If you’ve taken a French class in the U.S.A., you’ve probably heard of Mardi Gras. It’s most known for being a celebration of “fat Tuesday,” the day before Lent starts, and it’s popularly celebrated in New Orleans. As I took French throughout school and participated in French club in college, I did the King Cake every year and would tell others that there’s a crazy festival down in New Orleans each year to celebrate the day. I went to New Orleans in January because I wanted to avoid the Mardi Gras festivities, as it’s just not really my thing.

Everything … Continue reading

So when I was in New Orleans, I opted to take a day trip out to the swamp, because who wouldn’t?

There are many companies to choose from, but I went with Cajun Encounters. They are located north of New Orleans, in Slidell. They and several other swamp tour companies offer convenient pick-up from your hotel or a specified location in New Orleans so you don’t have to drive. It usually doubles the price of the tour but it’s still way cheaper than renting a car just for the drive.

When you get there and get on the boat, … Continue reading

My family has driven through St. Augustine several times on our drives down to Orlando. Sadly, my unadventurous parents think that driving through a town is the equivalent of seeing it. When we went down for Thanksgiving, I conquered one of my travelling fears and rented a car so I could go out to St. Augustine and finally get to see the city.

A little bit of history: St. Augustine has a history much unlike other US cities. Though it belonged to the Native Americans for about 3000 years before, including the Timucua, the history that’s most known about … Continue reading