Acadian Cultural Center

This was the last on my list of places to see.  It's part of the Jean Lafitte National Historic Park & Preserve and is located in Lafayette, LA.  We drove to what we thought was the Center, but it was actually Vermilionville, a heritage and folklife park.  Gene asked for directions from a lady in the parking lot.  Robin was most helpful.  She even got in her car and lead us to the proper place.  Now that's friendly, local hospitality.

We watched the film, "The Cajun Way: Echoes of Acadia", which told the history of the French who had settled in Nova Scotia  and then were expelled in the 1700's, when they would not swear allegiance to the British crown when England went to war with France.  They went through terrible hardships having to leave homes, possessions and even being separated from family.  Hence the poem, "Evangeline".  The ships left some in New England, South Carolina, Georgia and Louisiana.  The Spanish in Louisiana were the only ones who welcomed them, gave them land and supplies.
The name Acadians was shortened to Cajun.  Creole means "born in the country" - two separate groups.  We viewed the many exhibits showing the history timeline and life from 1700's to current times.  it was most enlightening.

Now that we had been steeped in Acadia culture, it was time to eat some local cuisine.   Robin had recommended Johnson's for boudin (boo-deen),  a rice and meat combination in a sausage casing, and cracklin's.   We drove over there, but it was closed.  A couple fellows recommended Don's Seafood Downtown so we went there.  I felt adventurous and ordered crawfish etouffee (seared over high heat and then steamed) over rice and fried crawfish.  I was not disappointed - it was delicious, not too spicy, with the flavors blended for a wonderful treat to the palate.  Gene ordered shrimp and catfish and was equally pleased. 

We headed back to Maxie's Campground in Broussard, LA to get ready for the next leg of our journey.