Category Archives: North America

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Rudi Lechner’s Oktoberfest

Houston isn’t my number one choice to celebrate Oktoberfest, but this year it will have to do. Just down the street from our humble abode is Houston’s most popular German restaurant, Rudi Lechner’s. And as far as authenticity, it’s pretty good.

We went on a Saturday night, meaning live music and a full restaurant but no wait. I don’t know if there’s no wait because it’s a little expensive, or because Houstonians don’t appreciate yodeling as much as they should. We had potato pancakes (a little too soggy) with applesauce, and they compared pretty closely to the wonderful potato pancakes we used to get a German festivals and outdoor markets in the fall in Frankfurt. I chose a quiche plate, because I wasn’t very hungry, but sampled my date’s weisswurst and bratwurst with spicy mustard. Delicious. I only wish it came with a brotchen as well! The pork steak (Rippchen) was perfectly cooked and thickly sliced, just like it came from our smalltown butcher in Martinshoehe. They have a reasonable selection of German beers, and you can indulge yourself and say ‘bitte ein Bit’ if you like.

The music was quite good, with typical favorites, German toasts and the whole restaurant was smiling and singing along. The crowd was very friendly, just as you would find in a beer hall somewhere in Bavaria. A tear almost came to my eye when the whole room rang out with “Ein prosit, ein prosit die gemüdlichkeit” 

If Germany isn’t quite in your budget this October, try it. www.rudilechners.com

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Staunton’s Gypsy Hill Park

I was blessed to attend a wedding this summer in Harrisonburg, Virginia. The reception took place in nearby Staunton (about 30min South) and after a fabulous meal at Stonewall Jackson Hotel (this is the South after all) we stumbled upon a little park.
Gypsy Hill Park is on first glance, a small park in the center of town, near the intersection of Churchville Ave and Thornrose. Upon further inspection, the park actually extents to an impressive 214 acres, including a golf course, football stadium, swimming pool and more.
The Gypsy Express train is particularly charming, a miniature train which operates on Saturdays and Sundays for only $1 per ride, children will adore it

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Bring a bird lover, I enjoyed the duck pond, which was filled with ducks and geese during the summer months. The pond itself was overflowing with koi (kind of gross if you ask me), and food for the ducks and koi could be purchased at machines along the edge of the pond. It’s much healthier than feeding them bread!

On a Saturday afternoon the park was pretty quiet, with just a few groups with picnics and families taking children to see the ducks or train. It has an idyllic Southern charm that reminds visitors of the simple life possible in a small town.

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Grace Cathedral, San Francisco

I am always thrilled to stumble upon beautiful churches. I was particularly amazed with Grace Cathedral, because it isn’t a Catholic Cathedral, it’s an Episcopal Church!

Perched on the very top of Nob Hill, easily accessible by foot (if you don’t mind a climb) or trolley, Grace Church is surrounded by high class elegance. But to me it doesn’t seem to be a reminder of humanity, but rather a tribute to the wealth and success that brought the church into existence. Nevertheless, if you find a quiet day, perhaps in the off-season, it can be the meditative place the brochures promise. Walking the labyrinth, gazing at the artwork and stained glass and contemplating life in a silent pew, it is a refuge from the busy street outside.   

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Houston Cultural Bargains

I am one of the few young people you will meet who loves living in Houston. I’m not sure what the problem is, there are plenty of young people in Houston, lots of jobs, great clubs and bars. But maybe they’re missing the part that I love most- culture. Houston has everything that a world class city should have, including cultural steals that smart locals really take advantage of.

Starting early summer the Miller Outdoor Theater plays host to Summer in the Park symphony concerts, played by the fantastic Houston sympony. The theater is a great place to enjoy a concert, come early to get tickets, or take your dog, kids and a picnic blanket to relax on the grassy hill. The symphony series ends with a Fourth of July celebration complete with fireworks and hot dogs. Later in the summer the public is treated to the Houston Shakespeare Festival, three weekends featuring two new plays each year. Last year I saw ‘Taming of the Shrew’ with a little bit of a Texas theme (no change in dialogue, just in accent!) and the year before they put together a fantastic ‘Hamlet’ that had the audience fascinated. This year’s ‘Julius Caesar’ and ‘Cymbeline’ should be well worth the drive to Hermann Park.

If you want year-round access to great culture, try www.artshound.com  This website can help you find events in any artistic genre, date or price.  It’s a great place to find gallery openings and special showings at places like the Houston Photography Center. Check out the Houston Civic Symphony for four free concerts a year, featuring interesting repertoire played by great amateur musicians of all ages and backgrounds.  I especially recommend the ‘cello section!

If your idea of culture is a little less refined, you might want to try local dance halls like Wild West. Cover is cheap earlier in the evening, often free, and free dance lessons are available Sunday nights.

Have a great time in Houston!

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Las Vegas sights and sounds

For me, Las Vegas is a giant theme park. Shows, games, rides, animals, great food, it has everything  in common with a theme park made for adults but friendly to everyone.

Wealthy or not, you can enjoy Las Vegas. Here are some highlights:

Walking from hotel to hotel can kill your feet, but it’s really the only way to see everything. A long walk, but worth the interesting show, is Rio, where Penn and Teller perform. The free show features a float that circles the room on the ceiling as well as a stage with dancers and music.

I could watch the gorgeous fountain show at the Bellagio over and over, perfectly timed to the music, it really puts a spring in your step.

The crown jewel of free shows is the Fremont Street Spectacular. It really is something to behold, and it must take a lot of confidence to have your thighs magnified 1000 times like the dancers in this video. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5982039999965049691&hl=en

Don’t forget to visit the Pirate show at Treasure Island and the lions at MGM grand!

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Eating well in San Francisco

Even if you only visit San Francisco for a day, you must find something wonderful to eat. My first recommendation is House of Nanking, pictured here at night by a poor photographer, a tiny place where you don’t bother ordering for yourself unless you’ve been a few times already. The waitress/owner/hostess sits reading a Chinese newspaper until a new customer arrives. You can seat yourself and ask for her recommendation. She will act slightly annoyed, but then bring you the most delicious and authentic Chinese food. The memory makes my mouth water, nothing else can compare! 

If Chinese isn’t for you, try clam chowder served in a sourdough bread bowl, preferably somewhere near Fisherman’s Wharf. I enjoyed a shrimp po’boy and chowder at Nonna Rose’s, though vendors all along Fisherman’s Wharf will serve you chowder or steamed crap to-go for a reasonable price.

To work off that rich food you can take a walk at the Wharf, and visit the Musee Mecanique or Ripley’s Believe it of Not! Museum. Take care though, the World Famous Bushman could be lurking nearby!

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Seeking the Past in San Antonio

Fiesta Texas, the Alamo, Mexican Food, the Riverwalk, all top tourist attractions in San Antonio, Texas, the number one tourist city in the state. But to me, these are where true San Antonio lies. Where the colorful Fiesta decorations end, south of downtown, the real history begins. The San Antonio missions offer a glimpse into some of the US’s most ancient history.

Designated a National Historical Park, the Missions actually consist of four mission sites, located a few miles apart. Mission San Jose, the ‘queen’, is the largest and most fully restored mission. Mission San Juan Capistrano once held a thriving, self sustaining economy. Mission Concepcion contains the oldest unrestored stone church in America and original frescoes are visible in some of its rooms. Mission Espada was the first mission in Texas, and still has the original bells so characteristic of churches at the time.

Mission Concepcion

 

There are two ways to experience the missions, driving or hiking/biking. In the summer it is certainly advisable to drive, as heat indexes often reach over 110 degrees. Simply walking around on the mission grounds is sure to build up a sweat, so make sure you bring your water bottle and wear a hat! In cooler temperatures the hike and bike trail linking the mission sites is a great way to see a bit of central Texas plants and wildlife and get some exercise. Whichever method you choose, make sure you time  your visit to coincide with some of the terrific talks given by park rangers. The mission guides can answer questions about life in the 1700s, the purpose of the missions and show you interesting artifacts and features of each site.

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Consider bringing lunch or a snack with you. The missions are close to downtown, but in beautiful, quiet parks away from the crowds and traffic. They are rarely crowded and a great place to unwind for a while before your visit to El Mercado.

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San Francisco Step by Step

There is a lot to be said about San Francisco, but by far my favorite thing about it was walking.

I love to walk in a new city. You are able to find new things on the way to your touristy guide-book destination. One morning I stopped at the coffee shop in Union Square and found this lovely breakfast (or dessert), a mocha cappuccino with a chocolate croissant.almost too pretty to eat

 I also found pigeons inside the little restaurant! And sparrows waiting for a crumb outside. imgp0320.jpg

That day they were putting lights on the gigantic Christmas tree. It looked quite precarious, and this is the closest picture I could get. Proof that it is an ENORMOUS tree. Also proof that I need to work on my photography skills.  imgp0248.jpg 

As I sat drinking my cappuccino and watching the brave man put up Christmas lights, an art show started to develop in Union Square. Artists started bringing in easels and paintings, chairs and tables and filling the square with their wares. I certainly had no idea that I would be treated to an art display on a weekday morning during my visit. That, however, is the joy of walking, and the joy of leaving the hotel for breakfast!

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Navy Pier, Chicago

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This is an old visit, but on a blustery cold day like today, I was reminded of it.  October 2006 I spent a day in Chicago. I went for a business meeting, and had the afternoon to myself at Navy Pier.

Navy Pier is certainly a tourist trap or theme park type venue.  In early October it was cold and looked ready to rain at any second, but the Children’s Museum and stores seemed relatively busy. Many of the rides, restaurants and outdoor activities were closed, but one could tell it had potential to be packed.  The view of Chicago from Navy Pier is quite nice, and the plaza in front of the museum deserves a photo opportunity as well. With a cup of coffee from the Starbucks inside the mall area, I walked around the outer edge of the ‘pier’ looking out at the water.  There were several boats available for hire on warmer days, cruises, rides, a German beer hall, plenty of places to buy gifts and eat.  dsc00181b.jpg

If you have some time and money to kill, and don’t mind overpriced parking, try Navy Pier for a few hours. If you have a child or two, it could be especially rewarding as the Children’s Museum and the fast food are conveniently close to each other. 

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Alligator Crossing at Brazos Bend State Park

The outdoors has always been one of my passions. Wildlife, fresh air, beautiful scenery, it’s difficult to find in downtown Houston. Luckily about 45 minutes away is Brazos Bend State Park, an often busy South Texas haven.

I last visited the park in February and it was COLD. You have to get there a bit early, or make reservations even on cold, wet days. RV-campers take up many of the prime spots, and if it rains some of the spots can get very soggy.  

The wildlife makes this park worth the visit. Birding is very popular, and the park delivers, with more than 270 species spotted in the area. If you are lucky you can also spot reptiles, amphibians and mammals like fox and raccoon (or maybe not so lucky!) 

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There are some nice nature trails and hiking areas, in particular the Creekfield Lake Nature Trail, which is a leisurely walk around a lake that is nearly always filled with ducks and egrets.

I haven’t seen any alligators yet, but rest assured I will be on the lookout the next time I visit.