Houston @ Marielle's

Friday, April 17– The rain had come and gone overnight, but the skies where not sunny yet. We made our way to a gas station to get feminine products (I don't ask) and to wash our pots in their bathroom, and started driving into Houston.

Houston, Texas is the third largest city in the country. Nearly 40 miles from one side to the other, it has nearly 7 million people. Traffic wasn't too bad as we circled downtown on the highway but as soon as we got off on the south side of the city it was a mess. We drove for miles down a boulevard, stopping at a sprint store to find a new phone for Tyne, then to go to the George Bush park for a picnic lunch.

There were 10+ Mexicans on every block for miles. I'm not sure if they were waiting for jobs, a bus, or just hanging out, but there they were. Hundreds of them sat with hats on their faces, playing dice, eating fast food. Block after block after block. Finally, we made it to the edge of the city and suddenly the development (and loitering) stopped.

We pulled into the George Bush Park on the west side of the city. This is one of the countries largest city park, covering over 7,800 acres. Considering its immense size, it was nearly empty. With over 6 million people just a few miles away, we saw only a handful of people out enjoying the cool 60 degree day.

We ate a lunch of Peanut butter and crushed granola sandwiches, played on the swings for a few, chased Dazey after she chewed through her leash, and walked around a pretty sad little pond. Not too impressed, and with the storm clouds mounting again, we pressed on to Katy, TX, another 10 miles west.

We had three hours to kill before my friend Marielle was out of work and could meet up with us, so we decided to find some internet. Tyne passed out on the back bed while I drove around neighborhoods looking for a good unsecured signal. After finding everyone had passwords to their connection, I drove back to the highway and parked at a Super 8, which offered great free signal. I did some work and checked the radar on weather.com. A tornado had touched down nearby. Looking at the sky, I saw it was a swirling charcoal stew. Lying down across the front seat, I watched the storm and eventually fell asleep myself.

Marielle called and gave us directions later that evening. She lives with her boyfriend Pauli from Long Island, her mother, and her mothers Mexican boyfriend. They welcomed us into their very nice home asking how we liked all the Mexicans that live down here in Houston. We were shown to a nice guest room with a pillow topped bed all made up. Dazey and their dog got all muddy in the back yard, earning them each a hose down later on.

After a shower, the four of us went down to the Wal-mart and Blockbuster to get groceries and a movie. Some amazing dank grilled chicken, 2 cheese, veggie and bean quesadillas came next, followed by "Marley and Me." (Tearjerker, made me want to hug Daze forever.) This rest and relaxation was to prepare us for a fun weekend and week ahead!!

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