Canadian Cajun Connection

I needed a refresher as I didn't recall my high school history curriculum covering the Acadian Excile to Louisiana. Acadians initially immigrated from France to Eastern Canada, to an area known as Acadia during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Acadia was a separate and distinct french colony and independent from New France, otherwise known as Quebec. Prior to the British conquering the region of Acadia in 1710 the Acadians had lived a peaceful existence for the previous 80 years. Following the war, for the next 45 years, the Acadians refused to sign an unconditional truce. When the seven year, French and Indian war broke out in 1755, British officers were suspicious of the Acadians being sympathizers and accomplices to the French. Thus approximately 11,500 Acadians were deported back to France. Over a 9 year period during and after the war, both the French and Spanish were compliant in the Great Expulsion. After being deported back to France, the Spanish were looking for settlers to farm the region around New Orleans. Spanish ships transported approximately 4,000 Acadians from Brittany, recruited by Spanish agents upon their return. The Cajun culture developed and the name Cajun was derived from the french "Les Cadiens".

Our first encounter with a true blue New Orleans personality was checking in to our hotel The Pelham . We were greeted by Todd at reception. He agreed to having his photo taken and well I don't think I have to say too much more. The personalities we will encounter will be something out of the ordinary I'm sure.

Just to give a sampling of the night life I had to include some snaps of the eclectic scenes and people we experienced last night. The French Quarter and Bourbon Street is something to behold. From strip clubs to jazz clubs and street bands to jazz and rock bands. Blues Brother look a likes, to trumpet blowing brass swing bands. Then of course everyone trying to hustle a dollar like the bare breasted street poser wanting you to take her picture or the gold spray painted mime pointing his middle finger to his bucket for tips. Of course there is the free flow of alcohol in the streets and the smell of weed and hash which permeates the air. I've never seen such big beers or party revelers, young and old alike. And it's only Friday night. One can only imagine what Mardi Gras must be like. I haven't got any good explanation yet for what the Big Easy refers. I understand it may refer to prohibition but based on last night's experience, I can only assume it refers to the laissez faire attitude which seems to predominate all the downtown.