It would be marvelous to hear about your place from a non-foreigner’s point of view. When I come to your place, I will already feel at home. OK, I will start.

HOUSTON, TEXAS: fourth largest city in the USA (close to 3 million citizens), third largest county (Harris- where I live- 3.4 million) and third largest traffic jams in the USA each day. Fifty miles from the Gulf of Mexico and 30 miles from the 2,000 acre Clear Lake. Made up of approx.30% Hispanics, 42 % Caucasians, 20 % Afro-Americans, 8 % other, speaking over 90 languages. It had the first American public television station and home of the first freeway in Texas. It has 83 consulates, third largest in America. “Houston” was the first word that Astronaut Neil Armstrong said when stepping on the moon. 'Specially, it is filled with wonders if you plan your day to stay off the road from 7:00-9:30 and 3:30-6:00 each week day (weekend are not bad). The wonders can start with world class exhibitions at the 15 museums. Right now, a few are: Impressionism at the Fine Arts Museum, some surreal works at the private family-but open to the public- Menil Museum, a plasticine figures (from real humans and animals, just showing the underlying structure and without skin) exhibit which opens Sept. 12 at the Houston Museum of Natural History. It has the great Houston Ballet Company (Sept.7 was Onegin from a novel by Pushkin, 1833, with music by Tchaikovsky, 1879, which was a movie in 1999 by Martha Fiennes; ballet reviewed by NY Post: "Must see!"; and our reaction, "Totally agree. Wow-ee!") , Houston Symphony, and Alley Theater (Cyrano on Oct. 8) (we have season tickets for the ballet and theater). Each fall (Oct.) Houston has its unique Art Car Parade, gathering cars and people from all over the world (and the Art Car Museum) (a great event for families who like wonder and magic and fun, sitting in folding chairs beside the closed off freeway), marvelous architecture by world class architects all over the city, great parks beside quiet waters, places outside the city with paths (well patrolled) to walk until sunset (like our greenway at the end of our street). As the largest city in Texas, it has its joys and pains. Many people, like us, live outside the city (with its 596 sq. miles).  I am lucky to work at my college, only 15-45 minutes from my home (depending on traffic). And if you are into sports, it has five major franchises (again, one of only five American cities to have that honor). Galveston is only 45 miles away with the Atlantic Ocean and its own wonders.  

“Y’all come on down now, visit. Y’hear!” And we can find a Rotary meeting any day of the week (and, if you wish, a ten-gallon hat), except weekends.  

Tu amigo, Joe

Bayville, New York.

Rich in history and beautiful year 'round in the region's embrace of the seasons, the 'Gold Coast' of Long Island is fantastic.

Of course, being two to three hours from so many things (most of them closer) doesn't hurt, but many resident of my fair town never 'cross the bridge' in reference to the draw bridge one must cross to get to the village.

Nearby Oyster Bay dates back to the 17th century and Teddy Roosevelt's home and final resting place is 20 minutes away.  I walk there often as it is a Nat'l park.

In short, NYC is not the only thing to see when in this region.  In fact, it is a must see, but just one of many...

Trying to get without first giving is as fruitless as trying to reap without having first sown.

It does not do to leap a 20 ft chasm in two ten foot jumps.