Houston

...aka "no-signal town"

This image probably best describes my impression of Houston: Highways, highways, highways - with so many of them you would think people would know how to signal - but no. And if I don't think of Houston as a bunch of roads put up on columns then this is the next best image:

I visited a bunch of these as they employ most of the town's population. This one specifically made plastic. Yay!

One good thing about all the highways is that there is no traffic really. But while you drive you might see these amazing things:

The 80 or so foot cross is quite impressive but I don't think it served any other purpose than the symbol that it is. And then everything is stamped with the Texas-shape. Even our waffle-maker at the hotel - unfortunately I don't have a picture of that.

Probably the single most interesting thing to do in Houston is visit the space museum and the NASA headquarters there. Jump on a tour tram, get your tickets, and explore the tools of space.

We did have quite first class tickets!

This last one is "Saturn 5" or "Apollo 18", not sure anymore - but it is one of the ones that never went to space obviously. I have no idea how to describe the size of it but the tour guide definitely did not warn us before entering just another warehouse at the space center. This thing is gigantic.

 "-Houston we have a problem! Can you hear me Houston?" Yes, this is historic mission control. I got goose bumps seating there. Apparently the red phone on the right is where all the important decisions used to go through.

Finally, the tour stopped by this tree site - every tree is planted for a lost life in the different space missions. I think it is a great idea - we should just plant a tree for our loved ones instead of a stone...

After the space center, we headed to the art district of Houston - very cute little area. Here you discover Renzo Piano's Menil Collection museum. It was a nice fresh break from the heat and it has some interesting ground digging artwork upfront.

Another typical Renzo Piano detail but what can I say - it works!
Unfortunately, no good cowboy or cow pictures - but went to a very fun movie theater/restaurant with great and affordable food.

And my last image from Houston will be that of the multiple electrical wires running through the sky. They have multiple electricity companies which makes for great competition if you ask me, no monopolies, and cool looking skies.