Mustangs Mania.

Finally, on Friday, I had my first day in the city, or at least the Museum District (take note London, all our museums should be in super close proximity to minimise walking for us lazy tourists) and Rice Village in the morning. Now, part of me taking my Gap Year is to extend my learning and cultural experiences (or at least that's what it says on my UCAS...right?) and I do adore museums and especially art galleries, several of which Houston has. Meg, kindly, dropped me into the city and I decided to visit the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston and it was quite impressive.

I suppose that being a regular visitor to the Tate Modern I've come to appreciate contemporary and modern art a little bit more, but the classic art housed in the Audrey Jones Beck and the Caroline Wiress Law Buildings is really fantastic. Gris and Picasso were common (as in Washington), but also Rembrandt and Monet too. There were collections of international art too: Latin American, Indian (I couldn't help but smile as my trip to India draws ever nearer as my time here ticks too quickly by), Korean, Japanese and Chinese.

Being mid-week, the gallery was incredibly quiet and it was a perfect place to gather my thoughts. The buildings, as in Washington, were connected by an underground tunnel which James Turrell had created a small installation piece inside and just before entering the tunnel I started laughing (and received some confused looks from passers by for doing so...) because there, amongst all this classically fine art, was Damien Hirst's 'End Game'. As if Hirst has followed me from his exhibition that I went to see in April, all the way to Houston. From MFAH I walked to the Contemporary Arts museum which, in levels of need-to-squint-to-understand-the-meaning-ness, matched the Saatchi almost exactly. There was also a great Election 2012 installation piece which was interesting. Once again, I was greeted by the most friendly staff; everyone was so welcoming and entry is free.

Damien Hirst - End Game

James Turrell - Tunnel of Light

Sculpture Garden; American art galleries seem to love these.

MFAH from the oustide (beaut)

Don't worry, I don't understand it either.

My Texan art experience was fantastic so I greeted the sunshine (and 30+ degrees heat again) and walked down Sunset Boulevard (yes, its actual name) to Rice Village and through the university campus. Stowing my map in my trusty Daunt Books tote bag, I didn't get two glances from the students as I tried my hardest to blend in, strutting through the campus like one of the students. I continued to walk down to Rice Village for a wee bit of shopping and a rejected-date-request from a Rice student and half an hour later, I sought refuge in a Starbucks.

My British stereotypical tendencies led to a brilliant conversation with the Baristas after it turns out they don't have English Breakfast tea. I know, I know. And breathe British readers. He gave me the next best thing and checked it was right. I did a tiny bit of shopping (cheeky Urban Outfitters purchase and of course, some half price books from a half price book shop including Salinger's Franny and Zooey for $2.98) then returned home where the boys' Grandparents had arrived from Iowa. It was lovely to meet them and get to know them as it gives me an insight into another part of American life again, I am always learning!

Red Velvet cake!

Saturday was all-systems-go as per usual, and I accompanied Meg to Ben's Soccer game in the sunshine. The afternoon I spent reading and baking the eldest a Red Velvet birthday cake as he turns 13 today! Happy birthday! Being a teenager is brilliant, trust me. After having vanilla cream cheese frosting left over, Meg tried it on Rich Tea biscuits and it was a-mazing. Sounds...gross, but it was surprisingly yummy.

In the evening, I experienced probably my highlight of the trip so far - an all american High School Football game. For those of you who aren't familiar with American Football, it's sort of like Rugby. Touch downs are like tries, Hikes are like Scrums, and kicking the ball is like...kicking the ball. And for those of you who are familiar with American Football, I'm sorry I described it in such an English way. The stadium was electric as the Mustangs placed St Jesuit Private High School and we were supporting the Memorial Mustangs - our local Houston High School. I have only ever seen Football games played in cheesiest American films so based my expectations on that, and boy was I not disappointed.

Marching bands. Half-time shows. Cheerleaders (so many cheerleaders) and Mascots galore. It was perfect.

The sun set during the game and it became cooler, and the pitch was lit brilliantly. The atmosphere was just so great! I've never seen so many beautiful football players in one place, I didn't know what to do with myself. We won 40 - 10 (thrashed them) and I can't wait to go to my next game, especially as I'm thinking of investing in a Memorial Mustangs t shirt. Today has been quiet and I've just been to get my hair cut ($13, not bad not bad) and we're doing the eldest's birthday cake soon - hopefully it'll taste alright, my first American baking. Tomorrow I'm going to the Museum of Natural Science which I've been looking forward to since I got into Houston and am super excited! Photos to follow.

Looking like a true American..

Mustangs!

Country Roads Take Me Home.

Welcome to Texan Antiques - where anything goes. Including skeletons in Sombreros.

Today it hit a barmy 94 degrees which to you Europeans, is 34 degrees centigrade so yes, I did nearly expire out in the Texan countryside. Meg and I headed out early after the school run to a huge (American huge) Antiques fair at Roundtop and it was, well, quite fantastic and if you're willing to make the drive, then I can wholly recommend it. The size of the entire market (we didn’t see the entire thing actually) was phenomenal – you could find anything you wanted! We bought gifts for various people, and I found a gorgeous beaded clutch bag for just $18.00 which I think is quite a steal.

The customers and sellers were both equally friendly, and you could buy anything: be it Longhorn skulls, old dolls, bird cages or guitars. Vintage clothing to vintage bicycles (the loves of my life) to 80s rollerblades galore. Cow hides, lampshades, cupcakes...I was in heaven. The whole day was dusty, hot, and very, very Texan; friendly, loud and brilliant. My favourite stall was undoubtedly the "English Antiques", where we stumbled upon an incredibly vintage red Phonebox (see photo) and where beautiful British china was sold. Me being me, I cannot go anywhere without mysteriously attracting a) bookshops (see Capitol Hill) or b) cupcake shops and this fair did not disappoint - God knows how they kept such delicious Chocolate Malt cupcakes cool in that heat but they were b-e-a-utiful.

I couldn't help but notice the sheer number of cowboy boot stalls and I smiled to myself all the while. Whilst the stereotypes, or some of them, may be true, it only makes my experience better and better. After a few hours we met up with some of Meg's girlfriends for a cool lunch before picking up our purchases and heading home back through the Texan countryside and back to the boys at home. Tomorrow I'm headed out to the city for the first time and I am super excited! Naturally I'm going to a bookshop or two, then hopefully to the Rice University Art Gallery and/or the Museum of Fine Arts. Houston is renowned for its Museum District and I'm having to stop myself from unearthing all of them at once. This weekend we're also going to a High School Football game and it's the eldest's birthday on Sunday, so it's going to be all-rockets-go for the next few days. Classy NASA reference Catrin, classy.

"Oh England you bore me, you shaped me and taught me..."

Oh Texas.

Rollerskates anyone?

First photo of Meg and I; I don't even look too sunburnt and/or sweaty despite the crazy heat.

"She's Cheer Captain and I'm on the Bleachers"

I am no longer ashamed to be a Taylor Swift fan as Country Music seems to be all the radio stations play...being Texas and all. As of yesterday, I've been in the US for over a week, and it's already gone so quickly. I've settled into Texan life and have finally got over the jet lag and the dreaded 4am hill. Family life is brilliant and the four boys have kept me on my toes but I wouldn't have it any other way. If it's reading with the youngest or showing the boys photos of London - it's great to spend time with and get to know my American counterparts and the way life over here works.

I've got into the apres-school routine of helping with the boys, and at the start of the week I investigated the local Library with the help of two of the boys which, as it turned out, was a brilliant surprise. I was scanning the notice boards of the local area when I noticed that Jonathan Safran Foer (any of you who know me will know how much I raved about his 'Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close' at the start of the year) is doing a signing on 27th October and I had to stop myself jumping up and down, I love him. Furthermore, on speaking to the Librarian about the event (re: tickets and such), she came and found me amongst the Dewey Decimal System (I have no idea how it works) and said they'd love to have me join their book group, where on Tuesday next week they will be discussing said book; perfect.

After this excitement, Tuesday and Wednesday were days spent relaxing and helping Meg with errands and taking books out of the Library (Hemingway's 'The Garden of Eden'), and on Tuesday we went to the Middle School American Football game which, when you have no idea what is going on, is incredibly fun and absurdly American.

I guess this was counteracted by an unseasonal rain storm in the first twenty minutes of the game but, being British, I sat out in the rain. Without an umbrella. Telling myself it was okay because we're so used to rain. I still became absolutely soaked through but hey, my English spirit lived through.

The game took place in a local High School so even being in the stadium was a great experience - I finally understand what Taylor Swift is singing about when she talks about 'sitting on the Bleachers' which are a) incredibly American and b) incredibly uncomfortable. After the game and a quick dinner, I headed, with the boys, to a Neighbourhood party and mingled with some of my now neighbours. The inevitable, "oh you're Meg's niece!" (cousin),"you're over from Wales!" (England) and my all time favourite, "oh you have wonderful teeth! English people have awful teeth" closely followed by, "do you know the Queen? Oh, do you own a Bowler hat?". Everyone gave me a lovely Houston welcome into our Wysteria-Lane-esque suburbia.

Looking awkward, English, and possibly a little confused on the stands.

On Wednesday, I visited some local shops and went for lunch with Meg. We went to a local food store named the, “Moveable Feast” (after Hemingway’s Parisian classic) and was rather quaint. Part of having a big family is grocery shopping, and we went to my first proper grocery store (although, having already been to a Whole Foods store and the infamous Walmart this would technically been the third time) and I squealed when we reached the 'British' food section! Twinings and Rich Tea Biscuits galore!! It's the little things that remind me of home that make being in a different culture even more exciting, but across the pond who knew these little things could cost $3.00 for a packet of imported biscuits?! I know, I know, it's exceedingly British to complain but still.

The, "where are you from?" question at the check-outs is still brilliant, though I've found my hair is a focal point? I've been grocery shopping 3 times, and have been asked to/complimented on my hair 3 times. Definitely a correlation (perhaps). Wednesday evening was a political highlight, as I'm sure many of you will have watched Obama vs. Romney in the first of 3 presidential debates. Being in a Republican state, the opinions are great to listen to as I know little of Obamacare and/or the actual state of the American Economy. Obama didn't seem to do so well, though happy 20th Anniversary Mr. President, but it was an experience to watch, especially after seeing our own 2010 General Election debates in the UK and being able to compare the two.

The "Moveable Feast" interior.

England in a grocery store! Wine Gums! Fox Creams! Tea! Digestives!

Obama vs. Romney - round one.

I've settled in completely this week, and after emailing and writing home and finishing Caitlin Moran's 'Moranthology' I feel like this really is my home, and will remain my second home for years to come. The welcome cannot be paralleled to that which I have received elsewhere, I feel like this is even more my family now than I could have hoped.

PS, I found a Wills and Kate mug AND a website to watch Doctor Who and Great British Bake Off - horray!

Well Howdy Y'All!

No prizes for guessing where I now am as the title may give it away - I survived another flight by myself and after saying goodbye to Steve and Glenda and after a turbulent journey, I landed in Houston, TX on Saturday afternoon. Meg, who I am staying with, picked me up at the Airport and as soon as I stepped out of the air-conditioned Baggage Claim I was hit by what could only be described as a wall of heat.

The humidity was indescribable and something I'm definitely not used to. But not to panic as the weather soon changed - but I'll get on to that later. The drive from the Airport to the neighbourhood in which I am staying for 8 weeks was 'ugly' according to Meg, and the highways are beige and dusty, lined by fast food chains (am I allowed to utter, 'typical' under my breath?). We came over a highway bridge on the outskirts and I caught a glimpse of the city skyline half hidden my clouds at the top, and parallels were drawn with London a little.

The area around us soon grew greener as we turned into an incredibly leafy estate, lined with what can only be described a Doll's Houses - the houses here are so huge and unlike anything I've seen before. Luckily for me, the heat didn't stay and it started raining (it never rains in Texas, ever!) full-on British style and I felt very at home. My jaw dropped as I was shown the house, it's a beautiful maze and seems to go on forever. I have yet to find all of the nooks and crannies I think. Dave greeted me and I was greeted by a "SURPRISE!", a super cute handmade sign, and hugs from all the boys as I was shown my room which is absolutely perfect. I was quick to hang up my fairy lights and make myself at home. After an afternoon spent unpacking, talking to Meg and Dave, and missing home a wee bit, we had 'take-out' (Americanism no.1 of many...) from the family's favourite Mexican restaurant - Escalantes. Not having really had Mexican food, it was an experience and a tasty one at that. Plus, the boys' reaction to Escalantes was not too dissimilar to saying, 'walkies!' so a dog, and I couldn't help but smile. As a treat, once the two younger boys had gone to bed, we watched Sherlock and I couldn't have felt more at home, though I'm not sure they appreciated the dry English humour as much as I did...I felt very at home.

The house.

From the boys to me, Texas on a bulletin board...right?

On Sunday after a disturbed night's sleep (I'm still waking up at the dreaded 4 o'clock) we went to Church, where one of the pastors is English, and after watched the Texans American Football game on TV, which Mike had been lucky enough to nab a ticket for from a friend. I enjoyed the family spirit as everyone watches it in the family, and even though I didn't really understand what was going on (...is it like Rugby? I don't know) when the Texans won, it was brilliant for us all.

Meg, Ben and I took a walk around the block to see the area and meet neighbours and I saw the extravagance of this area for the first time. I'm still not used to it, and am feeling nostalgic for British chocolate box houses and my cute, white, three up three down in Essex! After an afternoon spent reading and watching TV, we went out for dinner as a family to the local Country Club which the family are members of and I experienced a Southern Buffet for the first time. Families after families after families with fried chicken and fries until it was coming out of your eyes - definitely not a phenomena I'm used to. I stuck to a salad though, not to worry.

On returning home, the boys insisted on teaching me how to throw an American football which I was appalling at, but I have the next 8 weeks to perfect it! I gave the family my welcome gifts, lots of hand-picked London 2012 and Cambridge University merchandise - thank you Mum, and the boys loved them. Showing them photos of me in London and at the Olympics really made them excited for their own trip which they're undertaking next Summer, and also made me very proud of my city. I'm starting to appreciate how brilliant it really is.

This makes me room look like a well-kept secret...it is an attic room after all.

My new room.

Shelves for books, and a Van Gogh poster - perfect!

Today I slept through the school-run, which was probably for the best, and am currently curled up on the sheltered back porch with Caitlin Moran's Moranthology and a cup of tea, waiting for Meg to get home so we can decide on what to do today. Between the hours of around 9am and 3pm I have time to myself, and I have no idea what I'm going to fill it with! Better get reading I suppose. I'm hoping to explore the city this week before the boys' Grandparents come over for the next week. It's hard to adjust to the fact that this is my home for the next 8 weeks but they will fly by, and there is so much to do between now and flying back to Baltimore. This is a brilliant experience and I am beginning to feel more and more at home, especially after finding BBC Radio 2 online and Doctor Who!

My current blogging haven while the boys are out; spot the Caitlin Moran!

I Pledge Allegiance...

Or I don’t. Because as every person I spoke to today now knows, I am not American. The repeated question of, “oh, where do you come from?” has yet to get old and has sparked some great conversation.

Today I was a very grown up girl and travelled to Washington DC, capital of the US of A, via metro by myself – planning a day of tourist bliss. Those of you who know me will know just how obsessed I am with lists and planning, and this day was no exception – I knew what I was to do today, how I was going to get there etc etc and it seemed to all go to plan, even negotiated the Metro system.

Safe to say, I visited the Washington Memorial, the Abraham Lincoln memorial, and the Capitol amongst other things and it was all I thought it would be and more; overstated, political and very proud (not that the Americans don’t have anything to celebrate, don’t get me wrong!). Someone (I’m hoping Michelle or someone equally fabulous) was leaving the White House at my time of visiting so I unfortunately wasn’t able to get very close, but I have several awkward tourist shots to compensate. 

WWII Memorial at the top of the Reflection Gardens.

Awkward tourist shot no. 1 - the Washington Monument and I.

Oh, America.

Chillin' with Lincoln (awkward tourist shot no. 2)

At the bottom of the Monument, I struck up conversation with a wonderful group of American tourists, I walked down the Mall (which is not quite the same as our London one leading to the Palace (cue nostalgic sigh of England) but incredibly impressive) and climbed up to see Lincoln. Despite the rain the night before, the sun didn’t let me down and I basked in it as I admired the Reflection Pool.

Walking up from the memorial, I stumbled upon the White House (almost accidentally) then treated myself to a wander around the National Art Gallery, both contemporary and older buildings, which was very interesting with my favourite exhibition being Turner and the ‘British Landscape’ – quite fitting! I saw some brilliant Gris and Picasso too. The sculpture gardens, both inside and out of the gallery were wonderful ceramic and it felt nice to be out of the chaos of the real tourist areas, and into the air conditioning. All the museums on the Smithsonian are totally free, so if you have more time than I did to spare, I would advise you to definitely do as many as you can. The cafes are to die for, and the air conditioning is a God send. A must do in Washington.

After an hour or so spent admiring the paintings, I continued my walk up the Mall towards the Capitol, stopping off at the Botanical Gardens of Washington (a well kept secret) then making my way up to the main dome which was shut off to prepare for the Inauguration of the Presidential candidate who isn’t to be voted in for another month – talk about forward planning. 

'Winselowe Park, Essex'

National Art Gallery, Washington.

Botanic Gardens - gorgeous!

Awkward tourist shot no.3

Fourth and final awkward tourist shot (thank you Canadian-London couple!)

Can you believe I managed, whilst looking for the Eastern Market, to stumble upon the most beautiful used book shop? Safe to say, I attract them, even when 4860 miles away from home. I treated myself to a few books and gawped at its mismatched books.

Capitol Hill Book-Store I love you, Capitol Hill Book-Store I do!

Spoilers..

Expect no more blogging until the beginning of next week, as I'm flying tomorrow lunch-time to Houston where I shall begin my stint with my Houston family - I am so excited to see both them and the south! Will update soon but for now, I'm exhausted. Note to self: wear better shoes to capital cities.