bk - I promise, it was not my choice to return to NO. The meeting organizers disregarded my opinion and that of many other attendees in order to take advantage of savings via steep discounts from venues desperate for business. As always, you get what you pay for.

Seamus,

Fine, then don't visit. I'm sure me and the other 13 million visitors a year won't notice your absence.

Where do you live, may I add?

maria_so,

That's why my handle is called &quot;bk<b>Luvs</b>Nola&quot;, because love is not rational and forgives &quot;faults&quot;. I know the good, bad, and ugly about New Orleans, but still love her. People can bash New Orleans, but I know what I like about it, and 13 million other people agree.

On the other hand, it seems that you live in denial about Houston. You seem to think everything is perfect about Houston and nothing is wrong. You get defensive when people mention things they dislike about Houston, instead of addressing the issue discussed.

If I lived in Houston and loved it like you did, I would simply say that &quot;Yes, I know the traffic sucks, but I enjoy the really affordable restaurants&quot; or something like that.

I never claimed that New Orleans was perfect, and I wouldn't want it that way either. However, to me, it's the best city in the world.

And I've traveled ALL over the United States, having seen all the major cities, NYC, Boston, Washington, Los Angeles, Miami, Seattle, San Francisco, and the list goes on and on. I've seen most of the national parks, and been to most states (43). I've traveled all over Europe: UK, France, Spain, Switzerland, including Paris, London, Geneva, Barcelona, Edinburgh, etc...

I absolutely love to travel, and will keep traveling all my life. But nothing, I repeat nothing has ever approached (even remotely) the unique vibe that I experience in New Orleans, everytime I visit, anytime of the year, ever since the first day I set foot in that city.

I am not in denial about houston. Even I said in my original response to this post about the weather and that i know our city doesn't have the outdoors we like so much but there are so many good things about houston too and some that if someone has decided to come for 3 days can absolutely do and enjoy. what do you know of it, you don't live here and the little time you spent here you did nothing but see the bad! I'm glad you say you see the sins of your city too but you're the one who seems be defending it too much. I wasn't defending Houston. I am well aware of the sins of my city. I just thought that your way of bashing a city not your own was of bad taste since the poster didn't ask for the bad of the city but the good. If you did it once, I don't think I would even say anything but you jump at any post that has houston on it to say something bad about it. discuss the issues? since when was the post about the bad things in houston that we need to discuss??? you're in the wrong forum.

The point was to let you know how your bashing of our city leaves us with a bad taste and if you had any form of decency, you would take that for what it was and say &quot;sorry, didn't mean to bash your city&quot; but what we get is a diatribe of BS on your viewpoint of how we should want our city to be - you who do not live here! I think you should be more concerned about the state that New Orleans is in more than Houston. The fact that the city is so low on hired help because noone wants to move back in to the city seems to be more of an immediate issue than your supposd zoning issues of our city and is very telling of what your city has to offer.

ADe, I am so sorry I allowed the bad mouthing of someone to hijack this post. This is the last I will say about this - he/she is hopeless anyway. I will only respond if you have more questions from now on.

My conclusion is you just don't get it. You are insensitive to how you've made us houstonians feel or if you have, you could care less.

Y

sorry, scratch &quot;My conclusion.....&quot;. Meant to delete that part.

maria_so,

I think adehughes now has enough information to decide on how the people of Houston act and behave. He can see how they treat people that may not be used to the way things are done in Houston. He can see how that are not open to any other viewpoints than their own.

I'm officially done with this thread.

Hallelujah!

The people of Houston have been extremely civil. It really is awful that you choose any post on Houston to rail against the city. We're not in denial - it's hot and there's traffic. I've seen Maria mention things like &quot;don't go there unless you're prepared to deal with the traffic&quot; - really let's try to stay on track with these posts; each time someone asks for advice about fun things to do and activities, you steer the conversation toward what things stand for and how change needs to be implemented and how Houston didn't get the Olympics - if you have some fun ideas, then chime in, but all this getting on your soapbox does not help the poster find things to do - they're coming, they want things to do and enjoy for 3 day, it's simple. You just really seem to focus on the negatives of everyone else's city when that's not what they are asking for. I know you like to stir it up as you said, but really, I feel sorry for the original posters to these questions.

Hallelujah indeed Binthair!

Volcanogirl, It's obvious you actually read the post unlike some other folks.

Ade, have you seen this site? They seem to be selling astros tickets for April 11/12...or am I reading that wrong?

http://www.stubhub.com/houston-astros-tickets/

(Ade, are you there?) I shudder to think I'm taking this to the top, but since we're (I hope) back on the subject of making suggestions for adehughes, I think the stubhub tickets are resales by season ticket holders. The official astros.com website is still selling just season tickets and mini-season tickets. Individual tickets should be available in a week or so, I imagine.

Adehugehes, i hope you haven't given up on this thread!
For a wonderful Texas feel, try to have at least one night at the Hyatt Hill Country Resort nr San Antonio. It has a wonderful atmosphere, Texan and Western without being &quot;hokey.&quot; It's built on an old ranch and has items from that ranch (eg an old windmill) on its grounds, by a lovely swimming area.
Austin--has anyone mentioned the magnificent State Capital Building and Park? A gorgeous place, surounded by lawn filled with monuments to Texas history. Look up at the Rotunda with its Star of the First Republic (letters T-E-X-A-S around the star). In the chambers, seewhere the legislators' children are pictured as its mascots.

And yes, the Alamo!!! So much fascinating and poignant history there. Don't miss David Crockett's embroidered vest in the dispaly case in the sideroom of the church. And next to the Alamo, the famous old Menger Hotel, built not long after the Battle at the Alamo. Look into the older, original section for the three story lobby with its stained glass ceiling.

Just outside the hotel's entrance is a fun gift shop with some interesting items, as well as standard souvenirs, called San Antonio Style. It has one of my favorite posters, &quot;Starring Texas&quot;--a montage of Texas Stars from every county in the vast state.

There is LOTS more to see. I had too little time in Austin and San Antonio and can't wait to go back.

I second idea to stay at the Driscoll in Austin, and when i return, it'll be there. It's stunning, true old Austin, filled with history, and in a perfect area nr Sixth Street and Congress. We stayed at the Hampton Inn on 3rd, which was ok, but too far a walk to the center of the action, IMHO.

In San Antonio, great idea to stay at a hotel ON the Riverwalk (but not the Drury Inn Riverwalk Suites where i stayed--DREARY Inn, is a better name). Better to be closer to the Alamo end of the river (not sure which direction that is--maybe East?) Also, be prepared to see lots of &quot;needing repair&quot; areas right by Riverwalk--this was surprise to me.

Also, please do read and/or see a movie about he Alamo before you come--maybe the one from a few yrs ago with Dennis Quaid.

Have a great trip in the heart of Texas, whose state motto--lived by nearly every Texan I've had the pleasure to meet- is &quot;Friendship.&quot;

CaliNurse- aren't you sweet! :)

ADE- You MUST make note of this one-

In Austin, from Mid-March to Mid-November, the Congress Bridge bats. YES, 1 Million+ Mexican free-tail bats depart at dusk from underneath the bridge. It is the COOLEST thing to witness! (five bucks says someone has videoed it and it is on youtube somewhere!)

Here is a link with some more info:

http://www.austincityguide.com/conte...ats-austin.asp

I totally agree with sarge - seeing the bats is amazing, and it's seasonal, so you have to see it while you can. ade, I think you'll have some good stories to tell!

Great idea on renting &quot;The Alamo&quot; before you come - I just watched the one with Dennis Quaid - I am a &quot;transplanted&quot; Texan and it really got to me - not that it's the greatest movie but it will help you understand the deep significance of the Alamo to Texans. There is also an Imax movie you can see nearby the Alamo itself if I remember correctly.

Again thank you all for the comments and different view points.
We have taken on board what has been said and will start planning in ernest.

Will keep an eye open for the Astros tickets on their web site.

If any of you ever need any help on Wales please feel free to email me and ill do what i can.

I will let you know how we get on in late april.

Again thanks

Ade
Wales UK

Give a hollar if you need anything more while you are here . . email is in my name

Goodness, you Houston people sure are sensitive. No, I'm not bashing, just making an honest observation...as new resident of the Houston area myself.

I don't agree with BK's observation about Minute Maid vs. Rangers Ballpark - in fact, my opinion is just the opposite. But that's it is, an opinion, just like BK's was an opinion.

As far as his &quot;what does it stand for post&quot;, since he was asked, he gave a very honest opinion. You may disagree, but I hardly think he was &quot;bashing&quot; Houston. Actually, it seems that quite a few Houstonians are in agreement that maybe this whole anti-zoning philosophy ain't so great.

BTW BK - if you come back to this thread to read this, you can <b>bold</b> by using &lt; b &gt; and &lt; /b &gt; (without the spaces).

I have to jump in as a Texan...although I now live outside of London!

I've lived in Houston twice for a total of 10 years. I told my husband if we ever have to go back, he's on his own! :)

That being said, Houston does have a lot to offer the first time visitor. It's just a difficult place to live. April will be hot already, but way better than August!

I've been a Houston Astros fan since I was a little girl. My son and I fly back for 3 days only ever summer to go to a series. Minute Maid Park is great.

San Antonio/Austin are my favorite Texas cities. I don't where you're going to first, but if you can drive via Brenham (Bluebell Country) and take a detour to Chapel Hill. Most of the wild flowers will be gone by then, but there may be some left.

Definitely stay near/on the Riverwalk in San Antonio.

I agree with staying on South Congress in Austin. If you want a really fun baseball game, check out the Round Rock Express. It's an Astros minor league team. The games are fun and it's a whole different experience.

Of course as an Astros fan, I could never recommend a game in Dallas unless of course they were playing Houston.:)

I'm glad you are going to experience my home state. I'll be there myself in May. I can't wait!

&quot;Goodness, you Houston people sure are sensitive&quot;

Better than being insensitive. Please cruise some old threads of BK's and see how some of the people posting are regarded and the patronizing comments made.

Hi, luv - the people of Houston have a history with this poster. If you check back on any recent post where someone is going to visit or move to Houston, it's the same thing over and over and not really on topic. I think you're sensing the &quot;oh, no, here it comes again&quot; syndrome. But, ade has been very patient with us!

We love Minute Maid Park, but when we went to the stadium in Arlington, we saw something pretty cool - people were allowed to bring their own food in - had never seen that before.