I know its a bit early since the official first day of summer is when the sun is farthest south from the earth and this year it will be on June 20th or 21st at least here in the Northern Hemisphere.
Okay so summer is around the corner and soon people will be going on vacation, the kids will be out of school, and the days will feel longer and the weather very warmer and then hotter. But it’s Houston the weather changes every 5 minutes here…LOL…
So the deal is where do you go during the summer, what do you do, either with family, friends or by yourself!? Well, there is so much to do you just have to look around. When I first moved here I had no idea of how many adventures awaited me, how many places I could visit, some are free other affordable so the key word here is FUN!
Here are my top 10 places you must visit this summer in Houston.
Downtown Tunnel System– I accidentally found this one when I was going to UHD I was taking my first freshman classes in the summer and I really didn’t want to eat cafeteria food at the university because it was lunch time and busy. So I decided to walk in downtown and went to what is now Macy’s and somehow got lost but found that it was buzzing with people, there were restaurants, shops, all underground and air conditioned it was a plus. I had found my oasis not to mention I was almost late for my science class.
Downtown Aquarium– I went here with my nieces and nephews and it was amazing, white tigers, an underwater aquarium with marine life swimming around, Louisiana swamp exhibit, a restaurant and lot more.
The Houston Museum of Natural Science– What can I say I love museums, especially if there are dinosaurs, a butterfly center, planetarium, and a Giant Screen theatre. A plus are the the traveling exhibits I just saw Warriors, tombs, and Temples and Titanic. There is so much to see. Funny thing when I was young I wanted to be like Indiana Jones and uncover ancient treasures this is as close as I will get of-course without the danger of loosing my life.
The Houston Museum of Natural Science-Sugarland– Not many people know that there is a satellite location of The Houston Museum of Natural Science located in Sugarland, Texas and that right now they have animatronic dinosaurs that move and make noise. the best part to me was the live frogs exhibit and Science on the Sphere was very educational. I love their inflatable planetarium if there’s room I like to lay on my back and stare up at the dome.
The Houston Museum of Fine Arts-What is there to say Fine Art! Walk through and see the beauty created by human hands and their imagination. From traditional to contemporary.
The Houston Zoo– I love the Zoo, there are many animals from different parts of the world both indoor and outdoor and very kid friendly. The petting zoo is great too.
Hermann Park– It is 425 Acres of land that has a reflecting pool close by it there are gushing water outlets that you can run by in your summer wear (please take extra clothing and sunblock), pedal boat rentals, Hermann Park Train, a Japanese Garden, an outdoor theatre, trail walking, or find a nice spot for a picnic.
Space Center Houston-It’s the Space Center, we are space city! Need to say more.
The Health Museum-This is an interactive learning center about YOU! To learn how your body works.
The Children’s Museum-This is more geared for kids, hence The Children’s Museum, also interactive, role playing, and tons of activities that the kids will enjoy.
Yes to all you Mexicans you know what today is ” Viva Mexica, Viva la Independencia, Viva…” Ahh is makes you proud to be of Mexican descent when you go back through history and you hear a story that resembles that of David and Goliath, the underdog who overcomes a greater power and becomes independent.
This was the case 201 years ago. Yesterday evening Mexico’s President Felipe Calderon walked outside the National Palace balcony with his family by his side and shouted “El Grito” which start the festivities. There he stood waving the Mexican flag bold red, white,green with and eagle in the center on top of a cactus biting a serpent.
Still there was lots of caution considering the treat that the drug lords might come to ruin the festivities. Since 2006 the War on Drugslords has resulted in the death of over 41,000 death. There were many armed guards protecting the premises, streets, and president. Things went smoothly.
Here in Houston we also celebrated, mariachi,food, drinks, dress-up in traditional clothing,parades and like all Mexican we are still celebrating there is still the after, after party. Like they say “Smile be Happy and pass the Corona” Till next time!
Getting close to September 15th which is Mexico’s Independence I remembered another story I heard growing up how accurate it is I’m not sure. The story begins when the Mexican War broke out and a group of rebels fought valiantly for independence against Spain. A hero rose whose favorite weapon was a whip that he used to set-up traps for his enemies.
The Spaniards expected any military tactic against them except for a whip! The speed of the whip was so fast that it could dismember the head of anyone like a guillotine. This Mexican hero was known as “El Manco Garcia”.
But on June 5th his luck ran out and while he and his men were sleeping the were attacked by General Garcia Conde. General Garcia Conde was en route to Valle de Santiago when this attack happened it is estimated that 150 of his friends and comrade were taken prisoners.
From Del Valle “El Manco Garcia” was moved to Celaya, where at that time Hidalgo was named General. “El Manco Garcia” was taken in chains to be executed. As he walked firmly with his head high the people saw their hero taken to be shot to death. After his death he was dismembered and his head was placed on a pick in Celaya.
That is how “El Manco Garcia” died for his country.
Since September is the month of Mexico’s Independence I’ve decided to blog about some of Mexico’s legends, Myth, and Heros. This are stories that I’ve heard and grew up with and may change depending on the area or people. Once again this are stories based on actual accounts that have become legends and/or myths that have been handed down orally.
During the first battle of the Mexican War for Independence there is a legend of a modest miner from San Miguel de Allende who was working near a mineral mine in Mellando.
It is said that once Hidalgo discovered the conspiracy he united the people and arrived at Guanajuato [in the indigenous language it means ” Place of frogs”] Hidalgo’s goal was to take control over Alhondiga de Granaditas where Mayor Ria~no became strong with the help of the soilders. In his pocessions he had amny treasures which included silver bars, cas, and Real Hacienda, food allthat was geared to survive a siege.
The fight was frightful and the acts of courage and heroism happened from left to right.
In this battle, the humble man nicked named ” El Pipila” placed a piece of slab on his back, an walked and dragged himself to get to the doorstep of Alhondiga, he greased with brea and lit the door on fire. The people inside wend wild with despair and many fell dead one on top of another. Some people stood their ground and remain in the courtyard with firearms but their fight was meaningless.
If this humble man had not done this Hidalgo would not have taken over Granaditas and the luck of the unsurrection would have been another.
(This video is in Spanish)
Many people believe that El Cinco de Mayo (May 5th) is Mexico’s Independence day. You would be wrong. Cinco de Mayo also known as La Batalla de Puebla (The day of the Battle of Puebla) commemorates the spark of the Mexicans who wanted freedom and democracy during the first years of the American Civil War where the Mexican Army’s defeated the French forces under the General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguin. It is celebrated because is was unlikely for the Mexican Army to win for various reasons. One The French Army outnumbered the Mexican Army by 2 to one (French 8,000 men to Mexico 4,000 men). Secondly the French were better equipped with the latest weaponry during that time compared to the indigenous Mexicans. Mexican’s still won even though 1 year later they were defeted and under French rule.
Which brings me to ” El Grito” (The Cry) on the church steps in the town of Dolores Hidalgo, Father Miguel Hidalgo y Castilla read the Gritto de Hidalgo (or “Call of Hidalgo”) in 1810. This is the actual day of Mexico’s Independence. This year of 2011 commemorates their bicentennial Celebration. Mexican’s worldwide will celebrate with a Fiesta!
Brief History: That day, September 16 (Diez y Seis de Septiembre), Father Hidalgo launched the Mexican War of Independence against Spain. After the declaration, Hidalgo and his followers set out to spread the word to nearby San Miguel de Allende. Hidalgo affixed an image of the Virgin of Guadalupe to a staff, bringing the Virgin to symbolize the Mexican liberation movement.
The struggle against Spain centered around the rights of the Criollos (or “Creoles”) who were born in the New World with Spanish ancestry, but not given the privilege of those born in Europe. Following the war, those born in Europe were expelled from Mexico. This War lasted about 10 years.
Another important celebration which originated in Mexico and is observed extensively in Texas is the Fiesta of the Virgin of Guadalupe, held on December 12. The important religious holiday honors Juan Diego’s sighting of the Virgin in 1531 with processions, offerings and church services.
There are many stories that circulated from this event. there are heroes,myth, and legends one of which is about “El Pipila” which I will blog in more detail later.
Summer 2011 is the Final Year for Mixers & Elixirs – so don’t miss your chance to party in the prehistoric!
Friday Nights Only from 7-10 PM
Band Lineup
August 12 – Soul Track Mind
August 19 – Collide
August 26 – Grupo Ka-Che
New This Year!
Houston’s best food trucks will be on site for Mixers & Elixirs each Friday, serving up delicious dinners and delectable desserts. Different food trucks will be here each week. Food not included in Mixers & Elixirs ticket. Some trucks may accept only cash. HMNS has an ATM located in the Grand Hall.
August 12
H-Town StrEATs – Globally inspired street food. CASH ONLY.
Snowdog Ice Cream – Vintage ice cream truck. CASH ONLY.
It’s A Wrap Truck – Wraps featuring a unique fusion of flavors.
No Borders – Mexican cuisine featuring tacos and enchiladas. CASH ONLY.
August 19
Bernie’s Burger Bus – 100% made from scratch burgers and fries.
Melange Creperie – Savory and sweet Parisian style crepes. CASH ONLY.
It’s A Wrap Truck – Wraps featuring a unique fusion of flavors.
No Borders – Mexican cuisine featuring tacos and enchiladas. CASH ONLY.
August 26
No Borders – CASH ONLY.
Frosted Betty Bake Shop – CASH ONLY.
The Rolling Hunger – Fusion quesadillas, gourmet short ribs and more. CASH ONLY.
Don’t Miss The Planetarium!
Dark Side of the Moon: 7 pm, 9 pm
Led Zeppelin: 8 pm, 10 pm
21 and up only.
( This are my views,not of the HMNS, nor of any person or organization affiliated or doing business with HMNS).
Experience an epic journey of food as HMNS dishes up cuisine from some of Houston’s most prestigious restaurants. This lavish culinary affair will offer tastes from around Houston and around the world. Delve into the multicultural traditions of our diverse city as you dine while enjoying musical entertainment. Feast with us and discover the culinary explorer inside you!
You want restaurant here is a sneak peek: A Fare Extraordinaire; Cantina Laredo; City Kitchen Catering; Frosted Betty Bakeshop; Grotto Ristorante; Hungry’s Cafe and Catering; Magnolia Hotel; PF Chang’s China Bistro; RA Sushi Bar Restaurant; Saint Arnold Brewing Company; Sambuca Restaurant; smartwater; Striphouse; Sushi Raku; Tacos A Go-Go; Valentino; YAO Restaurant & Bar
BIG BITE NITE will take place on Thursday, September 22nd, from 6 – 9pm at HMNS. 21 and up only.
( This are my views,not of the HMNS, nor of any person or organization affiliated or doing business with HMNS).
TEXAS! The Exhibition is a summary of Texas history and its people. Cowboys, immigrants, farmers, roughnecks: This is Texas and as the saying goes “Everything is Bigger in Texas!”
In this exhibit you will explore the unique roles that Texas has played: as a Spanish colony, as part of the Mexican Frontera, as an independent Republic, and as the 28th state to join the Union.
Discovering it’s rich legacy of perseverence, determination, and diverse heritage. We are after all a melting pot. This year Texas is celebrating its 175th anniversary of it’s independence and you get to learn something new you didn’t know about this great state.
If you think about it Texas has had 6 flags that flew over it. Spain, Mexico, France, Confederate, The Republic of Texas, and American. We were once a country even if it was for less than a decade before joining the United States.
In the exhibits there are many objects from private and public collections. the cannon from the Battle of Gonzales “Come and Take IT”, personal items that belong to David Crockett, Santa Anna, James Bowie, Stephen F. Austin, and other famous figues.
There is so much to see and learn while inside but that is not all there are helpful museam volunteers at the exhibits that provide you with tid bits of information that you thought you knew but not the whole story…
This exhibit is open from March 3-September 5,2011. If your in Houston, Texas during this time I highly recommend visiting this exhibit.
(This are my views, not affiliated with HMNS, nor any person or organization affiliated or doing business with HMNS)
Okay so we all have New Year Superstitions or Traditions doesn’t matter who you are. In my case this are the top 5 that we do:
1. clean or cleanse the house to get the bad vibes out and bring in the good ( sort of like spring cleaning before the New Year).
2.wear new red undergarments
3. At midnight we will
make 12 wishes while eating 12 grapes
hug and/or kiss
if wanting to travel go outside with luggage
watch or burn firecrackers
4. eat, drink, and pray
5.make a list of resolution that we want to complete before the year is over. resolutions that are possible not impossible(seriously like we are really going pay all our debts, stop smoking, and go to the gym year round). I’m being realistic we all make the same resolutions but in the end we give in to temptation and withdraw. My will power is very low unless there is there someone with me to compete with. If I am by myself i know I will not accomplish what i set out to do.
So, here is my question to you…do you have similar traditions or superstitions and if you make a resolution list do accomplish it?
So for the last 2 or so weeks people have formed long lines to see the famous Corpse Flower aka Lois @ the HMNS. She is 6 years old, was grown from a 1 year old seed the size of a walnut and she was 5 ft tall and 30 pounds when she gave the first signs of begining to bloom.
Now she is 6 ft tall a little wider and probably heavier yet she has been stubborn and not bloom. She is the 2nd corpse flower to bloom in Texas and the 29th in the United States.
I go to check up on her due to the curiosity of seeing or in this case smelling it^^. Working at the museam has it’s perks. The story is that it’s going to smell like rotting flesh. So far the last time I saw it Lois was 6 ft tall and showing possible bloom we will see going there now…
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