Bruised but not beaten by Ike
Posted by at 6:39 PM
So about 6 months ago we plan a trip back to the states in September. Sure the idea seems harmless enough, little did we know that we picked the weekend to visit Houston when a hurricane was going to hit. We arrived into Houston (from Auckland via San Francisco) 48 hours before the hurricane made landfall, what timing indeed. On the first night we checked into the airport hotel (due to our late arrival) and they actually said, "You do know there is a hurricane coming, right?". Regardless, we decided to stay, partly to because we really wanted some decent Mexican food, but mostly to see friends. It should also be noted that we did eat our first Mexican meal, from Pappasito's in the airport food court.
The following day we drove into our old 'hood, The Heights to see our old hangouts. We had a delicious lunch (not Mexican) at Dry Creek and then met up with my Brother for a delicious smoothie from Maui Wowi.
Based on the traffic in and around the city, it was clear that businesses were starting to shutdown in order for people to prepare for the hurricane (i.e. get the heck out of dodge). We made our way to our friend's (Kevin & Tracy) house (soon to be known as the 'safe house') early. After catching up, we organized a first (and last) outing with friends during our Houston adventure. That night we headed to Lupe Tortillas, for good food, strong margaritas, and great friends. Thanks to everyone who made it out...little did we know that this may be the last night of electricity for awhile.
The next day, with nothing to do but wait for the hurricane, Kevin and Tracy took us to Houston's new downtown park, Discovery Green. None of the shops were open, of course, but we were able to get the feel of the place. As we were leaving the winds started to pick up making us think that the hurricane was imminent. For the rest of the night, we waited...watching the constant news coverage...and enjoying the 'calm before the storm'.
All night we heard the wind, rain, and destruction of Hurricane Ike. For the most part the power remained on. The next morning we surveyed the damage in the neighborhood...lots of branches down, fences fallen over, and some major trees uprooted. Luckily, Kevin and Tracy's place survived with little damage.
We must say one more BIG thanks to Kevin and Tracy for putting up with us - jet-lagged and cranky - without air-conditioning for such a long time. We only hope that our offering of TimTams and games of Squatter made up for it.
The following day we drove into our old 'hood, The Heights to see our old hangouts. We had a delicious lunch (not Mexican) at Dry Creek and then met up with my Brother for a delicious smoothie from Maui Wowi.
Based on the traffic in and around the city, it was clear that businesses were starting to shutdown in order for people to prepare for the hurricane (i.e. get the heck out of dodge). We made our way to our friend's (Kevin & Tracy) house (soon to be known as the 'safe house') early. After catching up, we organized a first (and last) outing with friends during our Houston adventure. That night we headed to Lupe Tortillas, for good food, strong margaritas, and great friends. Thanks to everyone who made it out...little did we know that this may be the last night of electricity for awhile.
The next day, with nothing to do but wait for the hurricane, Kevin and Tracy took us to Houston's new downtown park, Discovery Green. None of the shops were open, of course, but we were able to get the feel of the place. As we were leaving the winds started to pick up making us think that the hurricane was imminent. For the rest of the night, we waited...watching the constant news coverage...and enjoying the 'calm before the storm'.
All night we heard the wind, rain, and destruction of Hurricane Ike. For the most part the power remained on. The next morning we surveyed the damage in the neighborhood...lots of branches down, fences fallen over, and some major trees uprooted. Luckily, Kevin and Tracy's place survived with little damage.
We must say one more BIG thanks to Kevin and Tracy for putting up with us - jet-lagged and cranky - without air-conditioning for such a long time. We only hope that our offering of TimTams and games of Squatter made up for it.
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