Houston

I initially wanted to do a long post on my trip to Houston, but let me try something different this time. I think I will just jot down random stuff and hope it conveys what I want to say about the trip. You can call these “observations” if you’d like.

At Baltimore International Airport: I reach at 5.00pm for my 7.30pm flight. Waste my time tasting a tasteless bagel, stand in line for 10 minutes in a coffee shop to find out they don’t have ice to make frozen mochas, and then look at the departure timetable to realize my flight is 3.5 hours late. I try to get on an earlier flight and put my name on the standby list. I am the 4th one on the list. The 3 before me in the list made it.

Flight delayed due to “Air Traffic Control” problems they said. Inside, they apologize for weather delays.

Land in Houston at 1.30am in the morning; Houston is as boring as ever. Question myself – “exactly why am I visiting this boretown for the 3rd time?” Time to convince my friend to move out of there… at least for my sake.

It rains wildly on Saturday. We travelled for an hour and a half in one direction to visit the most exciting place in town – The Mall.

Only because we’ve covered everything there is around Houston in the last two visits. If rain gods had not obliged, perhaps we could have done Austin, where my friends inform, lies some hope for Texas.

What kind of city has three downtowns?! Too hot as well. Too Humid to even breathe. None of the downtowns are remotely exciting. Why are people so obese in this city? Does anyone walk … like go for a stroll in this city? I don’t think so.

Sunday weather is no better. Though clears up in afternoon – we go to Kemah and do sailing. However high winds prohibit us from setting our front sail. After a good five minutes of the boat tilted 20 degrees and touching water on the side, we call it quits. We still sail quietly and head back. We’ve had enough scares.

We pack enough stuff for our sailing trip – all the drinks, the colas, the food and the likes. We don’t have anything on board.

Its bad weather on Monday. That doesn’t deter us from our appetite – its been decided that we are going to have a Gujarathi Thaali. I cannot wait. Unfortunately, the restaurant (also named Thaali) is closed for Memorial day. Though the sign on board says “Closed Tuesdays”.

Dejected we look at couple of other Indian restaurants, and finally settle on “authentic Indian-Chinese restaurant”. Quick look at buffet – lots of chinka options, we decide to eat. Food is as terrible as it gets, and its Sambhar being the only saving grace. Don’t know why it advertizes itself as authentic Chinese-Indian joint. It was neither Indian nor Chinese. Felt more like solid Vietnamese soup. Yuk!

Head to Hot Breads to have some Tiramisu. I note that Hot Breads in D.C area is much neater, much nicer and much better. My friend smirks – “Of course, how can anything be good in Houston at all?”

Checking out at house, the flight was on time. At the airport the flight is couple of hours delayed. My connecting flights are missed as a result. All permutations and combinations of various other connections lead to nothing. Eventually flight cancelled due to weather. I am stuck in Houston.

Next day is no better in flights, though its sunny – problem lists as “Waiting for Crew” on website. I lose my patience, get on another airline.

Airline also boards a bunch of U.S Army guys. An onlooker asked – “Heading for the sandbox?”. Few soldiers look away, while one of them manages a meek “Yes” behind his visibly fake smile. “Best of Luck and stay safe” passengers tell ’em.

The soldiers get off at connection airport. We are not supposed to change flights – thank God.

An old lady changes her seat and sits next to me, a seat vacated by a soldier. She weeps, and says – “I feel so sorry for these army guys; so young and they’re being packed to hell”. I offer my niceties and she continues – “My son’s in army; he just returned from Iraq. I am just glad that he did, but I can’t control myself seeing these young men being sent there…”

I have no words to offer her. I wanted to.

Something’s wrong – the plane was supposed to take off half hour ago, but hasn’t. “Check Engine” light is ON the pilot says and they need to umm…check engine; it immediately quenches any of our desires to fly again in that plane. “We found no problems with the aircraft” the pilot announces gleefully before we fly again. I don’t want to travel in that plane again.

The SuperShuttle guy picks up 8 people in his taxi-bus. The driver talks about optimized route and leaving me last in the list, even though I was the first to get on the bus and wait for others to arrive. I figure a little bit of anger and no tip threat works wonder. I am left third.

Tired, groggy and delighted to be back in Washington D.C. Its sunny and dry – just as I like it. 3 visits in last 4 years later, I think Houston is same as ever: Absolutely dead and dull. My friend needs to get out of there!

The outdoor swimming pool is finally open!! Something to look forward to finally!!