26 tips for Houston newcomers --article in Houston Chronicle, my response.

https://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/26-tips-for-Houston-newcomers-6130812.php

Some of these tips underscore issues with rapid growth and the inability of the city to keep on top of the consequential traffic congestion. So, avoiding freeways at peak traffic hours is a good idea, no matter what large city you live in. Some tips are for any tropical climate-- and we are a gulf coast city.

Galveston: if you are looking for the Florida gulf coast and pristine white sand beaches, you are right, this is not it. If you want to have the sand between your toes, wind in your hair, watch the brown pelicans surf the breeze, then you are in the right place. Take a historic home tour. Watch the 1900 Hurricane movie. Grab a beer and shrimp at The Spot, pull up a chair and sit on the patio ---enjoy the ocean view. See the hula show at Rainforest Cafe. Rent a bike and ride down the seawall. Watch the oil tankers line up -- it is a sight to behold. Stop over at the Aquarium and view the beautiful sea creatures and rainforest animals. Cool off at the water parks. It is an island with plenty of history and lots of things to do and see. It is a short drive from Houston and a beach with sea air, sand, water and a unique Texas Mardi Gras. Skip it and you'll have missed out.

We have affordable sports: Astros. Say what you will, it is fun to sit in the stands and watch your hometown team, win or lose. Even better on dollar hot dog night. Dynamo: we have some of the most enthusiastic soccer fans un the U.S. Wear orange and join in the chanting!

Texans: football and Texas go hand in hand. We want our heros strong and big hearted. Ads all over town tout the players and their community efforts. Love 'em or leave 'em, they are part of how we define ourselves in Houston, part of who we are. You don't even have to go to the game-- hitting the tailgate or a viewing party (literally all over town on game day) and you too can be part of the community. Go Texans!

Food: we know food. All kinds of food. Mexican, Vietnamese, Greek, BBQ, Sushi, burgers, Tex-Mex (not the same as Mexican for those of you who do not already know), steakhouses, Italian, Chinese, Korean, Jewish Delis (did you catch the "Deli Man", featuring one of Houston's own? You should), fried chicken joints, soul food, Moroccan, British pubs, French bistros, Irish pubs... need I go on? This is a big town for food. I'd say it is the #1 tourist draw. Ask anyone with out of town company: you plan the visit around where to get Pho or Tex-Mex.

The humidity: let's not lie. If you move here in January you are fully saturated by August. The profuse sweating does stop. In the meantime, join a pool and plan to stay cool. Pools are all over town. Many suburban neighborhoods have one, some cities areas have them, almost every YMCA location has one, country clubs have them, and many are very nice, like a tropical vacation spot. Every mall is air conditioned, and some of the best shopping in the US is right here in Houston. Ice skate in the Galleria, take your small children to the playground in the mall. Go to a dine in movie theatre. Take an early morning walk in Memorial Park. There are plenty of ways to beat the heat when it arrives.