Southern Accent

A beautiful discovery: Little Rock, the capital of the state of Arkansas. But we don't know what to expect when we drive into downtown with our small but bulky motorhome. We always have a parking problem, but this time it is surprisingly solved quickly. We drift a little bit out of downtown and end up at a glassworks. We ask the workers and they allow us to use the company's parking lot and even pose for a photo.

We set off without any further orientation. We get that from a friendly gentleman at the city tourist office, which we happen to come across. It is housed in a beautifully restored mansion from before the Civil War.

One attraction of Little Rock is the River Market District. An old port district, nicely restored with a beautiful waterfront park. However, we can only see it from a distance. We stumbled upon a three-day river festival. Admission costs 40 dollars and queues form early at the ticket counters. Volunteers are recruited and press representatives are accredited. The entire police force of the state is mobilized and walks or cycles through the district. But everything is slow and relaxed. We are in the South.

On our way back to the car, we discover another gem. It is a park dedicated to the presidency of Bill Clinton on the banks of the Arkansas River. It includes an old railway bridge that has been converted into a pedestrian and bicycle bridge. The associated train station is a school for public service, and next to it is a huge library. Bill has created an impressive monument.