In 1984, after a friend’s wedding in Texas, I meandered my way through Cajun Country on the way to New Orleans and came upon a lovely small town on Bayou Teche. With its grassy square and gracious old buildings sporting wrought-iron balconies, the place had the flavor of a petite New Orleans. I carried the memory home with me, and years later fictionalized it as the picturesque village in my Cajun Country Mysteries series: Pelican, Louisiana.
My husband, daughter and I spent the holidays in Louisiana this year. I couldn’t wait to share with them the place that had so inspired me. I even booked a night in its one B&B. I was filled with anticipation as we drove through the countryside. But as soon as we pulled into the town, my heart sank. It just… wasn’t the same.
There was a green, but it was less inviting than I recalled. The buildings, vibrant in my mind’s eye, were faded and there was much less lacy wrought iron. The town did have a dignified charm. But it wasn’t the charm I remembered.
As we took a short walk down some preternaturally quiet streets, I wondered, was there any part of my memory I could trust? Was I even in the right town? Only the bayou lived up to the iconic image that I had locked away — an image that I couldn’t guarantee was set on this particular bayou bank.
We didn’t spend the night at the B&B. Somehow it felt wrong to all of us, so we retreated to a motel by the interstate. And since I’ve been home, images of the real village clash with the fictional Pelican that I’ve created in my mind. While I’ve shared a few photos, you’ll notice that I haven’t named the town. It wouldn’t be fair. There’s too great a chance that time romanticized the place for me. The reality is that it’s perfectly lovely and I’m sure it’s a wonderful place to live. It’s just not the town of my daydreams.
I think what makes me sad is that I always took great joy in knowing that there really was a Pelican, Louisiana out there. Of course, it was not exactly the same as the “Cajun Brigadoon” I dreamed up, but very close. I haven’t given up hope that it exists, and that my jumbled memories just haven’t allowed me to find it again. Still, I wonder… was it ever real? Or was it a fantasy?
Readers, have you ever had the same experience? Where you revisited a special place that simply wasn’t the same as you remembered it?
You can’t go home again. Or to a lot of other places! Every place I revisit seems smaller.
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I sure learned that this trip, Kaye.
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That’s how I feel about my overgrown hometown. Not a matter of charm, exactly. I drive through there a couple of times a year. It used to be less expensive, less crowded, and most of the residents were a lot less rude. Ugh.
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Hmmmm, another mystery. Get Maggie on the horn!
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I’m on it, Marla!
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That bayou shot is gorgeous!
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Thanks! I love Bayou Teche. I love all bayous, actually.
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I find that when I write (and when I read) I see the world through a stylized lens. I cover over the imperfections and dial up the color and usually the sunshine. That’s how memories are.
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I agree. That’s exactly what I did, Katherine. Now I just have to find that stylized place again.
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