Post header idea #1: Welcome to the Lone Star State. You about to get faaaayyyyyt on some BEEF.
Post header idea #2: DASCHUND INVASION! (you'll see...)
Post header idea #2: DASCHUND INVASION! (you'll see...)
So, we made it as far as Amarillo -- still have a full day of driving to get to Dallas.
Actually it was only going to be something like four hours, but we too the not-so-scenic scenic route.
Before hitting the road, have to check out Cadillac Ranch.
When it was built in the 70s, it was a public art installation.
Now it's where people get drunk and go wild with spray paint overnight.
We got there a day or two after New Years -- crap was EVERYWHERE
People consider this a roadside mecca for travelers because of its eccentricity and general uber-kitsch. I have a different theory: to quote a friend, it's "the only cool thing on the quick but mind-numbingly un-scenic and not recommended" northern route through Texas.
But, yes, it's still cool
Ok let's hit the road.
Fourteen THOUSAND miles. Remember the old days when I said the trip would be something like six thousand? What an IDIOT.
Not many people (any people) know that the SECOND-largest canyon in the United States is actually in Texas. Palo Duro Canyon -- the not-so-grand canyon!
Hello.
FINALLY, we found it. Turkey, Texas. The only rest stop on a looonnng stretch of backroads. Good thing we found it, because I'm...
...hun...gry...? Great.
This is where we (read, I) almost made us run out of gas in the middle of nowhere. Fifty miles to the nearest gas station -- we race there at exactly 55 mph to maximize fuel efficiency, and guess what? The ONLY station was out of service for the day. Miraculously, there was a gas station seventeen miles down the road, and as the car began to sputter to a stop, we pulled up and refueled.
Winter rolls her eyes in disgust at the irony of being unable to find a gas station in the state that produces the most oil in the US..
So...many...miles...
WE MADE IT! Dallas, Texas! Technically it's Plano, Texas, just to be clear.
My aunt and uncle were nice enough to put us up in a Homewood Suites which, in addition to being super comfortable, was also equipped with this guy: BOTTOMLESS AND ALL-INCLUSIVE.
Ok, you guys win. I will no longer refer to Plano as the heroin capital of the US.*
*Inside joke, sorry everyone.
I'm...so tired...of driving...
She NEVER looks happy when we set up posed shots
Writing this post from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (we're pretty far behind on posts...) missing Winter. At least we have Gustav here (you'll have to keep up with the next several posts to meet him)
Truly authentic Tex-Mex with Uncle Howard
Touring the neighborhood -- unfortunately I didn't get any decent shots of the massive mansions around town. Some of these places were riDICulous.
DASCHUND ATTACK NOOOOO!!! ZEE GERMANS!!!!! NOOOOO!!!!!
Uncle Howard and Aunt Nancy are big fans of daschunds (also known as wiener dogs to the ill-informed).
See?
But really...
...who could resist this?
Aunt Nancy revolutionizes Laura's lifestyle by giving her the lowdown on gluten-free diets
Oh no... tennis balls. NO MORE TENNIS BALLS! At this point Winter hasn't seen one since Showlow, Arizona. It has been such a peaceful week...
PAY ATTENTION TO US
PAY ATTENTION TO US
PAY ATTENTION TO US
PAY ATTENTION TO US
PAY ATTENTION TO US
PAY ATTENTION TO US
PAY ATTENTION TO US
PAY ATTENTION TO US
Uh, apparently gelt is now CANADIAN?! When did THAT happen??
True fact. It IS your doodie.
Winter gazes in awe at what actually ended up being a relatively park-ish urban park.
YEEEESSSSSSSSSSS [with an evil hiss] -- blackmail shots of Andrew and Caroline (my cousins)
Let's see some skulpchurz
"Don't be sad. I know taking photos of sculptures is about as cheap an artform as one could possibly imagine, trust me I know. But don't be so sad."
TREE ZOMBIES EMERGE!
Favorite human subject shot of the trip
Their love was one that society would never approve of. Every day he stood in the shadows, gazing longingly at the object of his desire nonetheless...
HOT DICE PERSONIFIED!*
*Look, let's just pretend it looks like a person so my word choice is accurate, OK??
They had Sinbad BRONZED??
"Fountain Place" -- Uncle Howard's building, I. M. Pei-designed
Someone will figure out the connection here
Ok, this is what we're here for (here being, more specifically, anywhere south of Washington, DC...)
Oooooo yeahhhhhh real barbeque
First time having fried okra -- turns out it tastes like every other fried vegetable: good.
When you're in Dallas during the weekend of the Cotton Bowl, this is how you view the Grassy Knoll...
...and the Book Depository: from a distance.
Central Market: it's like a giant Whole Foods with enough free samples to eat well for a WEEK. We're gonna like this place...
WE NEVER WENT BACK FOR THESE! THEY'RE STILL SITTING THERE WAITING FOR US!
Euphoria.
This guy has a major bok choy problem...
Back to the house -- time for a swim. Just to be clear, it's the middle of January and we're swimming. Just to be clear. Swimming. January.
I...kind of...ran out of...breath...but...I still...got the...*gasping* *gasping*...ball, boss.
She hasn't exactly figured out how to leap in yet. It's more like a standing belly flop with a hint of general downward collapse...
Still doing that whimpering thing...
"No no no Winter, don't get me wet"
"Nonono stay away"
"AWAY Winter, AWAY!"
I mean, really. Did anyone NOT see this coming?
This is Caroline, from L.A. Yes, I remember those days: back home from college, and one responsibility. SLEEP.
Doonnnn't even think about it...*
*Five minutes later I dragged her in. Twice.
Austin, TX is next.
