As it turns out, the city of Galveston is located on Galveston Island. Driving onto the island, well, not impressive is the most polite I can get.
Ye old Amtrak was significantly late arriving in Houston. Now Bush International Airport is huge, modern and a sight to be seen (even if clearing customs there requires hours of inefficient standing in line). The train station? Well let us just say it is not what one might expect of the 4th largest city in the world.
yes, this is the Houston Train Depot
Even being late, we managed the bus connection and traveled across miles of city followed by miles of flat for a bit over an hour from which I can assume that traffic escaping is probably less than travel into the city even on a Friday.
So there we are, driving onto the island. There is a bit of port, there are a lot of refineries and other industrial ugliness with seeming no redeeming value. We disembark at what used to be the Sante Fe Train station (now the Railroad Museum). There are no buses. There are cabs. Not all that many today as it turns out since it is not a Cruise ship day. In my confused and tired mind a hike with a rolling suitcase seems just as reasonable as waiting 45 minutes for transportation. [before I forget, this is Texas the home of the pick-up truck. Public transportation is not them.]
So off I go heading down Rosenberg Ave. Note – apparently Galveston ascribes to either cheapness or historical accuracy. In either case, there are neither curb cuts, consistent sidewalks or anything to make life easier for someone with wheels or on them. None the less, the scenery is lovely and the weather is warm but enough of a breeze that I don’t get overheated.
Ah, must have an art gallery
Along Rosenberg is the Silk Stocking District (did I mention that earlier) which is highly reminiscent of Summit Avenue in Saint Paul with stately houses and old trees.
Any way, I skipped the historic Pleasure Pier (amusement type park) and all the fast food in favor of getting to my motel. I settled for a real meal (sit down type) 1/2 way between lunch and dinner before deciding I needed a decent nights sleep.
Texas, at least Galveston seems to feature steak, more steak, fresh fish and fast food…
