So close and yet so far.

I now live about an hour's drive SW of my "former" home of New Orleans. Close enough to share a similar heritage with the other SouthEast Louisianians, but far enough away that they have some traditions all their own.

I noticed one thing this past Mardi Gras. While N.O. is known far and wide as a "party town", these folks in Houma sure can "party hardy" with the best of them. Bright and early on the day their parades are scheduled to roll, the Krewe members meet to board a PARTY BUS.

Not the kind of which you are probably thinking. No amenities. No a/c or heater. No luxury wet bar. No leather seats. Usually no seats at all. These are converted school buses. Most have had parts, if not most, of the roofs removed. The better for dancing and hanging over the sides.



All have been repainted from the typical "school bus yellow" to either the Mardi Gras colors: "purple, green and gold" or something else noticeable from a distance. To be sure you keep your own vehicle at a distance as who knows what might be tossed or hurled in your direction.






Why? Because these folks spend the entire day prior to loading up on their floats, riding the party buses from dive to hole-in-the-wall bar to juke joint, drinking and dancing and partying the day away. Emphasis on the drinking. With the designated/hired driver keeping 'em safe. Alternately they're keeping us other drivers/pedestrians safe.

Truly. Let me tell you. The folks down here really do live out the definition of the ultimate party. Here's photographic evidence: