Damkier's Travels: Houston

Original Control Room at Houston Space Center

Houston, we have a problem. It is raining too much! I had three goals in visiting Houston - see my San Francisco Giants play the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park, eat some fresh Gulf shrimp, and visit the Houston Space Center. I was successful in doing all three in spite of the relentless rain and humidity. In Texas, the rain is warm and humid which made it possible to wear shorts even when it was still pretty cold back home! Houston is a large major city near the Gulf of Mexico and is dominated by the oil and shipping industries. After a 45 minute flight from Austin into the smaller Hobby Airport and renting another car, it was time to start exploring.

Minute Maid Park

Without missing a beat, it was time to see my Giants play the Astros. Minute Maid Park was my 26th MLB ballpark. The park has a retractable roof and several unique features, most unique are the railroad-themed aspects related to the location near the former Union Station. The former lobby of the station serves as one of the more interesting entrances to the generally boring exterior of the stadium. The ballpark features a replica steam locomotive that whistles and chugs before each game and after each Astros home run. I went to two games over two nights and the Giants and Astros both won one, but I still had a wonderful time.

Saturn V Rocket at Johnson Space Center

Space Center Houston is the base for tours of the NASA Johnson Space Center near Houston. Mother Nature dropped over three inches of rain overnight which flooded the freeway and many roads near the space center which caused massive traffic delays, but I found a detour and moved on. The visitor center is old and geared towards kids, but the real gem is the tour of the still active NASA facility. It was very cool to see the control center and simulation areas and the rocket displays. The tour gave a lot of information about past, present, and future space exploration and is highly recommended for any space cadet.

Fried Shrimp with Red Beans & Rice and French Fries

Fresh shrimp from the Gulf of Mexico are a wonderful treat. We in California have access to great crab and salmon, but Gulf shrimp are just so good. Bubba's Shrimp Palace - yes that is the real name - is a classic example of a waterfront seafood restaurant. $25 gets you unlimited fried shrimp with potato chips, hushpuppies, two sides, and lots of good tales about the shrimp and the area. The owner drives out each morning to buy fresh shrimp and prepares them perfectly to order. These plump and juicy morsels were perfect in every way and filled me up in a most pleasant manner. Plus the drive was a great way to experience the unique Gulf area, even with the gentle, but annoying rain.

Back in Houston, it was time for another Giants game. We lost this one, but I managed to eat several $1 hot dogs with plenty of beer. My hotel was near the light rail so I was able to indulge a bit. On the previous night, I opted for the BBQ Baked Potato loaded with bacon, cheese, sour cream, and brisket. One of the best parts of visiting the Giants on the road is the ability to get up close and personal. There are usually smaller crowds, and the players love any and all positive attention on the road. I have seen Cain, Lincecum, and the rest much closer and relaxed outside AT&T Park, but I forgot my pen! Oh well.

Downtown Houston Skyline

Houston exceeded my admiringly low expectations, but I do not think I will return for a long time. This large industrial city has a lot of nice features, but nothing that spectacular. I enjoyed my trip seeing the sights, eating the food, and watching my Giants all while dodging the rain storms and trying to keep cool and dry. Please enjoy the rest of my pictures below.