|
Have fun in Austin, Abe, but I think Spearfish is a pretty good town, too. It's in "God's Country", at the edge of the Black Hills, beautiful pine forests, on the road to Mount Rushmore.
The numbers come from the census bureau, which has a massive table of county to county migrations. Dabber, if your goal is to see how Americans live, then Dallas will suit you. It is pretty much of a melting pot of Americans on the move. It's not particularly Texan, though. The community of Fort Worth will probably serve you a cowboy fix, if that's what you want. Sure, we'd like to read about your exploits. |
Statman, don't understand your comment to dabber about "sorry you're bored". It is, after all, Dabber who is the original poster and he did have very specific questions.
Not sure if you meant it to sound the way I read it. May I read into it more snippiness because I'm feeling a little bad for dabber that his thread has been well and truly highjacked. (and I have a cold so maybe I'm crankier than normal) It has been amusing though. |
Everything in this thread is about Dallas... what sort of place is it, etc.
I'd wish for equally detailed information if I were preparing to visit a city on another continent, especially one that is not the largest or most well known. |
stat_man, you write:
"Amsterdam's European history is impressive, in contrast to Dallas' recent history, and its canals are a picturesque tourist diversion. The city's tolerance of drugs and promiscuity is a plus to some, but a minus to me. I won't see stoned 20 year olds trancing in Dallas' Deep Ellum." However, Dallas is known for its gentleman's clubs, although they can't rival Amsterdam's... See stat_man, I did mention one of the top tourist attractions in Dallas. You can be proud of that. |
stat_man, you state:
"The nature of that "character" is the issue. Austin is basically a refuge for the ideologically left-of-center in Texas. It attracts people who are too politically extreme for the somewhat politically moderate Houston and Dallas." I do agree that Austin attracts more left of center people than Houston or Dallas. However, I would have worded it this way instead: "It attracts people who are too moderate or left of center for the staunch neo-conservative extremists in Houston and Dallas." |
Dabber, one thing you should know about Austin is that many of its inhabitants are very defensive, and have something of a siege mentality. They have a deep antagonism for Dallas and Houston, and consider them ideologically depraved. I'm reminded of George Orwell's description of Oxford as "the home of every lost cause". Austin's favorite slogan is "Keep Austin Weird", apparently not a very difficult ambition.
But back to business. You asked about using the TRE to reach Fort Worth. I'd suggest taking the local DART line to the Union station, and then transferring to the TRE. I've given you directions from your hotel to the nearest DART station in a previous post. Once at Union Station, The TRE tracks are adjacent to the DART tracks. I'm not sure about tickets, however. I do know that a TRE ticket to Fort Worth will also entitle you to ride DART, but I don't know if you can purchase a TRE ticket at your local DART station, or must do it at Union Station. I'll try to find out. The TRE is mostly an accommodation for workers entering downtown, and its schedules are frequent, every 20 minutes, during the morning and evening commute times. Other times, the trains would be once an hour. The last train is early in the evening, but if there is an event at the American Airlines Center arena, there may be later trains. The railcars are double-decked. You may prefer to sit in the top floor for a better view. Much of the scenery will appear to be unsettled countryside, and you may believe that the space between the two downtowns is open country, but that is an illusion. The line follows the path of the shallow, meandering Trinity river, and the land adjacent to the river has been left undeveloped, as a nature preserve. There will be several suburban stations between the two downtowns, with no particular facilities other than parking lots, but downtown Fort Worth has 2 stations. If you are traveling to the Sundance Square area, the first station is the most convenient. You will have a walk of several blocks to the north and the west to reach Sundance Square. You will see many references to cowboys and cattle ranches in Fort Worth. As a generalization, Dallas has dismissed and ignored any associations to the "Texas myth", which probably inspired Fort Worth to embrace it, out of a sense of perversity, perhaps. Fort Worth has worked for many years to emerge from Dallas' shadow, and the people can be a bit defensive about it... |
Aceplace, my apologies. I think you were the one who described using the DART system. Anyhow, thanks for it...
|
Dabber, no need to ride a DART bus to get to Union Station. As you probably already know, your hotel is about a 10 minute walk from Union Station.
|
This list gives some numbers for the international community in Dallas. In addition to immigrants from the United States, Dallas has been a focus of the entire world...
Afghanistan 2,000 Albania/Kosovo 3,000 American Indians 22,000 Arab (various countries) 60,000 Argentina 6,000 Bangladesh 8,000 Bolivia 1,600 Bosnia 7,000 Brazil 8,000 Burma 1,200 Cambodia 12,000 Cameroon 700 Chile 750 China 80,000 Colombia 25,000 Congo 3,500 Cuba 2,500 Czechs 30,000 Dominican Republic 1,300 Ecuador 2,500 Egypt 5,000 El Salvador 80,000 Eritrea 9.500 Ethiopia 11,000 Finland 2,000 Gambia 450 Ghana 8,000 Guatemala 18,000 Hmong (Laos) 400 Honduras 10,000 Iceland 60 India 100,000 Indonesia 600 Iran 60,000 Iraq 1,000 Ivory Coast 300 Japan 5,000 Korea 55,000 Kosovo/Albania 3,000 Kurdistan 5,000 Laos 7,500 Malaysia 300 Mexico 1,000,000 Nigeria 25,000 North Africa 10,000 Norway 1,200 Pakistan 45,000 Panama 1,500 Peru 8,000 Philippines 30,000 Poland 40,500 Puerto Rico 22,000 Russia 6,000 Rwanda and Burundi 750 Senegal 200 Serbia 1,000 Sierra Leone 4,000 Singapore 300 South Africa 5,000 Thailand 7,500 Tonga 4,000 Turkey 3,000 Uganda 1,500 Ukraine 400 Vietnam 60,000 West Indians 10,000 Zimbabwe 3,000 http://www.dfwinternational.org/demographics/ |
Tax Refund for International Visitors
Before leaving Texas and the USA, international visitors may request a sales tax refund. To qualify for a Texas Sales Tax refund, the following must be presented at one of the two TaxFree Shopping, Ltd service centers: Passport, I-94, U.S. visa, flight tickets showing journey from Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas to your legal residence outside of the United States, and original sales receipts and purchased items. Items must be purchased in Texas within 30 days of departure and purchases must be taken with you when you depart Texas and the USA. North all stores participate in the Texas Sales Tax refund program. Those that do are listed on the website www.taxfreetexas.com. USA Cultural Guidelines and Etiquette (from ExecutivePlanet.com) American Dream: Built into the United States work concept is the idea of the 'American Dream' that every individual can succeed and prosper financially by working hard. Education is generally thought to be the road to financial success. Those with a college education, compared to those who do not finish high school, make, on the average, over a million dollars more during their work life time. Appointments: Prior appointments are necessary even for social visits. Before going to visit a friend, it's common courtesy to call ahead. Clothing: In Texas, a more casual approach to dressing is the norm in many workplaces and social events. Far from the typical image of a Texas city, Dallas is a well-dressed, sophisticated city that leans toward formality. Dates: People in the United States write the month first, then the day, then the year [i.e., December 5, 2006 is written 12/5/06]. Gifts: Presenting a gift is a thoughtful gesture, but it is not expected. But during the holiday season [late November through the first week of January], gifts are exchanged. When you visit a home, it is not necessary to take a gift, although it is always appreciated. Flowers, a potted plant, or a bottle of wine are good gift choices. Taking someone out for a meal or other entertainment is another popular gift. Time: Punctuality is very important for business and social occasions. When invited to a party, it's usually permissible to arrive 10 – 15 minutes late. Informality: Outside of the office, Americans tend to be informal and insist on staying on a "first name basis”. Meals: On weekends, many people partake in 'brunch', a combination of lunch and breakfast beginning anywhere from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. On weekdays, lunch is usually a lighter meal, since work continues directly afterward. Dinner is the main meal of the day and can start between 5:30 and 8:00 p.m. Smoking: Smoking is not as commonplace and is subject to restrictions in most public places. Before smoking, the best policy is to ask if anyone minds, or wait to see if others smoke. Touching: A handshake is the customary greeting for both men and women. For the most part, Americans do not touch much during conversation and other social situations. The backslap is sometimes used as a sign of friendship. Personal space: The standard space between you and your conversation partner should be about two feet. R.S.V.P. is a French abbreviation meaning ‘please confirm your attendance’. It is considered courtesous to reply to invitations, whether you are able to attend or not. Work: Americans work long hours, take, on average, two weeks of vacation, and spend a lot of time doing work-related travel. Generally, the working week is Monday through Friday, 8:30 or 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 or 6:00 p.m. Many people, however, work overtime. Highway Names Newcomers can easily be confused by the fact that many highways have two different names. Stemmons Freeway is also Interstate 35E north of downtown Dallas. East-West Freeway is Interstate 30 in Fort Worth. North-South Freeway is Interstate 35W in Fort Worth. North Central Expressway is also US highway 75. Woodall Rodgers Freeway is a short loop that connects 75 and I-45 with I-35E. John Carpenter Freeway is both highway 183 and highway 114. Loop 12 includes Northwest Highway, Buckner Blvd, Ledbetter and Walton Walker. Lyndon B. Johnson (LBJ) Freeway is Internstate 635 in Dallas. Tom Landy Freeway and R.L. Thornton Freeway are Interstate 30. |
Neighborhoods with an International Flavor
• Chinatown in Richardson between Belt Line / Main St. and Arapaho, was formerly an empty strip center. • Little India, on both east and west sides of the 75@Belt Line intersection is filled with food markets, gold and sari stores, video stores and miscellaneous small shops • Koreatown near I35 (Royal and Harry Hines) is bustling with energy in an area formerly connected with the sex trade. Ismaeli (Pakistan and India) importers are also a significant presence. Farther south on the same street, Mexican bazaars and taquerias are concentrated. • Around Bachman Lake Mexican family-run businesses have replaced massage and sex shops. • Oak Cliff has maintained its Mexican flavor. • In Arlington, Pakistani and Mexican markets and restaurants vie for space. • Arab and Muslim shops and restaurants cluster on Main Street and Spring Valley in Richardson. • Little Pakistan has formed in Carrollton on Trinity Mills. The Al Markaz and IndoPak Centers offer restaurants, food markets, sweets stores, gold jewelry, a credit union, video stores, insurance and money exchangers. These are located close to the Ismaeli Jamat Khana (mosque) and Center. • FunAsia, a for-profit Richardson/Garland community center that serves the Desi (Indian subcontinent) communities, opened in 2003. Its facilities include a restaurant, wedding halls and two movie theaters. FunAsia has just added two centers, one in Carrollton and another in Irving. • Little Ethiopia is found along Greenville and the east side of Park Lane. |
Only 2 weeks to go!!Have managed to book the Fort Worth tour with Grayline on the 14th,leaving at 12.30 and lasting about 4 hours,as I have never heard of Grayline before are these tours good value??It is $40 each and takes in the stockyards,Billy Bobs and the cattle drive as well as lunch in Sundance Square,at the end of the tour do you tip the tour guide/driver?
|
I usually find the grayline tours to be a nice overview. and will take them to orient myself to a city. I have not taken one in awhile, I donàt remember tipping in the past, maybe someone else has more recent experience.
|
It looks like we go to Sundance Square first for lunch ,does anyone have any recommendations as to which restaurant to go to? Not bothered about type of food,I like TexMex or Italian.
There is also a visit to the Botanical Gerdens,(any good?) |
I HIGHLY recommend you eat lunch at Riata in Sundance Square! It is a truly unique Texas experience! The food, IMHO is excellent. I personally love the tenderloin tamales, which are usually served as an appetizer, and their steaks are amazing. They also have some Mexican food. Take a few minutes to stroll around the restaurant and admire the decor. You will see some AMAZING silver saddles from the 1920s, authentic cowboy gear, and gorgeous western art. Be sure and visit the restrooms for even more neat artifacts!
|
I agree w/ ChristieP regarding lunch at the Reata. It is a great atmosphere and wonderful food.
http://www.fwbg.org/index2.htm I love the FW Botanical Gardens, but ONLY at certain times of the year. Someone please correct me if I am wrong - but I do not think that they plant blubs (other than irises) for March blooms. I went last year in late March and very few things were blooming. This garden is much more beautiful in May through October. Perhaps someone can tell you if the Japanese Gardens or the Conservatory are worth a stop. http://www.fwbg.org/index2.htm Some prior posters recommended the Dallas Arboretum. If you want to visit some gardens, this one is wonderful if the tulips are in bloom. Have a wonderful trip! |
|
Dabber, this morning I noticed some of the early flowering trees blossoming, and a few green buds here and there. You'll be visiting at a lovely time. (But do try to get away from downtown Dallas and Ft. Worth a bit; lots of concrete there.)
On the Europe board, we've been having conversations about whether to dress in spring or winter colors in March and April in cities such as Paris, Rome and Barcelona. Just tell Mrs. Dabber that if she has any pastels she wants to pack, bring them on. Of course, you should dress for whatever temperature it is, but around the office, I'm already seeing folks' new spring clothes. |
Same here, missypie....it seems like the redbud trees just POPPED over night.
Dabber - I can't go through and re-read everything...but weren't you interested in Dallas Swat? I think I saw them yesterday at breakfast at the All Good on Main (at Walton) in Deep Ellum - it's near the police station (few blocks away). |
I did say that I watched a few episodes of Dallas Swat but they seem to have taken it off now,I am still watching Walker even though it is quite old now just to get a feel for Dallas / Fort Worth.
I noticed that the temperature in Dallas is about 70 degrees,quite a bit warmer than here where it is only about 55!! Only a week to go,just doing the last minute purchases,should we include sun lotion or am I being too optomistic? We usually have a week in the Med at this time of year to escape the cold but I am sure Dallas will be better than a week on a beach!! |
| All times are GMT -8. The time now is 11:59 AM. |