Spent the morning in the French Quarter – akin to France meets colonial New England. Had a beignet and coffee at Cade du Monde. Seem to be a few men with big blingy rings in this town.

Hopped on the road. A whole lot of nothing to see on I-10 West from New Orleans to Austin. Minus the animals sleeping on the side of the highway (aka roadkill). Louisiana was pretty much swampland. Given that it’s dead of winter it pretty much meant a bunch of sticks coming up out of the water.

Stopped for lunch at George’s in Baton Rouge. Had a scrumptious shrimp poboy with fried pickles. Felt acutely aware of my Asianness while there, not because there was any outright staring, probably moreso just a product of my stereotyping the South. Or that I’m generally aware if I’m the only Asian for miles, when I’m travelling.

Stopped off to meet a friend’s mom at a ranch just outside of Houston. Played with some doggies and kitties, were plyed with chocolate chip cookies, carrot cake and hot tea before we shuffled off to Austin.

Rained for most of the drive so made it a perfect day to be in a car. Killed time by reading each other magazine articles or Oscar Wilde.

Arrived into Austin late evening. Will see downtown before heading off to New Mexico.

Miles traveled today: 558