Gas ran out in New Orleans yesterday. They are expecting more today though. Baton Rouge gas prices have risen significantly since we arrived. The crush of traffic has gridlocked the streets and we are told that escape may already be impossible. Contraflow of interstate traffic may begin today, making both sides of the highway outbound…

Baton Rouge must be the place to be! Traffic from all parts of southern Louisiana has poured into town, making driving almost impossible. Gustav is a category 3 hurricane now and still taking aim at new Orleans. Many of my workshop folks want to go extra time today and bug out tomorrow to get their…

Vanilla Hazelnut coffee was my choice this morning! I chose wisely! The beignets were better than "Nawlins" famous Cafe du Monde. Once upon a time I lived a few blocks from Jackson Square in New Orleans. I walked there every morning for chickory coffee and beignets. Coffee Call brought back the best parts of those…

With jetlag still lingering, Baton Rouge's legendary Coffee Call is a welcome beacon of light in the early morning. It's only a block from our workshop, so we'll be making frequent visits!

Juban's restaurant in Baton Rouge is exactly what you'd hope for in a five-star Cajun place. The "Black & Craw" was extremely rich, but very tasty. I'll be walking a few extra miles for this indulgence.

Exit 280 on I-55, just south of Memphis in Hernando Mississippi you will find Coleman's barbecue, a throwback to my childhood. The jumbo plate comes with slaw and beans, more slaw on the sandwich! Yum! Yum! We make this stop every time we drive I-55. Don't come this way often enough!

I-55 in southeast Missouri is a tough drive. Not much change in the view and long stretches of no services. Not a whole lot to keep me awake! The scenery is great if you get off the interstate, but that's not in the cards on this leg of our tour. Have to keep pushing south…

As hurricane Gustav pushes north into the gulf, we're heading south to Baton Rouge. Hopefully my good karma will help keep Gustav away from Louisiana! I've got a workshop full of friends and an event to benefit the Keys to Austism, none of whom I intend to disappoint. It is the 2nd anniversary of hurricane…

Home is the best! This was the longest August 20th I've ever experienced! At 5am Hong Kong time I loaded up for the airport. I saw Tokyo's airport, Chicago and St Louis too, and all in the same day. I am glad to be home in my own bed for a night! Next week: Baton…