleans there are parades with floats that throw beads into the crowds.  In Cajun country, people dress up and run from door to door, singing and dancing, while asking for ingredients for their gumbo.  Sometimes farmers will throw out live chickens that the Mardi gras (or runners) have to catch. Now that is what I call a party! (Check out video below)

Wow! Louisiana is a really cool state! It has great music, yummy food, wild festivals, and an amazing variety of cultures.  This is one state I’ve got to visit!

**A big THANK YOU to my friend Jen in Acadiana LA for all her awsome information.  You really made your state come alive for the kids, and now they can't wait to visit!**

Happy Trails, the Gypsy Love Circus