The next morning we traveled past New Orleans and headed for the swamp country to the south. The weather was hot and humid again... just perfect for a swamp tour. This was one of the most beautiful days we have had. The sky had huge, magnificant clouds that changed constantly and rapidly. We drove through some little towns, got lost several times, and saw lots of interesting places as we passed. Many nice homes built right on the bayou, but a lot of chemical factories also.

The sky became increasingly threatening. And as a few drops of rain fell, our Voodoo doll, who was hanging from the rear view mirror watching things, suddenly let go and threw herself onto the dashboard. We thought she was just tired. We checked out some swamp tour places, but they were either going out in the evening, or had cancelled altogether because of the forecast for worsening weather. Alas, we understood then that the Voodoo doll wasn't in the least bit tired... she was trying to tell us our vacation was, in fact, OVER!

Cuz: Along the interstate leading back to New Orleans, there were places all along the roadside selling "16oz Bloody Marys" for some ridiculous price and even one place that boasted "Drive-Thru Daquiris". Is this state great or what! Maybe that was why our Voodoo doll was constantly smiling.

So we drove back to New Orleans, the rain getting worse and worse as the day progressed. By the time we checked into our room... we could hardly see anything for the rain. We busied ourselves by cleaning out the car in the downpour, and we repacked our luggage to include all the "stuff" we have picked up along the way.

Then through the pounding rain, we make a "dry run"..(huh?) to be sure we can find the car rental place again in the morning. We need to be there at 5am and won't have time to get lost along the way.

If you have stuck with us all through this trip, have you noticed something unusual? In more than 1800 driving miles in Lousiana and Mississippi, we never ONCE got stopped for driving with no license plate.

We traveled in front of police cars, along side police cars, behind police cars, and we passed police cars. They didn't even look at us. Now, those of you who are still Voodoo non-believers had better go back and check those pertinent links more carefully!

I know it doesn't have anything to do with anything... but check this out... This is my website and I can put anything I want on it.

We flew home without incident, and without food. One of those days when your flight times make you miss all the meals. The Voodoo doll must finally be asleep! We arrived in Boston in time to catch the earlier of our possible busses, and arrived home safe and sound via the Gypsy King and his pick-up truck.

Cuz: God, I miss Mr. Buddy and his wonderful, horny, white pick-up. Just think we saw the house that Coca Cola built and the truck paid for with cotton balls - oops, make that bolls.

This has been a truly wonderful trip in spite of Cuz. We have learned more about the south, and have had a ball doing it. We must thank the gracious folks of Mississipi, and especially Louisiana for their gracious welcome to their wonderful land. We loved our visit with you, and thoroughly enjoyed your hospitality. (Except for you, Ms Snotty. Keep looking over your shoulder, my dear, we just might be back!)

Cuz: Yeah, Sweetie, and you had better hide those shiny red shoes you were wearing or the same thing will happen to you as happened to your sister - a house will fall on you.

Cuz and I whole-heartedly encourage you to visit this wonderful state, if you have not already done so. Just one caution... don't forget your Voodoo doll.

I hope you will visit my page again after our next trip.

September, 2000