6.9.2004 My Southern Experiences So Far...

During one of my weekend trips to Houston, while I was getting ready to board the plane, I followed the rest of the passengers down the jet way. We waited as the people ahead of us took their seats. I stood at the edge there before stepping off of the jet way for about a minute waiting for that final step onto the plane, and I thought to myself that this moment was very symbolic - very uncomfortable, but very symbolic. That was a dangerous lesson for me for almost revealing too much about the new business venture in Houston. I was superstitiously cautious to begin with and then, some of my fears were realized when something out of the blue came forth and really threw a tire in the road. Everything almost got tripped up and any opportunities or mishaps associated with it would've all gotten cracked up on the side of the road. Well, I feel pretty stupid and maybe it's just me being superstitious, but I won't risk that again for a little bit - not until things are more secure anyways. So, until that day arrives, I'll have to write about other stuff instead - and there's plenty.

Such as my southern experiences so far...

It has been interesting.

One thing for certain is that people here are exceptionally nice. How much of that is genuine is a good question - but so far so good. Anyhow, it was the opposite experience of when we moved to New York City. I feel like I have to relearn how to be tactful, patient and polite with strangers. This seems somewhat tediously welcome - if that makes any sense.

Climate wise, the humidity here is abnormally high. I say the word abnormally, because it is, especially compared to what I've been used to. I'm fortunate that I usually don't stay outside for too long, but if I had to compare it to something equivalent, I would say - take the hottest day in New York City - the one where you can see the heat sweltering up from the ground as it warps the air. Walk a few blocks and you would then start to perspire. At this point, break into a mad sprint for one more block, and then stop suddenly. Once you feel the downpour of sweat about to seep out of your pores, don a heavy parka. Now, that's hot.

Okay, not really - I don't really know yet, but that's what people tell me it's like. I have noticed that the air gets kind of *thick* however, but it hasn't been horribly hot yet - just *thick*

I have had the opportunity to get a haircut. It cost me $3.99. And it was worth about ... err... $3.99. Nuff said about that.

Other bargains I did notice was the cost of soda. I guess this is well worth the trip itself. I took a picture of some of vending machines from Wal-Mart and posted it below. Yes, you'll notice that it costs about 40 cents for a can of Coke or Pepsi, and the generic brand is about 25 cents.

Other price oddities I've noticed too was that a pack of cigarettes cost $2+ (not that I smoke, but I know that it's pretty expensive) and a gallon of premium gas was found at $1.95. Nifty heh? I thought so. I'm cool. I know.

Elizabeth and Megan have been having a blast :)