Wandering Traveller

A day out just seemed right on this bright spring day in Houston Texas, little humidity and temperatures in the low 70’s. It took me a while to decide which direction to go but the beach seemed appealing with the fine weather. Where else but Galveston would it be fun to just go around and enjoy the crispy air and the sound of the waves.

10.00 am and am out with James my friend. Started off Space Center Boulevard and drove about a mile when we found what an interesting place seemed for a cold one. The sign read Cullen’s and next to it was Big Shot. Soon as we got there James decided not to proceed with me. He had been enticed by the excellent service and the beauty of the place with its executive but soothing and relaxing atmosphere which is perfect after a hard day’s work and an eventful week at school. I soon as I took a few pictures and admired the Aroma and the breeze outside where James settled down, I took off. Moments later I was passing through the Space Center museum.

This is where you can have actual simulation of space shuttles that have actually be used by NASA to go to space. I took this picture right from the road whislt I was waiting for the lights, but it looks great and makes me think of going there next time to have a feel of the real thing.

In a few minutes, I was on Sam Houston Toll way instead of Interstate 45, how crazy of me, whatever I was thinking at the time. In a bit I was approaching a toll gate, that’s when I realized I had taken a wrong turn somewhere. My window has no eztag—a pass authorizing the right of passage through the gate. Neither did I have change to pay, except two dimes that have been lying on my dash for almost a year now. With little no options, I just ran by the eztag gate, and decided to sort that one out later. Regardless of the incident, I decided to enjoy my trip. In the meantime I was enjoying the air as it blew over through my rolled out windows.

Thinking about whether to still go to Galveston or head to Kemah, I decided Kemah would also be great. So I made a few turns and was in Pearland on my way to Kemah. Then I discovered a cemetery in Pearland that I had heard about in my Humanities class. So I stopped by, and was amazed by what I saw. Beauty is an understatement, this place looked to be specifically designed to appeal to the eye and comfort the mind. Even though it’s a place of rest for our fallen brothers, sisters, parents, heroes and many more. It’s a place where you would go and have a quiet time reflect on life and appreciate beauty.

I continued to circle the well organized and paved cemetery, and made frequent stop overs to admire different sections of the cemetery. I took pride at the wrong turn I had taken earlier that made me arrive at this spot. And I immediately told myself that I was going to Galveston to see another cemetery and of course see the beach.

On my way, I listened to KSBJ 92.2 FM one of the usual stations that I listen on Sundays, a Christian channel that usually plays music, that just uplifts me most of the times and inspires my innermost. The forty five minute drive seemed to have taken ten minutes. It was just so exciting seeing the things that I usually see with a different thought and mind.

Before I got to the Seawall which I had planned to be where I would spend most of the time relaxing and enjoying the ocean breeze and sun; I came across this grand parish which with just its appearance, struck and captivated me. Without thinking, I took a turn and stopped by to enjoy such a magnificent structure. It was the St Patrick Cathedral which was erected many years ago. It stand gigantically among other churches and buildings surrounding it.

The walls still look solid and well maintained. There was obviously a service in progress as I could tell from the vast number of vehicles parked around it. I walked around the entire plot, on a walk that took me over 10 minutes. Within the campus is a vast school and what seemed to be minister’s quarters or residences. Quite remarkable was the tower that stands so tall carrying the bell and also the historical architectural design at which it was built. Knowing that there was a lot more to see before my time ran out. Before I could see the cemetery there, I left right for the sea wall.

Parking was a problem as the road along the sea was fully parked with cars of all type. Black, Blue, White, Red and Yellow. Sedans, Vans, SUVs and Wagons. Lexus, Benz, Toyotas, Fords and Hondas. It was just one beach with a variety of people with a semmingly common goal. To relax and shake off whatever they had to. More relaxing was the music that seemed to be playing from cars, Motor Bikes and Clubs. After roaming for ten minutes I found a spot and got out of my little car and walked right on to the beach.

I grabbed my camera to capture memories and started walking along the beach. Everyone just seemed so relaxed and minding their own business. Some lying under the umbrellas beautifully lined up on the sand. And the kids running around, chasing the waves. Tempted to get into the water I took a few steps into the water. And yeah it was so cool and refreshing. It made sense why all the people take long trips to just chill in this place. I continued walking before I found a spot to just sit and rest.

After a while I looked at my time and it was 2.48 pm. It had been over fifty minutes sitting on that beach just listening to the waters hit the shore and kids playing, and the music making me feel in a different world from the normal one where it’s all school and work. Elevators and stairs. Books and Computers. Time was not on my side at this point but I still had one more place to visit. The cemetery.

So, I walked to my car, and instructed my GPS locator to guide me. Sooner than I realized, I was at the ----- cemetery. I drove through the gate and made a stop to have a closer look that I had planned. I walked out of the car and started going around. As I was driving in it I immediately noticed the difference with the garden cemetery I had earlier seen. This looked to me like a community cemetery or a city cemetery because of the care that seemed to lack around. The bushes were quite overgrown although beautiful as most had bloomed into beautiful flowers. But they made it hard to maneuver through the paths. The tombstones were however fascinating and astonishing to look at. They were several small mausoleums and different kinds of carvings and statues. On one side of it a busy street—Broadway with cars passing by all the time. And on all the other sides streets with houses. It is right in the middles of town so to say. Surrounded by a fence on all four fronts. I went all over taking pictures that would be a reminder of the experience. When I decided to head back it was 3.30 pm.

My return trip would be much of a reflection. I took Broadway heading to Interstate 45 when I saw an interesting structure that I decided to take a picture of. It was right of Broadway opposite the court. As I was coming out of my car to get a clear shot of it. A dog ran out of an abandoned house towards me chasing me away. It seemed so vicious and ready to tear me apart. So I jumped back into the car and started driving away. Big Doggy though was ready to see me off his territory and kept running after the car as I drove off. Startled and perplexed with where this dog had come from to chase me and wanting to get me, I left Galveston going back home.

A day well spent, adventurous and educative. I had enjoyed one spring day in Texas. Not being much of a traveler I thought this was worth it and will make it a habit just going out there and experience the other side of town. It started by missing a turn, ended up at a cemetery. Got motivated by its beauty to see another. Went to Galveston and had a great time. Such is a day of an amateur traveler.