The land is disappearing partly because of the loss of alluvial buildup after many decades of having a massive levee system. It is also disappearing largely because of subsidence. Enormous quantities of oil, gas and minerals have been removed from the ground. This is complicated by the fact that the marshes are crisscrossed by manmade canals. To understand subsidence, stick a soda straw into a glass of liquid. Suck. What you have in your mouth comes from the bottom of the glass and the surface level sinks. That is exactly what is happening to the land in South Louisiana. Eventually, the Gulf of Mexico will cover much of South Louisiana.
The term joie de vivre -- joy in living -- could have been invented to describe the Acadian/Cajuns. They do more with less than almost any other people. Their culture is one of the most interesting and valuable aspects of Louisiana and is well worth preserving.
Thanks for the explanation. I was struggling!
joie de vivre -- joy in living
I love this phrase. And so admire these people.