In which I long to try sweet (herbal) tea and sleep alone
Posted by Isabel on June 17th, 2009. Filed under: Work.Next Monday night will mark the first time I’ve ever slept alone in a hotel room. Part of me is excited. The other part of me is nervous about spending the week with my four (male) coworkers on a business trip.
But dude, I’m going to Louisiana. I’ve never been to Louisiana. Heck, I’ve never been to the South. I plan on drinking sweet (herbal) tea, looking for alligators, talking with an accent, and visiting the Louisiana state capitol. I also plan on watching whatever the heck I want on the hotel TV and spending as little time with my four (male) coworkers as possible.
(Although I was informed that eating dinner together each evening is mandatory.)
(Eating dinner with them every ding night is the last thing I want to do with my time in Baton Rouge.)
Speaking of my time in Baton Rouge next week brings me to the whole point of this blog…..
What do I need to know for visiting the South for the first time in my entire life? What foods do I have to eat? What are the Must See Things in Baton Rouge? Seriously, I’m looking for every suggestion you guys have to offer. In fact, I’m desperate for your suggestions.
June 17th, 2009 at 5:20 pm
Am envious! Louisiana is on my life list of places to go. I won’t lie, mostly because of the food. You need to try some authentic Cajun cuisine and report back! Are you adventurous enough to try alligator?
I hope you have a good time!
June 17th, 2009 at 5:28 pm
Dude–I would *love* to go to Louisiana!!! Mostly because I really want to see the chain grocery store “The Piggly Wiggly”…yes, I did watch Steel Magnolias excessively. So what?
xox
June 17th, 2009 at 5:40 pm
You will have such a good time! You must have: a shrimp po’boy. And gumbo.
June 17th, 2009 at 5:43 pm
Um, you know I’m right next door, right? Well, OK, as long as you know that “next door” in these parts can mean a 6-hour drive.
There are, in fact, several Piggly Wigglys in Baton Rouge. Also, understand that the So. Louisiana accent is a bit different from your general run-of-the-mill Southern accent. The So. La. accent is prettier, imo.
June 17th, 2009 at 5:49 pm
Mainly, you need to know that it is crazy humid down here (I’m in Atlanta, but the humidly applies all over the southeast). Like, you can FEEL the air weighing down on you it’s so humid. So, expect your hair to be big. And bring your most nekkid (yes, nekkid, not naked. Remember Justin Timberlake is from Memphis) work clothes.
And definitely eat a Po Boy of some variety–my favorite is oyster. Yum.
June 17th, 2009 at 5:53 pm
Oh, and I guess I *could* try to be a helpful Southerner by making some recommendations, huh?
Pretty much anything that you will find downtown or along the riverfront will give you an authentic taste/view of the best of Louisiana (Want to see the worst? Come with me to one of the Mr.’s family reunions! Kidding…well, only a little). The capitol, the old state capitol, and any of the museums are probably pretty interesting.
One thing–it will be HOT. And humid. There is no “dry heat” down here. You might freeze indoors (we’re proud of our A/C), but outdoors will be sweltering.
I hope you enjoy your stay!
June 17th, 2009 at 6:32 pm
I’m not from the South but I’ve been to New Orleans before. I’d suggest trying the crawfish! It was delicious.
Have a great trip.
June 17th, 2009 at 6:34 pm
Clothes: It’s been over 100 here already, so it will be crazy hot. Because you are a girl, you can get away with wearing skirts and sandals. But like Jana said, be sure to bring a sweater or you will freeze inside. Bring something to pull your hair up and don’t forget your sun screen (good grief, that was mom-ish).
Food: When we moved here people seemed to be proud of Boudin, red beans and rice, and Crawfish – You might still be able to get some, but I think it is too late in the season. Really, as long as you don’t go to a chain restaurant, you should get some great food anywhere.
June 17th, 2009 at 6:47 pm
It’s HOT, HOT, HOT! And humid. You WILL sweat. You have to drink sweet tea! I’m in Tennesse, but I’m sure they have sweet tea in Louisiana. Can’t wait to hear all about it!. Also, people in Louisiana talk funny. Not the southern accent that you would expect. It’s actually a quite lazy tongue. Just be prepared for a culture shock! And don’t think all of the South is like Louisiana. I’ve heard Louisiana is like a whole different country.
June 17th, 2009 at 7:05 pm
Oh, how fun. I have no advice (Virginia wasn’t anywhere near LA) but to say I’ve always wanted to have red beans & rice from that area. It always sounds so good in books. So eat some of that!! Have fun.
June 17th, 2009 at 9:44 pm
Fried Alligator! It’s awesome. And you know I’m not lying because I’m the pickiest eater ever. Which is why I won’t eat crawfish. But you would probably like crawfish.
Make sure you take some skin so soft or something to keep the bugs at bay.
And sunblock!
June 18th, 2009 at 1:05 am
The tea in The South is very sweet – feel free to try it, but I have found it best to ask for half sweet, half unsweet. All sweet is good, but it packs a sugary caffeine=y wallop! If you want the swet, have a fresh warm begneit (spelling? probably not right, just say ben-nyay and people will know what you mean) with some coffee for breakfast.
Have a safe and wonderful trip!
June 18th, 2009 at 5:37 am
They can’t make you eat dinner with them! Mandatory meals together is the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard!
Good luck and have fun! I don’t have any suggestions, but I do love the chicken gumbo at “Alligator Soul” in Everett…it’s probably even better in Baton Rouge!
June 18th, 2009 at 2:36 pm
Oooh!! My turn… since you offered such great suggestions for my upcoming Seattle trip. =)
Sweet tea is definitely a must. It’s too sweet for me, even being a born-and-raised Southern gal, which is considered blasphemous by some. But it’s part of our regional charm, so you must try it.
Low country seafood is the BEST – some have already suggested crawfish or fried alligator. I’d add shrimp and grits to the list.
And fried chicken. MUST have some fo-real Southern-fried chicken.
Wish I knew some places to recommend, but I’ve never had the pleasure of spending time in La. myself.
Hope you’ll love it here, humidity and all!! =)
June 18th, 2009 at 2:59 pm
What ever one else has told you AND don’t forget the bug spray!!! The mosquitoes are terrible in the humid climate. I just moved back to the South from Colorado. It is hard to readjust. Cold inside/Sweltering out. Sweet Tea, fried foods, and lots of nice people. : ) Have a great time!
June 18th, 2009 at 10:46 pm
I’m so jealous! I would LOVE to go on a vacation right now… even if it was for work. And I’ve never been south of Arizona. I wanna go!!!! Have fun!!!
June 21st, 2009 at 12:06 pm
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