Now, now Pat.  Firstly, which city in the big "T" is pretty?   Maybe parts of the River Walk in San Antone, but that's about it.  Sure, it's ugly...but Houston is full of culture, not to mention crime and drugs (but what big city doesn't have that?).   However, as far as the arts are concerned, I'm tellin' ya it whips a lot of cities, and the restaurants are excellent and a lot cheaper than the equivalent in say NYC or Washington. 

And as far as pretty and Texas ( a seeming oxymoron), about the only place I thought had any charm and grace was New Braunfels, especially the part near the river.  But that was back in 1984 or thereabouts, don't know about now.  Austin has long lost any charm it ever had (if it ever had any) back in the days....

Now sing after me..." And I wanna go home with the Armadillo, good country music from Amarillo and Abilene....the friendliest people and the prettiest women you've ever seen..."

Cyan...just thought of somethin'.  If you've never had Texas BBQ....you must, must go to Goode Company on Kirby Road.  He has 3 places.  One is Tex/Mex, the other mouth watering real BBQ, and a third place is a Seafood joint with the best cooked Gulf-Coast shrimp (loaded with petrochem residue from the Texas shores...but ver' tasty...I guaranteeeee).   And, they are all within 100 yards of each other.  Kirby where it meets the US 59.   Good eats....

Here's one more tip, then I must go home and cook myself a great meal, I'm makin' myself hungry.  If you are downtown, book a reservation at a restaurant called Ibiza.   Excellent, moderately priced food, kick ass, and I do mean kick-ass wine selections.   OH yeah....

Gene Geno

Tex-ASS, what a concept!