On Moving to Baton Rouge

I just talked to an old, dear friend whose beautiful and talented daughter has just has accepted her first job in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  This takes me back, way back.  My very first apartment was in Baton Rouge. just outside the gates of LSU at the corner of State Street and Ivanhoe.  I was nineteen and full of myself.  And although I was not a student, I regularly crashed the LSU classes in which I had an interest.  I found the South Louisiana countryside to be romantic and enchanting.  And I partied my ass off.  Cajun Country is a wonderful world all its own.

So it is with strong affection and nostalgia that I offer my little friend, and any other young people moving to Baton Rouge, the following words of advice:

• Make sure that you know and understand the marijuana laws;
• Be nice to the police officers;
• Never suck the heads of the crawfish no matter what anyone says; and
• Dance with as many Cajuns as you can.

And finally, know this, by the time you have been there for awhile, you will either love or hate football.  There is no middle-ground on this one.

You are going to have the time of your life.  And someday maybe you can pass on a little wisdom to a young person headed toward that wild and crazy adventure that is South Louisiana.

Much love to you.  And, I’ll see you there!