Hustle Town – a city of no limits (that is actually one of their city catch-phrases)

Houston has been an interesting experience so far!

Getting through Houston immigration was a breeze - no one asked how long we were staying, no proof of onward ticket was required and the officer smiled!! There were no customs to speak of - we picked up our bags and walked through the door!

We were a little taken aback by our uber - a Chevy Silverado truck - with not a prius in sight - in fact all uber’s seem to be big SUV/truck type vehicles. We had an interesting conversation with our driver - a late 50’s bearded fellow who gave us heaps of tips on places to eat while in town. Somehow we got onto the conversation of driving and he was surprised to hear from us that America was not the only country in the world that drives on the right side of the road. We did let him know that Europe does too, but I’m not sure if he believed us….

The hotel is great and everyone really helpful and friendly. There’s lots of street art and murals on building walls around the city, but a lot of homeless people everywhere you go. Nothing seems to open till 10/11am but stays open till 9pm.

Galleria - the largest mall in Texas and 2nd largest in US - we managed to get lost. You can also buy alcohol in the mall....

We found a fantastic bar round the corner (Sunny's) - met some new friends - shout-out to Ashley & Britt who wrote down all sorts of things for us to do on the back of a napkin and shouted us $1 jello shots!! With and eclectic decor and us$10 Long Island Iced Teas what could go wrong…??!!

Then yesterday - what an unforgettable experience at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. The pomp, the pageantry, the patriotism - it was both kinda mesmerising and also a little scary. With hundreds of food outlets (we tried a brisket burger and corn dog (not a fan)), the biggest carnival I’ve ever seen and over 72,000 people packed into NRG stadium - it was almost overwhelming. It was also armed forces appreciation day - the 250th anniversary of the US army, navy and marine corp, so we had green beret’s rappelling from the ceiling with the American flag, there were standing ovations and thanks for the “service and sacrifice of the men & women defending the freedoms at home and abroad of the greatest country in the history of the world”. There were veteran drive-bys in golf buggies, brass bands, commanders from all branches involved in the event and a marine singing the Star Spangled Banner!

And all this wrapped around roping steers, wrestling steers, barrel riding, bareback and saddle broncho riding & of course bull riding - finishing with the young people steer-grabbing comp (~12-15 yo) and the sheep riding comp (5 year olds) - one of funniest things I’ve seen. Am pretty sure we wouldn’t be able to do this at home!!!

Riley Green finished out the night and although we didn’t know who he was, others clearly did if the screaming girls standing behind us dancing and screeching his songs were any indication!

And typically, as we waited at the light rail station, we ran into two Australian couples who were on a three week, five state holiday, going home today!

Oh & I almost forgot - you can buy alcohol in the malls here, but they ID everyone and I do mean everyone, including Trap & myself. We have been id’d more here in 2 days than when I was actually under age!!!

Anyway, we’re off on a walk down to the Bayou and theatre district this afternoon/evening and going on a city tour and to NASA space center tomorrow, so until then, take care ya’ll.

J&T xx