Strolling Along Kemah Boardwalk

Our visit to Kemah was not planned, we just decided to go there basing on the suggestion of friends who visited us.  In fact it was raining along the way going to the place, so we were just glad that it wasn't pouring when we got there.  And luckily, we got to roam around the place before the rain started again.  Kemah Boardwalk is indeed popular to both locals and tourists basing on the volume of people we saw, considering the awful weather at that time.  Why do people go there?  Well I guess, because it's a one stop amusement center.  Let me give you an idea around the place based on our visit:

Goods for sale all around.  In the entrance, we were greeted by food stalls were you can dine in their picnic area.  Place specialty... I think, that would be crawfish, since they have a festival in it's honor.  There were also memorabilia stores along the way which sells a variety of fun items for kids and tokens for your visit.

Mechanical stuffs.  Though the kids haven't tried the mini train roaming around the place, they had fun with the remote-controlled boats on a pond.  You just need to make sure you find your boat first (the boats are numbered but hard to see see from afar and confusingsing especially if all the boats are moving).  Like us, we found one of our boats, just seconds before the time expired. 

Bird feeding.  In the boardwalk, we saw people feeding seabirds.  Don't worry if you had not brought along seeds or food pellets with you, there's a dispenser along the boardwalk (it's just not free).  And one more thing, birds drop all sort of things.  Watch out, especially for the yucky ones... if you know what I mean.

Fun and extreme rides.  There were a couple of rides in the place, including those we parents don't want our children on (so we can't be on it... LOL!).  But anyway, it rained, so rides weren't an option at the time.   Maybe next time.

Prison time.  There was this old western prison cell just beneath the "Boardwalk Bullet" and along the game booths.  The kids really enjoyed taking their pictures inside it... but we really made it sure that they know there's nothing enjoyable about being in prison.

Buffet @ Lighthouse.  Speaking of saving the best for last... a buffet meal.  Glad they had an elevator, we didn't need to climb the stair having to carry the stroller of our kid.  Well, their food tasted fine.  Loved the shrimp and the fresh fruits.  Kids and wifey loved their pastries.  The coffee's too strong for me though.  And the prices were above the average.  Overall, who doesn't like eating all you can (the drinks not included by the way).

And as we thought we already had the highlight for the day, we were unexpectedly dragged in the freeway which left my heart pounding fast throughout the whole experience.  It's already dark and the rain made it even tougher.  My wife just kept on telling me to concentrate on the road, missed a couple of exit ramps... just glad we made it out in the third.  Then after we got through the dark exit ramp and highway (wondering also why it was not well-lighted).  I thank the Lord for everything, and one of those would be... reaching home safe and sound.  Yahweh bless.

Exploring Houston Zoo

It was our first time to visit the Houston Zoo.  Our new family friend invited us here for an enjoyable treat for the kids (and for the kids at heart, hehehe).  By the time we got in Hermann Park Conservancy (where the zoo is located), the place was already jam-packed.  Our friends simply explained to us that it was the start of the spring-break and we should had came early.  And so, we improvised (and a tip to everyone): instead of wasting our fuel roaming around to find a vacant parking lot, we parked in a nearby shopping center.

We paid for the zoo's regular entrance fee: $15 for the adult, $11 for each kid, and free for the infant.  There were maps provided so one can easily get in touch with their favorite animal (the place kindly remind us of Singapore Zoo).  There were also animal shows, information and story-telling, and interactions (like feeding bears and lions, just kidding!!!).  And by the way, if you get hungry, they're selling food inside (just don't expect it's at the regular price).  Overall, it was a nice experience.  The kids enjoyed their stay (especially the sea lion show) ... and I think that's what matters most.

One more thing, when you are in downtown Houston, there's a lot of railways crossing the streets (so be very careful).  I emphasized this since when we were on board a train going to the shopping center where we parked our cars, it hit a car injuring a kid.  Good thing the train was able to apply brakes which prevented a worst-case scenario.  Just a friendly reminder: trains always have the "right of way" and they can't apply break easily like a normal car does.  Light rail trains are quieter than most buses and cars, so stay alert.  And never try beating a train to a crossing, it won't do you anything good.  Information were taken from the Texas Driver's Handbook I'm reading right now... preparing for my license test.

We hadn't stayed long (even if we wanted to).  It's getting late and we still had one place to go before we head home, and we wouldn't want to let go of the opportunity... Jollibee, South Main street (the only one in Houston).  I ordered the chicken-spaghetti meal.  There's a lot of McDonalds, Wendy's, Burger King(s), Pizza Hut(s), etc.  But unlike Jollibee, none of them offers rice/spaghetti meals, palabok and halo-halo (among others)... and more "Chicken Joy" and "Yum Burgers" captures the taste, we Filipinos, are used to.  And if you want to meet our "kababayans", this is the place you should go.  Truly nostalgic!!!

We arrived home tired but the day's trips were worth it.  We again thank our Lord for keeping us safe throughout the day and for blessing us with friends that helped us with so many things.  Yahweh bless.
 

Building Confidence In Driving

I had my driving license for quite a while now (referring to my Philippine driver's license).  I had it since 2003, but most of those times I was using it to drive my motorcycle.  It was just these past few months that I had been practicing to drive on 4 wheels.  So that would explain how the butterflies in my stomach rumble when I'm driving here in Texas... not to mention, the unfamiliar destinations and driving rules, add up to the pressure.  I just keep on telling myself... it's a need... it's for my family.

After driving just around the vicinity of our apartment, the following day I was already driving my wife to the nearest bus stop (around 4 miles away from home)... with cold feet and hands (and it's not only the weather that's causing it).  And after a couple of days more, been to much further places with the help of new friends from wifey's work.  We convoyed going to central Houston first... and then I did it by myself using the service highway "Feather road" (which I didn't get it at first because they were pronouncing it as "fida road").  I felt much safer driving at the side of the freeway for now.  I still need to find my confidence in running there in the speed of light along with the other cars.

Been making short trips around the nearby area here in Pasadena and Houston as the need arises.  At least now, we're able to visit a church (just that we were on a Spanish time slot).  But the purpose of our visit was still served... we got to pray (and though unexpected, we were grateful enough that our car had been blessed by their priest).  Also, we were able to finally go to a wet market (which was miles away from us), just to buy fresh fish (nearby stores only offer frozen or canned ones).  And finally got to go to the Social Security Office for my SS number (which I'll be needing in a lot of transaction here as well as applying for a job).  Confidence to drive much further really made a big difference and gave us convenience to serve our needs.

and here's the fish... LOL!!!

And just recently, used the tollway at Belt 8 when we returned home from a sleepover visit in a friends house in Humble.  But I would have chosen another way if were not in convoy with our friends.  Everything went well and we got home safely (thank God...).  

Then again, we have something to look forward to... since our new friends were offering that they will accompany and tour us around the Houston zoo one of these days (definitely will write a post about it).  For now, I just am thanking the Lord for giving me the strength and confidence I needed in driving my family... for the safe trips we had and we will have.  I know that soon I'll have the courage to face the freeway by myself.  But I'll do that as soon as I'm sure... for my family's safety.  Yahweh bless.

 

When Living In Texas

In just a few weeks of staying here, these are the things we had considered a need (we may also consider that some of these are also applicable transferring to other parts of the world):

Enough Money.  In going to places within our country, in case we come short of cash, there would be relatives and friends that can always extend a helping hand.  But that won't always be the case when moving in a foreign land, we didn't immediately had people around to help us.  So, we brought at least a considerable sum that could help us pay off necessary expenses and survive the days until our first pay.  It is really a thing to prepare for because even the minimum amount wasn't small, just consider the exchange rate of peso to dollar.

Establish a Relationship.  First thing we did was we got in touch with family and friends nearby.  Lucky for us, my sis-in-law is only in Dallas.  And she visited us during her long break to give us a hand and introduced us to her friends in Houston.  They helped us get to know the city more and find the solution to our biggest problem... owning a car.  Also, friends from within the city and the other states helped us provide answers to our (so many) questions.  We treasured every help we got, since it was a great ease to our part.

Car & Vacuum are a Necessity.  It's not like home that one can easily ride a jeepney or tricycle to work (they don't have one here).  A bus ride is available but the station is far away from us, and taxis cost a lot (around $40 to downtown Houston from our place).  So we got ourselves a car (which is easy here).  Not a brand new one but cars here are certified in good condition.  And the best part is, we are now mobile...

We also purchased a vacuum cleaner.  Why is it a need?  Almost all houses here are carpeted, and we hadn't resist the temptation to lie down on it.  As a result, we all had rashes (at first we thought the cold weather caused it).  When we vacuumed our place, you just can't imagine how much dirt it removed from the carpet.  Lesson learned.

Know the Regulations.  And follow it.  If in our place we can just fit all our children with us in one bedroom, here, each room can only be occupied by 2 person and only infants and very young children can stay with their parents.  Also, they had the car seat law which I mentioned on my last post... among so many others.  The point is, things might be different in other countries, so ask friends or Google when in doubt.

Living in another country isn't easy, we're far away from our comfort zone.  But here, there's a lot of things that we can do with our lives, tons of opportunities for better life and future.  So, it's also not that bad at all... definitely, not bad at all.  All of these are because of Him, and there is nothing He will give us that we can't handle... because He's always there for us no matter what.  The Lord is good... all the time.  Yahweh bless.

First Few Days In Our Second Home... Pasadena, Texas.

Like any other family who just transferred to a new place, we needed to fill it (our apartment) with the basic things.  And since it was already furnished with the most needed appliances and furniture (which was a convenience on our part), all we had to buy were stuffs for our consumption, hygiene/well-being, bedding and a rice cooker.  Well, they may not be concerned about rice around here, but for most Filipinos, a meal without rice is insufficient.

We went to Walmart (which was fortunately very near our place) and bought the things in our list.  And my, I still couldn't help myself convert to peso.  Why won't I, most of what we spent were still from our savings and separation pays we got from the Philippines.  Our bill was like Php8,000 plus with that day alone, and we still just bought some of the necessities (there were a lot more we hadn't purchased yet).   I know, I need to let go of this habit of converting... it's stressful and not good.

The positive side: 

• People here are very courteous, most especially those who are working.  "Hello, how are you.", In an elevator, "Sorry, I need to stop you at 2" (upon pushing the 2nd floor button), and "Thank you, have a nice day."  Were just some of the things I commonly hear from complete strangers I met here.  It's like its in their nature to be polite to people around them.
• Love their apartments here.  It has a fireplace (at last), fully carpeted, hot and cold faucet and shower (water here can be freezing cold) and aside from the air conditioner, they use heaters here. There is even a playground and a swimming pool as well as a tennis court and a gym within the compound.
  
  
  
  
  
• Products are top of the class and health conscious or are they?  Their foods are of the best quality, the fruits are fresh and crisp, meats are tender and they have the top brands in the market.  We kind of think that the food they serve are not as tasty as ours, even their salt and sugar are not as salty and sweet, respectively (LOL).  But the ice creams, chips, meat products and chocolates are abundantly available and even at discounted prices.  So, moderation needed.
  
  
  
  
• Easier traffic condition due to strict implementation of rules.  We just got our family a car, it's a necessity here.  The traffic here (compared to ours) is a lot easier to drive.  Just need to have their license here before the 3 months period where I can still use my Philippine license.
• High concern on children, elderly and disabled people welfare.  Children younger than 8 years old who are shorter than 4 feet and 9 inches must have a car seat or booster seat.  Elderly have reserved seat on public transport vehicles.  And facilities are designed to be user friendly for the disabled.  These, among others, show that they give priority to the safety of these people and they make sure the rules for them are followed.
  
  
  
  

I know there's a lot more things I could say to praise this city.  But as the saying goes, "there's no place like home". We miss our first home, our country.  We miss our comfort zones, the familiarity, the company of our love ones...  Here, we are on our own, in which we are the foreigners.  But, we are still blessed, we have our whole family, the source of our strength... the reason why we will get through.  Truly, the Lord is with us...