Originally Posted by Freebase Dali

Haha.. I don't know why he'd be "proud" of that. I think the major reason why most people around here don't get very far out is they lock down region-specific careers (which around here is the oilfield) and/or end up with families and little means to travel far for the sake of traveling far when they've got their lives to attend to.
But I guess there is that "southern pride" thing after all...

Originally Posted by Freebase Dali

You're from up north... Have you eaten your food? It's like cooperative, non-insulting, man made materials.

Originally Posted by adidasss

Say. Can anyone imagine me in a business suite doing some serius corporate business...

Originally Posted by Janszoon

I have to be completely honest with you: I've re-read this part of your post several times and I have idea what what you're saying here.

Originally Posted by Freebase Dali

Bland.

I guess I could have just said that.

Originally Posted by adidasss

Well our American office building is on Park row which according to google maps is near some huge-ass park called....um, George Bush park...:\

Originally Posted by crash_override

Houston is the stereotypical cowboy city. The entire city was built on Texas oil money. You'll probably never see a city where American Football is so popular. George Bush is god as far as they are concerned. Period.

I definitely wouldn't say all American large cities are the same, they are VERY different depending on where you go. Like VEGAN said, don't let Houston be your view of America as a whole.

Originally Posted by sidewinder

Yeah Houston may be mostly conservative/Republican, but there are some cool people there and some cool areas. Sure it was build on oil money, but it's not like everyone's walking around in tight jeans and cowboy hats. Food is king, you'll find some of the best food of any nationality there. It's all about dining in that city. It's so damn hot most of the year, you just want to sit somewhere to eat and drink. Make sure to get some good Tex-Mex, margaritas and even some real Mexican food at a Taquaria! Those are definitely Houston's (and Texas in general) specialty.

Sounds like you'll be on the West side if you're by George Bush park. Too bad, basically the burbs. I'm not too familiar with that side of town though, could be nice but probably not that interesting. If you get a chance, I highly suggest heading inside the 610 loop toward downtown. Check out the Montrose, Upper Kirby, River Oaks, West University, Museum District (including Hermann Park) and Midtown areas. Memorial and Sabine Parks are great...take a cruise on Memorial Drive from 610 West into downtown, one of the prettiest drives you'll experience in Houston. Then turn back the other direction on Allen Parkway to River Oaks and Upper Kirby and the rest of the inner loop (all the stuff I mentioned above). I really do miss that area of Houston. Houston Metropolitan as a whole...meh. Much too spread out and ugly except for the man-made master developed communities- which look nice but fake and are rather boring unless you have a family. Even then, it's suburban life.

Enjoy your trip though! I'm sure Conan and Nonsubmissivewife can give you more accurate/recent pointers if need be.

Originally Posted by Janszoon

Really? Where I grew up is known for things like lobster, clams, oysters and haddock. I don't personally like seafood, but I've never thought of that stuff as being considered bland by most people.

Originally Posted by Janszoon

Really? Where I grew up is known for things like lobster, clams, oysters and haddock. I don't personally like seafood, but I've never thought of that stuff as being considered bland by most people.

Originally Posted by Freebase Dali

It's less about the food itself, and more about how it's cooked and seasoned.
That's what I meant about bland. I could be eating the tongue of the very last bottle-nosed dolphin on the planet... if it isn't seasoned well, it's bland.

I know it's just my own culture and tastebuds and all that... Just saying. That's what the comment meant. Kinda runs the same course as having a musical opinion.

Originally Posted by Janszoon

Well, like I said I'm not even really a fan of my own region's cuisine so I don't really have much of an opinion on the subject. Actually I'd probably enjoy Thai, Indian or Caribbean food more than anything else most days of the week. Talk about good seasoning!