The Non-NAGW Post

I guess it's true what they say that everything is bigger in Texas, because the urinals at the George Bush airport were low enough that my dog Ziggy could have peed in them without lifting his leg.

Our driver from the shuttle service (never got his name) was most knowledgeable about the history and current demographics of Houston. He pointed out as many famous landmarks we could see from the expressway (I-45 I believe) on our way to Hobby Airport and the beautiful Moody Gardens here in Galveston.

I made two new friends from the west coast who also got on the shuttle, then the entire crew from Hobby (Jay, Susan, Britt, Twiggs) were all familiar faces from the past. Minutes from the hotel, we hit the killer pothole (the kind of pothole that kills two-wheeled riders when hit after dark at posted speeds) and blew out one of our two right rear tires. We made it to the hotel unscathed, but the blowout was like none I've ever seen before.

I got a room right by the elevators on the 7th floor. Old fashioned 27" CRT, and basic room set up (2 queen sized beds), but the added ammenities were great: desk w/free internet & easy access 'holes' (as they are called in a Seinfeld episode), a mini fridge, and turn-down service with chocolates on the pillows (nice touch). My room overlooked the three pyramids (rainforest, Imax theatre, and something else) as well as their Texas-sized outside pool. There is also an inside pool and sauna, and a 24-hour fitness center, which I finally got to try out today. Singe serve coffee in the room is a nice touch to help me get started in the morning. There are THREE phones in the room: by the bed, on the desk, and in the bathroom. NICE! Beds are comfy, but the pillows give me a crick in the neck midway through the night. Overall, a great place to stay, especially if you are having a conference.