So nice to be back home again after a whirlwind work vacation -- work for me, vacation for Phil. The photograph on this blog was taken by me at an alligator bayou in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The moon was shining while the sun was setting. The reflections from the water just seemed to be a nice 'toast' to the day's events.I must say, I fell in love with the Louisiana and Texas coast. The people of the bayou are so nice and friendly, so unlike what is obvious to me at home; however, I imagine every home environment shows its true colors to those who reside in the area.
I am always amazed that Charleston, SC markets itself as the 'city of hospitality.' Perhaps those who created this description of Charleston are clueless to the area. With the increase in crime, road rage, and the outrage of so many who are supposed to be 'hospitable' maybe the powers that be should rethink that description! Charleston might be my home now, but I am astonished at how the "City of Hospitality" is filled with rude, inconsiderate people who use their middle finger to demonstrate their true colors!
While in Baton Rouge, I was mesmerized with the warmth of the area and how open-minded the people from the bayou country were to me. After leaving Baton Rouge, we drove to Beaumont, Texas -- a city filled with 'Texas with a little something extra!'
I will write more about Beaumont in a few days, after finding and organizing all of my notes and literature. For now, I will say, Beaumont is truly a city I would love to live in. Restaurants are not filled with cigarette smoke so thick one could cut it with a knife. The music, people, atmosphere, history, food and culture are amazing. What truly amazed me is when I asked people I met where they came from, almost all of them were from Beaumont, Baton Rouge, or some city close by. Home bodies! And who could blame them. Texas is a state RICH with the finest of life.
As George Strait sings about "All My Exes Live in Texas," I say -- who could blame them! Texas, especially the City of Beaumont has much to be proud of.
