Growing up in Souther Louisiana is defiantly something I take pride in. Living down there really shaped how I would be when I grew up and how I saw the world. I didn't realize that a lot of the things I grew up with or around were a little strange to the others around me. Here are a few of them.
1. You know at least three friends or family members that speak some or are fluent in Cajun French.
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This is otherwise known as Arcadian French or sometimes Creole. It's best described as a "slang" of French. There are many members of my family that I know understand it and some that can speak it.
2. Humidity is an entirely different beast.
Oh boy, let me tell you about the humidity. Not only does the temperature go up to the 100s, but the humidity could also get up there too. Because we are so close to the coast, it's a different kind of humidity than what people up north are used to. It sort of feels like you have a jacket of warmth on you while at the same time walking through soup. Good luck.
3. When signs say watch for alligators, trust them.
I could remember coming home from school and a few alligators near the side of the road. I remember a certain event when I came home and my dad had a baby alligator that had wandered into our backyard in a shoebox. They are vicious, but you learn that if you let them do their thing, they will let you do yours.
4. When you say LA, you sure don't mean Los Angeles.
Honestly, does this accent make me sound like I'm from California?
5. You will know everyone in your town knows everybody's business.
Growing up, and even now, I will know things about everyone my mama, daddy, grandparents and cousins know. You know about everyone in town and they will know you. Sometimes you're related to a lot of them, too. The phrase "how's your mama and them?" means how's your entire family. We mean the entire family. I can name some of the people my mom went to high school with because she still knows what's happening down there, and we don't even live there anymore.
6. If someone doesn't like seafood, you feel a little offended.
I really took advantage of having fresh seafood basically at my beck and call. Since the coast is so close to us, getting it was never an issue. Crawfish, crab and shrimp boils would happen at least once a month or for birthdays, tailgates and other celebrations. You PHYSICALLY cannot understand how someone can not like seafood. Crab boil is basically in my blood at this point.
7. You can't help that you talk really fast. You have a lot to say.
When you live in such a small community, you can have a conversation about anything with basically anyone. My mom and I have been accused of being able to keep a conversation with a brick wall. It's all the southern hospitality that we grew up with. You could see a long-time friend in the grocery store for about 10 minutes and could still have a full conversation or tell them your life story with time to spare. You're a pro at this.
8. Mardi Gras is a holiday and you get a few days off of school for it.
Ah, Mardi Gras. Fat Tuesday. That day where people throw beads at you from floats. Whatever you call it, it's a wonderful time of year. The history behind it is that you get out all the gluttonous things the day before Lent starts. There are parties everywhere. New Orleans becomes a mad house of people coming from all walks of life for the celebration of life. For those families who don't want their kids caught up in the random drunk people, there are parades that happen in local towns and parishes. It's a fun time to celebrate that we're alive and doing well!
9. The French Quarter never gets old.
The beauty of the French Quarter never ceases to amaze me. A lot of the original architecture is still there and has remained untouched. The bars are always packed and ready to party. The food is always filling the streets with delicious smells. The street performers always bring a smile to your face. I've been going to New Orleans since I was born, and still can't wait for the next time I could go back. There is so much to do that I still haven't run out of things to do and discover new things every time I go. I recommend everyone visits at least once. It's worth all the hype.
10. When you hear someone attempt a Cajun accent, you die a little on the inside.
The only time I ever see this accent done right in the media is either with Swamp People (because they actually live there) or if someone is being interviewed on the news. If you think you can sound Cajun by mumbling your words and speaking too fast to understand, you are making a fool of yourself.
11. You are proud to claim Britney Spears as one of your own. You know of her museum in Kentwood, Louisiana, and have probably been to it.
Britney is from Kentwood, Louisiana. I went to the museum once when I was little and Brit Brit was one of my idols. She is talented, funny and full of surprises. Sure, she had her rough times, but haven't we all?
We also have to amazing and talented man that is Hunter Hayes. Case closed.
12. Anytime anyone from Southern Louisiana has made it on TV. You know first thing from family and friends on Facebook.
Avery on Master Chef Jr.? She's from the Bayou. Tonya Boyd-Cannon on the Voice? Baton Rouge. Meghan Linsey on the Voice? New Orleans. We know when we are represented.
And we are PROUD of it.
13. No matter what, you will always say you are a proud, full-blooded Cajun.
To having family be number one, to having amazing people skills, being Cajun really makes you unique. Not only do you have some of the best food in the world, you also have a community that no matter where you are, if you find another Cajun, you know. And you will have so much in common to talk about.
Laissez les bon temps roulez!
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