More than the buildings

It is more than the buildings, you know.  More than the seemingly endless shops, restaurants, parks, and theaters.  It really is that people that make this such a great city.  I know that every metropolitan area will espouse the folks that inhabit it, but the case for Houston is a very strong one for one simple reason.

Immigration.

You see, Houston is one of the most diverse communities in the United States.  The population of Houston is made of folks from all over this country and (for that matter) the world.  Let's set aside the benefits of having people from other countries living here for a moment.  I can make an entire argument about the culture that having folks from all over these United States living here.

For example, I had an extremely enjoyable lunch last week with a colleague who (like me) has bounced around quite a bit.  She has lived in Japan (as have I) and enjoyed experiences in many cities.  It was a charming, funny and informative lunch.  We laughed and picked each other's brains about certain situations.  She is an amazingly wonderful conversationalist that could discuss many topics.

The best part..?  We were sitting in her office having a box lunch.  Now that is just one example.  Every time I go out to a show at Miller, or standing in line at a shop or restaurant, I can usually fall into an enjoyable conversation with someone.  It really is that easy here.

Houston is a city of immigrants and it is that fact that makes this place such a wonderful place to be.

A walk on the moon

Okay...first off... NASA is just COOL!!  The kids and I visited the Johnson Space Center and it was simply awesome.

I have been interested in space all of my life, not maniacal about it mind you, but always interested.  Well, this place was definitely worth the visit.  Cannot say enough about it.  There is also a tram tour of the facility and we got to see some of the new "deep space" stuff that they are working on.

After the Nasa visit, my young 'uns got to experience a Vietnamese Banh Mi sandwich.  Now, what I learned was that the term Banh Mi literally means "sandwich" so that was a bit of a letdown, but the sandwiches were not.  Great place called Hughies.

Also got a chance to go to Sky Zone.  My knees and ankles would not allow direct participation, but the kids bounced around like crazy.  It is a trampoline fun house with trampolines on the walls as well.  Half hour for $10 and the kids (15 and 12) were exhausted.

It was wonderful to have too many places to go and actually have to make choices.  But then again, that is Houston.  There is always something to do here.