Yesterday, first thing in the morning was to "re-introduce" our friends to their beautiful patio area, which we love dearly and they don't use frequently. Though it may be hot and humid in summer in this region, it's just beautiful at this time of the year and there are still so many shrubs and flowers in bloom! It cooled down the last two days to about 60 F, but on saturday we had sun again and just needed a sweater in the morning and evening.
We spent a brief visit to the Konriko rice factory and to the local Bayou Teche Museum, which is nicely done and gives a good overview of the history and traditions in the area: Cajun Country is a very special part of the U.S. and the best personification of a true Cajun is our friend Donald. He is the personalized example of a warm, hospitable and vibrant cajun and would also be a good example to teach students that English is not the same as English.
Then we got ready for the Big Game, LSU : Alabama, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana's capitol, and departed early afternoon for tailgating and people-watching. Traffic was still o.k. on our way to the stadium (considering it’s been about five hours before kick-off), but public parking was already full; fortunately, we had assigned parking because our friends are season ticket holders. The vibe was great, folks enthusiastic, purple and gold all over the place, big BBQ grills set up, gumbo cooking in big pots, people partying and playing. Just Mike the Tiger, who's living in a luxurious habitat closeby the stadium, was a no-show today.
We had our own tailgate party on the truck bed of Dave’s pickup, with delicious chicken, potato salad, deviled eggs, brownies and wine and sat in the sun and watched and chatted till 5 pm, when it was time to watch the marching band and cheerleaders parade into the stadium and to resume our seats, which were excellently situated behind south end zone.
With shows of the two large marching bands of LSU and Alabama, the cheerleaders and majorettes, it was entertaining until kick-off at 7 pm, prededed by fireworks. It’s not really been a top game - though Bama is one of the top-ranked teams in college football - but it was a tight game and 50 seconds before the end, with LSU leading by three points, I was ready to quit, to avoid the crowds, assuming it's over. But, on Peter's and Dave's request we stayed and first Bama tied and then, in overtime, won the game. Crowds in the stadium, called "Death Valley", were unbelievable, about 102.000 fans (the game was sold out and tickets very hard to get by) watching and making noise and cheering. A much more peaceful and enthusiastic atmosphere than in german soccer stadiums!
It took us forever to get out of the parking lot and out of town - in total about 2,5 hours (twice the usual driving time) and we got back home at 2 am in the morning, tired to the bones (no wonder Dave took a couple of naps today). But… it was fully worth the trip and an unbelievable and memorable event. Thank you Dave & Chris!
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