A quick flight from Austin, and we are in our final destination, Houston. It is about a half hour drive from the airport to our downtown hotel. As in Austin, it is extremely hot, with 35 degrees the expected high.
We go for a wander to find some lunch, and the downtown streets are quiet. With limited activities in the local area, we catch a tram to the Natural Science Museum. Quite an eye opener, as lots of homeless people in the downtown area, with quite a few getting on and off the tram.
The museum itself is interesting, with a live butterfly area, and some interesting jewellery and mineral displays. Then the tram back to the Main Station, and some more“interesting” local sights. We are pleased we are not spending too much time in Houston. First impressions are underwhelming.
There are not a lot of dining options within walking distance, so we wander down to a food court on Main Street called “The Finn.” Final night in the USA, so we had to have burger and fries, washed down with a cold beer.
Our final day in Houston and the States, so we do a two hour sight seeing tour in an air conditioned mini van. Saw a lot more of Houston, and appreciate it is a huge city. Within the downtown area is an extensive underground area linking buildings, with shops, cafes etc. Unfortunately, most of these are closed in the weekend. The downtown business area is like a ghost town in the weekends. A combination of the extreme heat, and workers living in the suburbs.
And with that, it’s time for our final Uber ride to the Airport, and the fourteen hour flight home.
It’s been a terrific trip. Quite ambitious, and we are ready for home. Have enjoyed the diversity of the different cities we have visited, each with their own charms and personalities. The USA is a massive country. Most of the fifty states have a bigger population than New Zealand! Great country, but there is no place like home.