Well, it was bound to happen...

It just had to happen at some point.  After nearly three years of attending (almost) weekly performances at Miller Outdoor Theater, there had to be a clunker.  The worst part of it is that it had absolutely nothing to do with the performance but with my fellow audience members around me.

You see, I attended the Houston Ballet's performance of Giselle on Saturday night and per usual, I was in my regular seat in the back corner (stage left) of the audience.  Not sure why, but I always pick that spot.  There honestly is not a bad seat in the house...

Anyway, the evening was marred by folks who decided to carry on conversations right next to me.  The place was packed (both on the hill and in the seating area) and some folks were looking for a seat.  They were a bit vocal.  I understand looking for something but please try to do it without chatting about your day in a normal voice.  Since a number of them could not find a seat, they decided to congregate on the back corner(s).  Ugh!

The ushers did their best to shoo them away, but they were like a herd of cats.  The ushers shoo'd them from right by my seat and then they congregate in another section and when they get shoo'd from there they return to my area.  Unfortunately, I left before the end.  Too bad, because when I could see the stage the dancer were absolutely wonderful.

People from all over

Happy Cinco de Mayo! (I know that it is day late...)

Being a stereo-typical, corn-fed, midwestern born, middle aged, white guy I feel that I can fit right in and contribute to the diversity that is the city of Houston.  Living in one of the most diverse cities in these United States, I take great pride in bringing my unique culture to the masses.

That may sound rather silly, but in a very weird sense it is true.  Because of the diversity of this city, I feel that everyone can contribute their own particular brand of culture to the melting pot and have it appreciated.

This past weekend I was (as usual) at Miller Outdoor for a  Cinco de Mayo celebration that featured Los Lobos.  It included an emcee that is a television host from one of the spanish speaking stations and the best part... he spoke mainly in spanish to the crowd.  Oh sure... he interrupted his spiel to inform the english speakers in the audience what he was saying, but we were there for a Cinco de Mayo celebration which is a major Mexican holiday.  So naturally, the prime focus of the presentation should be Mexican - including the speeches.

I guess it goes back to the heart of this city - diversity.  There seems to be a cultural celebration of some sort going on here every weekend and that is marvelous.  There is a restaurant for basically any nationality here (check out the Bosnian cuisine at Cafe Pita) and every year most nationalities have a festival.  You really cannot beat it.