International Talk Like a Pirate Day!

Good day to ye, Maties!  It be International Talk Like a Pirate Day!

This is one of my favorite not a real holidays to celebrate because it's so much fun!  I'm bummed it's on a Saturday this year, because I work at a high school, and always dress up like a pirate.  I'll simply have to dress like a pirate for cleaning my house, I guess.

There are many stories of ghost ships, and phantom sailors, but my favorite ghost pirate is the pirate Jean Lafitte who sailed around the New Olreans area.  His stories take two different forms.  Some say that he still sails with his pirate fleet after he and his eight ships vanished.  Some say his fleet can be seen when the coast of Louisiana is in danger, and that his ships were sighted right before Hurricane Katrina.

Other stories talk about his hoard of pirate treasure.  The treasure is cursed, and haunted by Jean Lafitte's ghost who is not allowed to move to the beyond because of his treachery and greed.  It is usually a sad tale of warning to those who put gold above all else.

Remember Jean Lafitte as you talk like a pirate today!