Give Houston a Chance!

I'll admit it: I was ready to slam Houston. Marked by urban sprawl, riddled with corrupt energy executives, and disgraced politicians, and the military-aerospace complex (literally), the thought crossed my mind that a visit paid to the Bayou City would strand me amidst the country's worst smog, incredible sprawl, untenable humidity, and deeply reactionary pro-Bush politics.

Instead, I found a city marked by hospitality, whose ethnically-diverse residents welcomed me with open arms, a place which, although characterized by urban sprawl disorganized enough to amaze even an Angeleno, somehow seems livable. I'll be posting more of my thoughts about Houston soon, but from the art museums, to the climate, to the people, I must say... contradictions aside, or perhaps because of them, I think I like this place!