texas

For those of you who have asked about my trip to texas:

DAY ONE - Norfolk to Corpus Christi via Houston:
Awoke early and flew to Houston. Sat beside a man wearing a large leather hat, hooped earrings, oversized ring, and dark sunglasses. Bobby leaned over and whispered, "smells like old lady." The man changed seats once everyone was seated and joined his traveling companion a few rows ahead. We realized the old lady smell was from the man - a strong musk. Bobby teased, "that guys looks like Lenny Kravitz."

Once off the plane, we noticed a woman get an autograph from the man and overheard him say he was playing all weekend in Houston. Once at the baggage carousel, I spied a couple drum cases and noticed one marked "Kravitz." Hmm...

Yes, so I texted a few people - "I sat by Lenny Kravitz on the plane." Not so sure of myself anymore. Why? Dreadlocks, knuckle tattoos and coach seating. I'm almost sure Lenny keeps his hair short now and doubt he would ever travel coach. Plus, he carried a discman. Wouldn't Lenny use an iPod? I guess we'll never know.

We were picked up by Bobby's cousin Cynthia. She and her husband drove us to Corpus Christi, where we joined the ENTIRE paternal clan for dinner at one of the tio's homes.

Dinner turned into a giant party with everyone taking their turn at the mic (except me).

All the guys in the family play music - mostly drums. Some start earlier than others.

Conga lines are very popular with this family, especially amongst the little ones.

DAY TWO - Corpus Christi:
Took a drive to the shore. 80 degrees with a nice breeze. No humidity.

A few fish heads, but who's counting.

Went to Bobby's abuelos' 60th wedding anniversary celebration later in the evening - the reason for our trip.

I made Bobby take a picture of this dude. Diggin' the chains and spandex shirt.

Bobby and his first cousins. Notice how Bobby, one of the oldest but obviously not the most mature, is giving bunny ears with such a straight face. Nice one, B.

Time for another conga line...

...or maybe an electric slide. This family LOVES to dance.

DAY THREE - Corpus Christi to San Antonio
Went to Whataburger for the first time.

Settled for a chicken sandwich. Delicious.

When Bobby was a wee boy, his mom told him she found him under the Corpus Christi bridge and would return him if he continued to misbehave. So we paid a visit to his birthplace amongst the trolls.

The drive to San Antonio. I love the big sky of the midwest.

Ate dinner along the Riverwalk in San Antonio.

DAY FOUR - San Antonio to New Branufels to Austin
Visited the Alamo.

It's much smaller than I expected. Couldn't help but think of Pee Wee.

Took a stroll around the town and did some window shopping. Taxidermied jackalopes and armadillos holding beer bottles are quite the rage.

Visited this dreadful place. Was sickened by the condition of this facility and left feeling completely disgusted and dirty.

What the hell is this thing?

So sad.

Thought I would catch a disease if I walked through the gate.

These guys were bored and miserable. Needless suffering.

This place needs to be shut down.
On another note, we went to New Braunfels, a lovely little German town and a former home for Bobby.

Visited Bobby's favorite childhood park in New Braunfels.

Landa Park - a gathering place for vultures at dusk.

Stayed with Bobby's emo (maternal aunt) in Austin. These are the maternal aunts, uncles, and their families.

DAY FIVE - Austin
Took a drive. Did some shopping. Visited some galleries. Hung out on Sixth Street at night.

An homage to Daniel Johnston,one of Austin's more memorable eccentric musicians. Probably a reason for the expression, "keep Austin weird."

Arthouse had an amazing traveling exhibition showcasing art films - e-flux. It offers free membership and video rental - the walls are lined with all white cases containing VHS tapes of various film artists. There is also a screening room to use to preview.

Picked up a little something at uncommon objects and thought I had died and gone to heaven in toy joy. I did manage to pick up a few Christmas gifts. Had to do some significant rearranging to fit all my little treasures in my carry-on.

Bye bye, texas. See you later, my new family.