It is said that everything is bigger in Texas. This is proved true as Texas houses three of the thirteen Presidential Libraries run by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) are located in the Lone Star state. These libraries are unique as they are the only presidential libraries to be located on college campuses. The LBJ library was dedicated on May 22, 1971 at the University of Texas at Austin. The George H.W. Bush library was … [Read more...]
Deep in the Heart of Texas: A Traveller’s Guide
Many Australians have a vague idea of what Texas, and Texans, are like. While it’s true that you will see your fair share of cowboy hats while visiting the state, there are a lot of things that might surprise you. Austin, Texas, for example, boasts a thriving cultural scene and is known as the live music capital of the world. If you love spacious and uncrowded natural parks, great live music, incredible Tex-Mex cuisine and fun theme parks, … [Read more...]
Opportunity Village’s ‘Las Vegas Great Santa Run’ to Bring Thousands of Santas to Downtown Las Vegas on Dec. 3
Registration now open Santas will take over Downtown Las Vegas for the 12th annual, iconic Las Vegas Great Santa Run benefitting Opportunity Village on Saturday, December 3. This year, Human Nature will join Opportunity Village’s “OVIPs” as the Grand Marshals of 2016. The Strip’s famed Chippendales will serve as the Grand Marshals for the one-mile Kris Kringle Jingle Walk. The morning will kick off with music by a DJ Mikey P, a Zumba … [Read more...]
A Tranquil Respite in the Big Easy
A topless man wearing lipstick and a bright pink tutu prances by. Jazz is blaring at Legends Park. Drunken tourists stagger to their next girly joint. It’s Friday night on Bourbon Street, and this small town Texas boy needs a break. We all love a good party now and then, and New Orleans certainly knows how to party. But sometimes, we want a break from the frenetic energy and craziness of the nonstop Mardi Gras party atmosphere - but where … [Read more...]
Swim with Dolphins: Good Idea?
It doesn’t take much looking these days when exploring travel options to come across adventures involving animals. There are LOTS of photos of people smiling with a wide variety of animals from their travels and adventures. You can swim with dolphins in Hawaii, stingrays (San Antonio, TX Sea World),and even sharks (Disney Aulani in Kapolei, HI)! On every continent there are animals to encounter and experiences to add to your memories – riding … [Read more...]
A Grand Venue for Country Tunes
Even if you’re not a fan of the style, there’s something about live country music in the actual country that makes it vastly entertaining. I’m not into country music, but last summer, atop a nearly 10,000-foot mountain under a Colorado sky bluer than any I’d ever seen before, with snow-dotted southern Rocky Mountains on the horizon and nothing but fresh air and great tunes all around, I converted in a hurry. At least for that day. The … [Read more...]
Channel Your Inner Cowboy on a Guest Ranch in Bandera, Texas
When Australians go to the USA, statistically, they will most likely hit up Orlando, New York, Chicago and LA. But what about all that land in between? No Texas? No Arizona? No Wyoming? They didn’t even make the top 10. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve been to all 4 of those cities and they are fantastic holiday destinations. But what if you want to get off the beaten path a little? On my last trip to the States I spent some time in a few of … [Read more...]
From Camping with Nomads to Exploring Tehran
The past few days I've been enjoying life with a group of nomads who move around the deserts of central Iran. They regularly herd large numbers of sheep and goats; I was able to join them as they moved one such herd from the flat lands up into the mountains. It is a life in motion for the herders and their animals; both are moved around continuously in search of food and water. Donkeys accompany the herds carrying shelter and additional food and … [Read more...]
Guide to Houston, Texas
Houston combines Texas authenticity with artistic flair. If you like cowboy boots and rodeo with your cutting-edge art scene, mosey on over. In addition to world-class museums, innovative visual experiences should please even self-proclaimed museum haters. The culinary panorama is in the spotlight, with over 10,000 restaurants to tickle your palate. From inexpensive neighborhood spots to chef-driven eateries drawing big spenders, you’ll never go … [Read more...]
The Knife Dallas
Texas has its stereotypes: everything is bigger, everyone wears cowboy hats, you gotta get a steak. The last time I went through Texas, I stopped at Amarillo tourist trap The Big Texan Steak Ranch, famous for serving up a 72-oz. steak free to anyone who can take down the whole thing in an hour. When once again in Texas—Dallas over the weekend for a quick work trip—I went for something a bit more sophisticated. You'll find The Knife, helmed by … [Read more...]