After leaving San Antonio, we drove west on I 10 to Baton Rouge, Louisiana. You can tell immediately when you leave Texas and enter Louisiana. First, the highway was elevated over the swamp, so we appeared to be driving on a bridge that stretched for nearly 30 miles. When we entered Baton Rouge we were surprised at the poor condition of the streets and highways as compared to Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. However, Louisiana is a state of contrasts. The people are warm and welcoming, exuding southern charm, while the roads and buildings are in need of serious repair work! We visited the Louisiana State Capitol Building in downtown Baton Rouge, the tallest state capitol in the country at 27 stories high. We went to the 24th floor observation deck and saw the Legislative rooms where the legislators meet when in session. The building is quite ornate and old fashioned looking. A huge statue of Huey Long, the former governor and senator of Louisiana is in the middle of the garden marking his grave. He's a very interesting personality in Louisiana's history who was both loved and despised by the people of this state. Next, we visited the State of Louisiana Museum, a comprehensive look at the history and culture of this state. We spent an enjoyable evening in the hotel bar talking to a couple from Maine who were here for work and another family from New Zealand who were driving across the country on holiday. Next stop--Florida! We're hoping to find warm weather and sunshine.