frogs of Louisiana

Louisiana: where the frogs bark and like to hang out in garbage bins.

Tammany Trace

There was the day I bicycled from Mandeville to Lacombe and back on the Tammany Trace, the  beautiful bike trail connecting the cities in St.Tammany Parish. Since Lacombe is about eight miles from Mandeville, I suppose it's possible I covered sixteen miles. 

devil's horse

I always encounter interesting insects in Louisiana. This fellow was seen on the sidewalk in Madisonville. To locals I'm told it's called a "devil's horse" - not sure of the scientific name.

Dew Drop

My first experience of the Dew Drop Jazz & Social Hall in Mandeville, LA was a good one. The hall was built in 1895 by the local African American community and has since hosted many big names in jazz, blues and related genres. We saw blues master Kenny Neal give a powerfully spirited performance (below). The small-scale, open air-venue combined with the music had a very authentic feel. During the intermission the neighboring First Free Mission Baptist Church provided a catfish dinner that fit right in with the evening.

Sacred Grinds

A coffee house at a cemetery? Yes, and it's called Sacred Grinds. This may be an "only in New Orleans" thing - you sit an sip your drink while looking out at the tombs and the tourists touring the tombs - who I guess can see you sipping your drink. Seemingly unique... Is there another such coffee house anywhere in the world?

Pagoda Cafe

The Pagoda Cafe is one of those great New Orleans food and coffee venues, tucked away on the tree-lined back streets. Colorful outdoor seating and interesting food and drinks, along with the subtle "pagoda" design, made it worth seeking out. 

Lakeview Airbnb

Our lodging in Lakeview was AirBnB at its best. Our hosts had put a lot of creativity and hard work into converting a detached building into a gem of of cozy hideaway. The design was so perfect down to the detail that the whole space seemed to exist in a dream.