Mississippi Nightlife

After dinner, my co-workers and I took a short walk to The Dugout, a local pub, to grab a cold beer after dinner. It was a pleasant surprise to find out that Monday night football is celebrated with FREE pork chops on the grill and jambalaya. I wasn't hungry because I had already eaten two helpings of dinner but I absolutely could not pass up the opportunity to enjoy authentic southern cuisine. It was delicious.

When I finished my second dinner, the chef introduced my co-workers and I to Connie Moran, mayor of Ocean Springs. It was fascinating to learn about her leadership in the midst of Hurricane Katrina. She urged us to consider running for public office someday. After she left, it was time for our group to get another round. As I was waiting for the bartender, a very nice elderly gentlemen (Francis) handed me $20 and said, "Thank you for all the work you are doing. Please let a citizen buy you a drink." Francis shook his head at me when I said thank you and tried to give him his change. After a lovely conversation with Francis, his wife, and a few other locals, they insisted on setting up a free dinner for our group at the Beau Rivage casino on a night most convenient for us before we depart.

I normally don't like Mondays but this one has been most excellent.

I'm having an amazing experience thus far. We are making a difference and every person we meet is so friendly with an interesting story to tell.