Back from Houston. I'm too old and ailing for transoceanic trips!
A 1.8 km Walk That Almost Killed Me!
"You must see Rice University!" everybody was telling me. Caught the "train" for one long stop. Then I walked into the academic institution founded in 1891 by one William Marsh Rice, a wealthy Texan businessman, and opened in 1912 (twelve years after Rice's death).
The proper football 
can be seen everywhere in Houston now. Or, at least the sport's symbols.
As I can understand, the spacious lawns is where the university students spend their time between academic activities?
I haven't seen such impressive trees anywhere in Europe!
Reminds me of ancient universities in Italy!
Gorgeous architecture indeed!
Mr. Price himself.
A very accurate sundial of 1965.
Cohen House, one of so many beautiful buildings found in the campus area.
As Houston is a relatively new city (I mean the growth that started in 1950s), it was easy to organize the
urbs the way it is impossible for Europe. Museum District holds all museums. Then there is a district of universities, and a district of medical centres! (I don't even need to mention NASA).
I got defeated by the climate. See that gentleman wearing a straw hat and walking very slowly?
As I was in the middle of my walk (sipping Coke Zero regularly for hydration), I sat in a gorgeous patio next to the Welcome Center. Then I realised I was about to faint! Rose up and walked
very very slowly towards the gate and I could eventually reach the "train station" (tram stop elsewhere)
Later, I discussed my case with an American co-worker and a friend. He told me: "People of cold climate tend to walk fast. It is not what we are doing here in the South. You indeed need to walk very slowly. When I moved from Michigan to Houston for higher education, a local friend was always slowing me down" He even mimicked the accent of that friend and his exact words!
I insist the main reason so few people cycle there is the sauna climate!
Back at the hotel, I had to take the shower and replace the shirt for my travel to Europe that just was about to begin...
Houston Intercontinental Airport is (as I was told) under a big redevelopment project. Terminal E is beautiful! However, its strength also lies in the perfect organization. Would you believe that double TSA security check (biometric and cabin baggage) took just 12 minutes?! It is an hour in Warsaw Chopin and an hour and a half at Amsterdam's Schiphol!
To summarise, I enjoyed my stay in Houston very much, and let's forget the past
For me, the greatest progress America has done over the past 25 years was discovering proper coffee
God Bless America!
They don't have the summers like we have in Poland.
