Houston, We Have Humidity (and a Whole Lot of Stories)

okay, so i just kinda ended up in *Houston. didn't really plan it, honestly. it was a last-minute detour after a gig in austin fell through. a drummer's life, right? always chasing the next soundcheck.

and wow. it's…sticky. i just checked and it's like wearing a warm, damp blanket all the time, which, honestly, isn't the worst when you're used to freezing venues. the weather report said 14.49°C, feels like 14.27°C, with humidity at 87%. yeah, that tracks. my cymbals are probably rusting as we speak.

spent yesterday wandering around the museum district. it's surprisingly chill. overheard someone complaining about the parking situation at the Menil Collection - apparently, it's a nightmare. they said, and i quote, "you'll lose years off your life circling for a spot." charming. i found a decent spot a few blocks away, though, so take that, parking gods.


*Gear: My trusty Ludwig kit (obviously), earplugs (essential), a ridiculously oversized towel (humidity, remember?), and a portable fan. Seriously, the fan is a lifesaver.
*Pro-Tip: Don't underestimate the power of a good hat. Sun's brutal.
*Food: Gotta try the Tex-Mex. I stumbled into a place called Ninfa's on Navigation - someone told me it's legendary for fajitas. It lived up to the hype. Ninfa's on Navigation.


blockquote>
"apparently, there's a secret underground music scene happening in old warehouses near the ship channel. you gotta know someone to get in."
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that's what the bartender at a dive bar told me last night. a dive bar with surprisingly good whiskey, i might add. i tried asking for directions, but he just winked and said, "you'll find it if you're meant to." cryptic, much? i'm thinking of spending tonight trying to decipher that riddle.

my neighbors seem…intense. everyone has a pickup truck and a serious dedication to grilling. if you get bored, Galveston is just a short drive away, which is good to know. i've been meaning to check out the beach. i also heard from a guy at a record store that there's a really cool vintage market on 19th street. Houston Vintage Market.

blockquote>
"avoid the traffic on i-45 at all costs. it's a soul-crushing experience."
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that was a very emphatic warning from the Uber driver. i'm taking notes. seriously, the traffic here is…something else. i've seen things.

spent some time looking for record stores. found a gem called Cactus Music. Cactus Music - seriously, if you're into vinyl, go. it's a rabbit hole. i also checked out some reviews on Yelp for local coffee shops. Yelp Houston Coffee. Apparently, Common Bond Bakery & Cafe is the place to be, but be prepared to wait in line.

Honestly, Houston is a bit of a chaotic mess, but it's a fun* mess. it's got a weird energy, a lot of humidity, and a surprising amount of good food. i'm not sure how long i'll be here, but i'm definitely making the most of it. and trying to keep my cymbals dry.

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