black swans, festivals, Gothic architectural, and more in Louisiana

Two RV Gypsies: Full-Time RVers

The Two RV Gypsies in Louisiana
April 4-6, 2009

Another short stop on the way to Alaska -- April 4 - 6, 2009 - Lakeside RV Park in Livingston, Louisiana. This was a lovely park and the two RV Gypsies paid an extra $5.00 per night to have a site by the pond; well worth the small cost. There were lots of people fishing by the side of the pond. There was free Wi-Fi in the park. The pool was closed during this time. The park did not have a clubhouse. The two RV Gypsies definitely recommend this park for its beauty, pond, and fishing. The park had 139 total concrete RV sites, accommodates RV's up to 45 feet long, one comfort station, 30/50 amp, laundry facility, a playground, a 17-acre fishing lake, a small grocery store, and a swimming pool (which was closed while the two RV Gypsies were there). Lakeside RV Park is located 20 miles from Baton Rouge and 70 miles from New Orleans.

LEE IN THE BIG BOY CHAIR	MOB, AWO and Lee

The photo shown below was taken from inside the motorhome of the two RV Gypsies (through the dining room windows)

The reflection in the side of the RV almost made it look like we could see right through the RV.

The two RV Gypsies walked around the lake to the other side of the lake and photographed their motorhome (known as AWO) which means All We Own

This black swan is called Midnight; the white swan is Snowflake and they live on the lake at this park.

April 5, 2009 - the two RV Gypsies went to an International Festival in downtown Baton Rouge, Louisiana and explored in and around the Baton Rouge River Center.

While the two RV Gypsies enjoyed a lunch of Jambalaya at the Riverside Rest Awhile Park (see monument below), they also enjoyed a view of a very majestic tree.


The two RV Gypsies enjoyed watching the dancing water fountain with children running in and out of the dancing waters.

Louisiana's Old State Capitol Building, a Gothic architectural treasure, stands high on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River. The 150-year-old statehouse has withstood war, fire, scandal, bitter debate, abandonment and an occasional fist fight. Today, the building stands as a testament to bold, inspired leadership and active citizenship. In 1990, the Louisiana Legislature placed the former statehouse under the jurisdiction of the secretary of state and appropriated funds for a major restoration project. The building re-opened as the Center for Political and Governmental History in 1994. Now referred to as the Museum of Political History, the Old State Capitol has received awards for its architecture.

Louisiana's Old State Capitol building
The first thing the two RV Gypsies saw upon entering Louisiana's old State Capitol Museum of Political History was a magnificent staircase.


Looking up from the bottom of the magnificent staircase.


View from inside the Old State Capitol	Some of the International flags

Karen Duquette at the Native American Exhibit

Below: The inside of the tent and a view looking up inside the tent.


Inside the World Village were cultural exhibits from China, India, Iran, Israel, Japan, Lebanon, Nepal, Pakistan, Palestine, Philippines, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Syria, Thailand, Vietnam, Africa, Egypt, Ghana, Liberia, Mauritania, Nigeria, Columbia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Venezuela, Austria, Bulgaria, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Poland, Scotland, and Turkey. Many of these countries also had dancers perform in the International Dance Stage.

Below: Lee played a game, an unusual game with an ancient past. Whether it is called Frog Game, Sapo Game, Juego de Sapo. or El Sapu The Frog, it still comes from the mystical, ancient history of the Incas and their sacred Lake Titicaca. There is a legend that the game evolved from members of the royal Inca family and their court, throwing gold pieces into the lake. Frogs were known for their magical powers, and the players hoped to attract ones attention. These Incas believed that if a frog came to the surface and took a gold piece in its mouth, the player would be instantly awarded a wish and the frog would turn into solid gold. El Sapu was the main character in the exciting game of suspense and dexterity, and in honor of so many wishes coming true, a great golden frog was made for all of royalty to enjoy.

Thailand - the home country of Karen's friend Tippi Lewis

bread from Italy

Baton Rouge River Center and the USS KIDD

The Fletcher-class destroyer USS KIDD (DD-661), the Pirate of the Pacific (thus the pirate flag). Located in the heart of scenic downtown Baton Rouge, Louisiana, it is the centerpiece of a memorial which serves to honor the men and women of our American armed forces.

photos at the Baton Rouge River Center and the Mississippi River






Lee tried to hitch a ride and then decided he needed a flag to be seen ????


The two RV Gypsies drove over the bridge shown in the photos below.

view of the Mississippi river taken from the bridge	Henderson Swamp

Notes of interest: 1. Karen noticed lots of people in purple and yellow because it is the LSU (Louisiana State University) colors. By coincidence, Karen happened to have purple and yellow on too. 2. On the way back to the campground, MOB broke down. The two RV Gypsies had to wait an hour for AAA to tow their car.

Wallisville, Texas

White Park, Anahauc, Texas --- Turtle Bayou - AND - Karen met Elvin Hayes who is in the Basketball Hall of Fame and she gave Elvin a tour or her RV, as per his request.