Well, a few days in Lafayette brought mixed experiences, some great, some disappointing. First night we found Randoll’s – a cajun restaurant and dance hall. A good start – big plastic tub of crabs and shrimp, with a cane basket for the scraps and a mallet – no plate just bash the crabs on the tables! A cajun band and people of all ages and colours out dancing together. Thought we’d head out and check out downtown but not a cajun/zydeco sound to be found – just nite clubs and loud predictable bands. Oh well, we’d been told to go for Sat morning Zydeco Breakfast at Breaux Bridge and that was amazing!!! It was supposed to start at 8.30am, we got up early and headed over in plenty of time but when we got there the place was packed already and people were dancing and there was an hour long wait to get a table. The place was absolutely jumping – all ages, black and white, dancing together, bloody mary’s and champagne and orange flowing, great breakfasts being served…. amazing to see – on Sat morning!!! Who gets up and goes dancing for breakfast in Australia!!! One thing about these folk is they love to dance!!! Everywhere we went they were dancing!! It just so happened that they also were having a city wide garage sale the same day so the streets were lined with stalls and cars everywhere!
In the afternoon we decided to take in an American Football game – it was the Louisiana State University ‘Ragin Cajuns’ homecoming game – what a cultural experience!! ‘Tailgating’ activities are the massive partying that takes place from the previous day when everyone moves in and sets up camp; big band and dance spectacle to begin and at half time…and friendly folk explaining rules as we go….but so slow compared to our football games… too much stopping and starting and time out!
We kept looking for music from then on but didn’t have much luck, we found bands but they were more r’n’b with a token cajun accordian all playing through massive P.A.’s, not really what we were looking for but the locals were happy – still all dancing! We stayed at a cute little cabin on the bayou – recommended by Margot Hitchcock – our very own Australian Cajun Queen. I’m a bit over having to eat out though…. and I’m not too keen on some of the things they eat down here…I’m looking forward to being able to cook my own healthy food again soon!