Outside of the bubble....

We left the countryside behind this morning as we drove into Houston.  There was an exhibit of European art and artifacts at the Art Museum that we wanted to see, so that's where we went first. So nice to be in the city again.  Easy for me to say, because I wasn't driving. So many road-blocks from on-going construction... seems like Houston is becoming a city of one-way streets and over-passes. The highways keep getting higher and higher and they all look like a confusing maze of concrete.

We had lunch at Niko Nikos, our favorite Greek restaurant in the Montrose area of Houston.... such good home-made food that's always consistently delicious. No matter what time of the day or night you happen to go there, that restaurant is just packed. And everyone happily waits on line, discussing the menu options with courtesy and patience. Such great energy in that restaurant.... the staff seems happy to be working there, and the customers are always more-than-satisfied with the food.  I truly miss the ethnic restaurants of Houston, particularly that one.

Last stop was Hank's Ice Cream... one man's dream of making and selling ice cream with his grandmother's recipe.  Hank's dream became a delicious and successful reality, and his little store near the old Astrodome is always busy with happy customers. Sadly, Hank passed away a few years ago, but his family has been keeping his tradition alive and the taste of his grandmother's ice cream is just the same as if Hank were still there. Such a nice man he was... sparkling gentle eyes and he remembered all of his 'regular' customers as soon as they walked in the door.

In an effort to not get caught up in rush-hour traffic, we left Houston before three o'clock.... driving home to the country bubble.... green pastures filled with cattle and goats, as opposed to concrete shopping centers filled with stores and restaurants.

The green pastures are beautiful, and the cows look peaceful..... but there's something to be said for a city filled with stores that aren't playing country music, museums that are filled with treasures from around the world, and an unlimited supply of shoe stores, restaurants, and bookshops.