Hapless and Helpless in Houston

'Houston. We have a problem.' So did I... Only $3 in cash, American banks scoffing at my GB￡ and two blocked cards... It crossed my mind to walk back to the UK but $3 wouldn't even cover boot leather.

Ironically on that day, I had a tour booked at The Space Centre. Should I still go? With enough US$ on my Uber account I could get there and back, a bottle of iced tea from the hotel, a packet of M&Ms (peanut) and that infamous $3, I decided to go anyway and what a fabulous day. I remember when Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed on the Moon and to actually be in the Space Station gave an incredible personal connection.

During my time in Houston, I also visited the terrific Houston Museum of Natural Science, Holocaust Museum, the Galleria (they have a Cheesecake Factory) and spent plenty of time Downtown. Houston is a place of wealth merged with homelessness and despair. And of course, everything is bigger in Texas.

My first meal after a long flight was a burger and chips, or so I thought. It was half a cow and a potato sack of French fries. Now those of us of a certain age, am sure, will remember being forced to 'eat everything on your plate because 1/3rd of the world is starving.' I still remember begging my parents to send the leftovers in an envelope to Africa. Not because I was being flippant but because I thought at times, I might explode. This all came flooding back when confronted with this mammoth (literally) culinary mountain, stacked up on my plate. I attempted it and did my best... But my eyes were bulging and I was gagging. A kind waitress picked up the plate as must have witnessed this pathetic spectacle and declared: 'You finished ma'am' and the plate was taken away before I could reply. I was grateful and left a large tip.

I'll never forget Texas, the infinite amount of pick-up trucks, big boots and baseball caps... And then when I least expected it, another interaction with one of the locals. Minding my own business whilst dodging those who were looking to engage in meaningless and probably hostile conversation, I suddenly heard behind my back and with a loud and accusatory tone... 'You.... Yeah YOU.'

Obviously, I looked round, aside a few people who looked oblivious to their own surroundings, it dawned on me that perhaps the 'Yeah YOU' was actually me. An angry, mature woman was pointing a wagging forefinger. 'You. YEAH YOU' and I thought, OK, we've ascertained that's me... And then something which I'll never forget. I've been called many things in my life but this next statement, took me by surprise: 'YOU - Deborah (who's Deborah?) You Goddam white trash. I'm a talking ta you.' And I thought, well how do you respond to that? Americans are normally infinitely more friendly. I smiled and was keen to avoid confrontation, but my pace quickened and eager respite was sought in the sanctuary of my wonderful hotel: Magnolia Hotel & Suites at 1100 Texas Avenue.

And what a great hotel that was too. The service was impeccable and the duty manager, very kindly upgraded my room to their statement, Magnolia Suite. Room? It was an apartment with a fully equipped kitchen, lounge, dining area, dressing room and full ensuite facilities. I was so incredibly comfortable that it was a sad day when I had to leave. It was probably one of the most friendly hotels I have visited so far, everybody was caring and attentive and if ever going back to Texas - I'd definitely return. Oh and by the way, as it is situated near the stadium, it is frequented by sports stars and celebrities who are invariably given the same suite. Allegedly, I can now claim to have slept in the same bed as George Foreman. Just not at the same time...

Whilst in Houston, I decided upon a cheeky little trip to New Orleans and also took a steamboat ride on the Natchez. 'Rolling down the river....' means so much more now. The 'whoo whoo' of the boats horn when it passed another steamboat; the refreshing Mississippi breeze as the boat chugged whilst live jazz music played from the dining room. I loved that boat trip and have relived it many times since. Mark Twain and all the great works of literature and musical references are infinitely more nuanced. Then onto Bourbon Street with its booziness and loud music in the French Quarter. An infinite amount of bars, restaurants, and a slightly eerie and tangible Voodoo vibe... As I walked around the shops, I noticed some strange symbols and statues and it reminded me of the James Bond film Live and Let Die. It was certainly an unusual experience and now etched in the catalogue of places and experiences that used to be just names on a map. I have always wondered about New Orleans and as so close in Houston, it would have been a shame to have missed the opportunity to see a touch of French architecture and style in the US.

But back to the US$3. My main international card was hacked and immediately terminated when I spotted an irregular transaction. Unfortunately my usual card wasn't working either so after a desperate call, everything was rectified and I was assured that I would be able to draw cash. So with a determined sense of imminent success, I went back to Bank of America on the crossroads between Fannin and Walker. They knew me. The Brit whose cards didn't work. It felt like High Noon when I produced my card and they stood back. I reassured them, this time it would happen and three members of staff stood in a line behind me. 'Good luck Ma'am' they all wished and in that slot which hopefully, would unlock access to some of my funds, it asked all the necessary questions then Hallelujah as we all heard... the shuffle of notes... And out those dollars came. There were High Fives and a general sense of camaraderie and celebration. Good Ole Bank of America.

Now ready for my next stop... Costa Rica.

On another note, as some of you know, unfortunately, I don't enjoy the best of health so each tour merits a day's rest beforehand and a few days thereafter and hence the delay in this latest post. I need to pace myself and seriously respect my capabilities and to not allow excitement to overrule rational judgement. But at a reasonable pace and with care, am doing what I would like but allowing plenty of time. My reason for stating is because I'm receiving concerned messages so to put everybody at ease. Thank you for caring. xx