Houston TX

[moonlight elf]

Looks like I'll be going to Houston TX for a summer internship. I've never been there before...infact never been to any big cities really...
what should I expect?
what are some things I shouldn't miss doing while there?
how light should i pack?
is it possible to get a place for only 3 months? (i come back for school in August)
should I fly down there or drive?


yea, i have a dozen stupid questions and as usual i come here for help

 

[Rumple Foreskin]

Elf,

Be prepared for heat and humidity that will melt your shorts. Folks moving there from Bombay feel right at home.

TxRad's down in that neck of the woods (I think) and Sophia Jane was until she got "blowed" up to Oklahoma. They, along with others familiar with the city, will probably give you some ideas about what to do. The best advice I can come up with is to bring plenty of deoderant and get out of town whenever possible, maybe going to Galveston (on the Gulf of Mexico) for long weekends.

Rumple Foreskin

 

[moonlight elf]

Elf,

Be prepared for heat and humidity that will melt your shorts. Folks moving there from Bombay feel right at home.

TxRad's down in that neck of the woods (I think) and Sophia Jane was until she got "blowed" up to Oklahoma. They, along with others familiar with the city, will probably give you some ideas about what to do. The best advice I can come up with is to bring plenty of deoderant and get out of town whenever possible, maybe going to Galveston (on the Gulf of Mexico) for long weekends.

Rumple Foreskin

hmmm, making notes

hot and humid....check
pack light weight clothes...check
short are good....check
Galveston for weekends ...check(that sounds like fun!! wish i had someone to go with)
packs of deoderent...check

I'll ask Sophia and TxRad when I catch em.

Thanks Rumply

 

[BikeWriter]

Looks like I'll be going to Houston TX for a summer internship. I've never been there before...infact never been to any big cities really...
what should I expect?
what are some things I shouldn't miss doing while there?
how light should i pack?
is it possible to get a place for only 3 months? (i come back for school in August)
should I fly down there or drive?


yea, i have a dozen stupid questions and as usual i come here for help

Expect plenty of hot weather, and bad traffic jams. I was born in Texas City, below Houston on Galveston Bay, and I avoid Houston like the plague.

 

[sophia jane]

I can give you lots of tips, particularly as time gets closer. Rump's right: expect it to be hot and humid. You will need very light weight clothes. It will be between 90-100 the whole time you're there and humid as hell.
Getting out of town on the weekends is a great idea, but be prepared for huge crowds if you go to Galveston cuz that's what everyone else does.
Are you staying in the city? Is your internship downtowm? You might check around the colleges for a three month rental cuz lots of college people leave for the summer to go back home.
The one thing I can say about downtown Houston is: I hope you don't mind driving in the worst traffic ever. Not to be scary, but downtown Houston really scared the fuck out of me, at least in a driving perspective.
I'll try to think what else I know. Tx will know lots more than me.

ETA: You should drive down. You'll definitely need a car while you're in Texas.

 

[SEVERUSMAX]

If you need to, you can rent a room at an inn on a weekly basis.

Important facts:

1. The city transit system only extends as far as the city itself, practically speaking. It consists of a bus system. Probably not an issue, but you never know for sure. The suburbs are a bad place to get broke down.
2. You can NOT purchase alcoholic beverages before noon on Sunday, or any hard liquor on Sunday, period. You can't get hard liquor anywhere but a bar or liquor store, period.
3. Inside the city limits, the Houston Police have jurisdiction, but certain suburbs are patrolled exclusively by the County Sheriff's Department.
4. Gas is maybe a dime short of 3 bucks now, despite proximity to the refineries.
5. Houston drivers are some of the WORST in the world. A red light means "3 more cars can drive across", as my girl puts it. She would know. She's from here.
6. Katy Mills is a nice, large place to shop and get lost in. It is NOT an outlet mall, however, no matter how much it might resemble one.
7. The Mickey Ds have a nice, special burger that will quickly become addictive.
8. There is a nice, fattening chicken buffet, which can also be addictive.
9. There's a ton of Walmarts here.
10. This is DEFINITELY Bible Belt territory. As demonstrated by the cap on sex toys in Harris County and scarcity and difficulty locating butt plugs. Also by churches everywhere.
11. No soliciting in the many subdivisions, of course. Not that it stops the assholes from Kirby.

 

[SEVERUSMAX]

And Galveston is nice.

And the city limits have no clear beginning. The inner city and suburbs criss-cross in a way that makes no sense to any modern, sane city planner. In Houston, I mean. I used to live in Phoenix, AZ, so I am still getting used to this city and its odd ways.

 

[sophia jane]

And Galveston is nice.

And the city limits have no clear beginning. The inner city and suburbs criss-cross in a way that makes no sense to any modern, sane city planner. In Houston, I mean.

I love Galveston, but not in high summer. We tended to go closer to Lake Jackson area to the less crowded beaches. Something kinda not fun about wall to wall people on the beach in Galveston.
I never understood Houston. But there's lots of fun stuff to see there. And Moonie- definitely take a student id with you cuz lots of the museums give discounts (or free days) for students. Houston has some really great museums that you have to check out. Their art museum was the first time I ever saw a real Monet.

 

[SEVERUSMAX]

Oh, and BDSM/fetish/sex clubs are difficult, if not impossibe to find here.

 

[sophia jane]

Oh! If you can, drive over to San Antonio. It'll be about fourish hours, if I remember right. But totally worth it.

 

[SEVERUSMAX]

I love Galveston, but not in high summer. We tended to go closer to Lake Jackson area to the less crowded beaches. Something kinda not fun about wall to wall people on the beach in Galveston.
I never understood Houston. But there's lots of fun stuff to see there. And Moonie- definitely take a student id with you cuz lots of the museums give discounts (or free days) for students. Houston has some really great museums that you have to check out. Their art museum was the first time I ever saw a real Monet.

Yep, and there are 2 periodicals you need to remember: the Chronicle and the Greensheet. The Greensheet is free, and contains ALL kinds of useful info about cars for sale, jobs, houses........I highly recommend picking those up on a weekly basis.

 

[sophia jane]

Here's a cool site that provides links for alot of the museums:
http://www.houstonmuseumdistrict.org/

 

[TxRad]

Moonie... My advice on Houston is simple.... DON'T...

LOL

I live 60 miles North of the city and that's to close for me...

You'll definitely need a car to get anywhere in Houston.... and Max is right about the worst drivers in the world... From 6 am to 8 am and again from 5pm to 7pm Houston becomes the worlds biggest parking lot so plan around not going anywhere during rush hours...

let me know when you're going to be down here. When i'm off work I can volenteer to be your guide... I live on Lake Livingston which is another freat area to visit and get out of town to...

There is a lot to see and do in Houston but if you're not used to big cities, it can be daunting... Living space depends a lot on where you'll be working... let me know the area and I'll help you find something...

You'll find Texans to be very friendly and helpful people...

 

[matriarch]

Looks like I'll be going to Houston TX for a summer internship. I've never been there before...infact never been to any big cities really...
what should I expect?
what are some things I shouldn't miss doing while there?
how light should i pack?
is it possible to get a place for only 3 months? (i come back for school in August)
should I fly down there or drive?


yea, i have a dozen stupid questions and as usual i come here for help

My big brother lives in Alvin, between Houston and the coast. Been there for 11 years now, and is always telling me about the humidity. Like Rumple says, his favourite/nearest spot to relax and cool off is Galveston. He's a coast dweller by nature like me, and hits the beach whenever he can.

 

[moonlight elf]

I can give you lots of tips, particularly as time gets closer. Rump's right: expect it to be hot and humid. You will need very light weight clothes. It will be between 90-100 the whole time you're there and humid as hell.
Getting out of town on the weekends is a great idea, but be prepared for huge crowds if you go to Galveston cuz that's what everyone else does.
Are you staying in the city? Is your internship downtowm? You might check around the colleges for a three month rental cuz lots of college people leave for the summer to go back home.
The one thing I can say about downtown Houston is: I hope you don't mind driving in the worst traffic ever. Not to be scary, but downtown Houston really scared the fuck out of me, at least in a driving perspective.
I'll try to think what else I know. Tx will know lots more than me.

ETA: You should drive down. You'll definitely need a car while you're in Texas.

I think I can handle the heat and humidity.....won't be that different from where I grew up I'm thinking.

Actually my internship is not in the city it is south of Houston. I'll probably try to find someplace to stay near there if possible. Good thing I won't be in the main city from what I hear from you guys I'd be scared out of my mind.

Okay, I'll drive. Hoping they will cover that too since they offered to cover my plane ticket.

Thanks

 

[moonlight elf]

If you need to, you can rent a room at an inn on a weekly basis.

Important facts:

1. The city transit system only extends as far as the city itself, practically speaking. It consists of a bus system. Probably not an issue, but you never know for sure. The suburbs are a bad place to get broke down.
2. You can NOT purchase alcoholic beverages before noon on Sunday, or any hard liquor on Sunday, period. You can't get hard liquor anywhere but a bar or liquor store, period.
3. Inside the city limits, the Houston Police have jurisdiction, but certain suburbs are patrolled exclusively by the County Sheriff's Department.
4. Gas is maybe a dime short of 3 bucks now, despite proximity to the refineries.
5. Houston drivers are some of the WORST in the world. A red light means "3 more cars can drive across", as my girl puts it. She would know. She's from here.
6. Katy Mills is a nice, large place to shop and get lost in. It is NOT an outlet mall, however, no matter how much it might resemble one.
7. The Mickey Ds have a nice, special burger that will quickly become addictive.
8. There is a nice, fattening chicken buffet, which can also be addictive.
9. There's a ton of Walmarts here.
10. This is DEFINITELY Bible Belt territory. As demonstrated by the cap on sex toys in Harris County and scarcity and difficulty locating butt plugs. Also by churches everywhere.
11. No soliciting in the many subdivisions, of course. Not that it stops the assholes from Kirby.

I think I'm gonna print out this list. So, since I'll be south of the city the only way I can get around would be by car. Hmm....wish gas prices weren't that high there. I'll have to budget!!

Thanks

 

[SEVERUSMAX]

I think I'm gonna print out this list. So, since I'll be south of the city the only way I can get around would be by car. Hmm....wish gas prices weren't that high there. I'll have to budget!!

Thanks

You're welcome. Happy to help out the way that I can.

 

[sophia jane]

Not being in downtown will help you tremendously. And while gas prices are high there, you can find everything you need pretty close to wherever you'll be living, so hopefully your gas will last.

 

[moonlight elf]

Moonie... My advice on Houston is simple.... DON'T...

LOL

I live 60 miles North of the city and that's to close for me...

You'll definitely need a car to get anywhere in Houston.... and Max is right about the worst drivers in the world... From 6 am to 8 am and again from 5pm to 7pm Houston becomes the worlds biggest parking lot so plan around not going anywhere during rush hours...

let me know when you're going to be down here. When i'm off work I can volenteer to be your guide... I live on Lake Livingston which is another freat area to visit and get out of town to...

There is a lot to see and do in Houston but if you're not used to big cities, it can be daunting... Living space depends a lot on where you'll be working... let me know the area and I'll help you find something...

You'll find Texans to be very friendly and helpful people...

I have a feeling I'll be in culture shock. LOL, you'd think moving to the US would have been enough of one but I think I'm due for another. I'll be sure to let you know when I get down. It would be so cool to meet you.

I emailed my internship and asked them for help with finding a place to stay. I'll see what happens. 3 more weeks then I'm off!!

If they are anything like you and SJ then I'll be in good company

(btw....did ya get my secret santa gift? i knows its been ages but I haven't seen ya since)

 

[moonlight elf]

My big brother lives in Alvin, between Houston and the coast. Been there for 11 years now, and is always telling me about the humidity. Like Rumple says, his favourite/nearest spot to relax and cool off is Galveston. He's a coast dweller by nature like me, and hits the beach whenever he can.

Yea, I grew up around the coast that's one thing I miss here...I'm pretty sure I'll be making trips down there whenever possible.

's Auntie

How's the goosling? Give her a for me too.

 

[moonlight elf]

Not being in downtown will help you tremendously. And while gas prices are high there, you can find everything you need pretty close to wherever you'll be living, so hopefully your gas will last.

That's good to know. I really wanted to go to CA for my internship cause I knew people there and was afraid I'd be all lost in TX but you guys are the most helpful bunch ever.

 

[SEVERUSMAX]

Texans are very friendly, most of us anyway. And helpful, like Rad said. Unfortunately, many are also very conservative, that's all.

 

[SEVERUSMAX]

Where are you from, out of curiosity?

 

[moonlight elf]

Where are you from, out of curiosity?

Well, right now going to school in Missouri but I'm from Bangladesh.

 

[sophia jane]

(btw....did ya get my secret santa gift? i knows its been ages but I haven't seen ya since)

I know your Santa match got his gift. But if you're asking if I did, then no.

And yes, Texans are super friendly. I'll be interested to hear your thoughts on Texas, actually. I lived there for six years, and it truly is like a whole different country.
Oh! And if you happen to drive thru my area on your way to or from, we should get together. I don't know which way you'll go to get there, but I'm almost smack in between Joplin and Tulsa.