Tag: Texas

An Amtrak Adventure: Chicago to Austin by train

Since my visit to Union Station in Kansas City, I’ve had a hankering for a long train ride, and when I found out that Amtrak could get me to Austin for the Dance/USA conference for less than the cost of a plane ticket I decided to go for it.

You’re probably either really jealous or think I’m really ridiculous.

At one point in history, the train was THE way to get there, wherever there is, and aside from the extra leg room, for me, it’s a blast to get a taste of what life was like before planes became an accessible way to travel. Our country is littered with magnificent buildings posing as train stations, and despite my home city’s inability to use Union Station efficiently, departing for a long ride from there transports you to a classier time before neck pillows and body scanners. Continue reading An Amtrak Adventure: Chicago to Austin by train

Starbucks Around the World: Houston, TX

Any subscribers will be glad to hear that this ends the whirlwind update from “that other travel blog”.  Bringing you this last Starbucks Around the World from Houston means I’m up-to-date (on Starbuckses, anyway) and I won’t be clogging up your newsfeed nearly as much.  Although, I have to say, it’s been so fun for me to go through all of these memories.  In the end, I’m sure you realize that it’s not about the Starbucks, or the coffee.  This is about experiencing the everyday life and cultures of different places around the world.  It’s about what is different, and what is very much the same – such as a daily cup of coffee.  I hope you’re enjoying the ride as much as I am….

Disclaimer: Since Travelpod does not allow you to export blogs, I shall be bringing old entries to you slowly, but surely, through good, old-fashioned (and painstakingly arduous) Cut-and-paste.

July 29, 2010

Anyone who knows me well knows that I’m crazy about Texas (insert sarcasm here).  Don’t get me wrong, I know a lot of nice people from Texas, but a seriously bad 48 hours in Dallas and general disdain for big hair have left me a little underwhelmed about the idea of making this state a destination spot.  On the way to Oaxaca, our 30-minute stopover in Houston meant of course that we’d miss our connecting flight and end up hanging out at George Bush International Airport for 3 hours.  At least it gave us time to stop off for the first (and presumably only) Starbucks hit in Texas.  I think it was a green tea, actually.

In the end, George Bush turned out alright – the airport, anyway – and we got where we needed to go (with a surprise trip to Mexico City and an impromtu visit with Nancy’s Aunt).  And according to our friend Shannon (the best thing from Texas, as far as I’m concerned), if ever there again after 10am there’s great BBQ in terminal C….

p.s. check me out with all my style points on Unstitched, a fantastically beautiful blog with a great series on traveling.