Okay, so apologies in advance for the fact that this post will probably be the worst one along the road trip (setting the bar high!)  I took no pictures in Houston!  Also, I did nothing in Houston with any cultural, historical, or economic relevance.  Here is what I can share with you about Houston: Beyonce is from there.  And I’m pretty sure that is all you need to know.

As I mentioned in my previous post, I had headed down to Houston from Natchez, Mississippi (guys, I am still freaking beaming from that charming little town).  Here was the most exciting part about being in Houston… I wasn’t going to be in a hotel!  One of my sister’s best friends, Perri was putting me up and I have never been more excited.  I was looking forward to it for so many reasons.  Firstly, I haven’t exactly been staying Motel 6’s or anything like that, but I always find that I’m never really and truly comfortable in a hotel room.  I couldn’t wait to be in a home.  Secondly, it’s so awesome to have someone to hang out with!  I haven’t really been that lonely on this trip since it seems like I’m always meeting strangers, chatting with randos, whatever, but I was going to actually sit down and have dinner with someone, hang out on a couch where I could take my shoes off and chill, catch up on the latest celeb gossip etc.  Thirdly, since Perri is one of my sister’s best friends… it’s basically like she is my sister.  And I miss that b!

When I got into Houston, Perri and I took Remy for a walk around the neighborhood.  Apparently, this was Houston’s “gay neighborhood” and it is an eclectic mix of homes, smaller condos, restaurants and random places like the Texas Junk Company.

We had the best time at dinner!  We chatted, caught up, and were just generally jovial.

The next morning, I was so sweetly included in her boyfriend’s Mother’s Day Brunch.  Having lived far away from my family for such a long time, it’s not that unusual for me to be apart from them on these kinds of holidays and celebrations, but I was especially missing my mom this time around.  I had just seen her, and she was honestly such an incredible help to me in making this move possible.  I seriously could not have done it without her and I wish I could have spent the day celebrating all she does with her!  So if you are reading this Mom, I love you!

It was so nice spending time in a family setting, and I was so very happy to be included!  It also really made me excited to realize that since I’m moving back to California I will have ample opportunity to do tons of these sorts of activities with my very own family.  To do: don’t forget that spending time with family is a blessing not everyone has!

After brunch, Perri and I headed back to her place and hung out, watched some Bravo (yes!), and I tried to quickly blog.  I really really really did not want to leave.  Perri had been so sweet my whole stay, always asking me if there was anything she could do to make me more comfortable/feel more at home/accommodate me.  It felt like I was living in the lap of luxury, having someone wanting to look after me and planning things for me.  Huge shut out to Perri for being such an awesome host.

But sadly, the time was here for me to go.  While I could have stayed longer, I kept reminding myself that I still have a long, long way to go before I make it back to California.  So I hit the road heading for Austin.

As I was driving on the highway.  I past a sign for a store called Hruska’s.  I immediately recognized it as the word for pear in both Czech and Slovene.  Thinking, “Hmmm… I wonder what that is all about.”  I pulled over to check it out.

Turns out, Hruska’s started as a little Czech bakery, and now has morphed into a bigger stop on the road between Houston and Austin in Ellinger, TX.  I obviously had to stop and get a kolach.

It was delicious.  As I drove and ate I thought about the fact that I was in Texas.  Arriving in Texas had felt very momentous to me the day before.  I know Texas is still technically in the South (maybe some people disagree, I’m no expert), but to me Texas felt very much in the “west”.  There was a very noticeable change between being in Louisiana/Mississippi and arriving to Texas.  Going from seeing tons of trees and more lush greenery, to more hills and sparse vegetation.  It made me feel like I was so much closer to being home.

The biggest shock to me was that as I was driving to my hotel for the night, I past an In n Out!  Too soon, Texas!  Too soon!  I’m going to hold out until I’m a little further west.

Distance Traveled: 165 miles

High: Mother’s Day Brunch

Low: leaving Perri and having to head to another hotel in Austin