Continuing our tradition of visiting state capitols, we decided to head over to Baton Rouge for a day trip. We had been surprised when we heard that LA has two capitol buildings, and we set out to see them both! (and you can see them both in this photo - the old one is more lit up and closer to foreground, the new one is darker and way off to the left)
A drive-by view from a bridge over the mighty Mississippi.
The old capitol building - a "gothic revival."
Sort of a little tacky in a way, but also kind of cool in a way. I read that Mark Twain wasn't too keen on the structure. His comments? "Ugliest thing on the Mississippi," and "It is pathetic ... that a whitewashed castle, with turrets and things ... should ever have been built in this otherwise honorable place."
Billy in front of the big ol' wrought iron fencing surrounding it.
A barge on the big river (and a guy and his bike, watching it go by).
Riverfront stuff.
Riverside seating - different amounts of seating at different times, of course! A good place to hang out. (I was about to say a "cool place to hang out" but thought better of it - it was darn hot and humid that day!!!)
As we got close to the new capitol building, we came across a wedding party doing their photography thing. I loved the bride's dress - it was a perfect match to the blooming azaleas!!! Bill and I figure that must've been planned...?!
We weren't the only admirers there that day (Easter Sunday - there were also people there hiding Easter eggs for their little kids and people throwing frisbees for their dogs - hey, why not?! The grounds there were like a big, beautiful park!).
Upper level plantings.
More bridal gown-colored flowers!
Ta-da! The NEW state capitol. Not sure why they gave up on the old building (maybe Twain got too loud about it?!), but this isn't the first change in capitol venue for LA. The original capitol of the state was in New Orleans. This building is very similar to the Lincoln, Nebraska capitol. LA lays claim to the tallest capitol building, while NE takes the second spot. And both look Art Deco to me.
There they go. As for the bride, now that's riding in style!! Much better than a limo! (although the groom was probably doubly ready for air-conditioning afterwards!) May they have a long and happy union!!!!
No comments:
Post a Comment