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.

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.

Look at the faces...

People are wonderful things.  People have viewpoints that drive you crazy, make you think and some will just make you stop dead in your tracks and wonder.  People have styles and habits ranging from the hilarious to the awe inspiring.  Here in Houston, we have some of the widest variety there is in the United States.

Diversity is woven into the fabric of this city from the variety of places to dine to all of the ethnic festivals.   You can just walk down the street and see it.  You can hear the languages spoken and the garbs being worn.  All of this coming together into one city and it is magnificent.

My apartment complex is a great example.  Just in my little section there are three hispanic families, four Indian families, a Pakistani couple, a group of (I believe) Nigerian taxi drivers, and an Arabic family.  All of these wonderful people all living together in one (what would be) small, city block of apartments.  The folks are all polite and happy.  All of the kids are rambunctious and fun to watch.

Life is really good.