Life is short, lets make it sweet.: houston

My proud parents visited us for a month long vacation 2 months ago. I dreamt for this day since I got to America like any other desi. I wanted them to show everything possible and give them an experience of lifetime during this short period.

I took them to some good historic places in and around Houston city which I am about share with you via pics.

Houston is the nation’s fourth largest city, home to 2 million people and a hub of international businesses. It is a vibrant international city that heartily enjoys its tradition of being a place of firsts. General Sam Houston, the city’s heroic namesake, was the first president of the Republic of Texas.

Houston Downtown Sky raisers - Its a nice decent view from the park.

Houston Sesquicentennial Park
Buffalo Bayou Sesquicentennial Park has become an urban oasis in the heart of Houston’s downtown Theater District. The George Bush Monument, a tribute to the 41st American president, was unveiled to the public in December of 2004, as a new addition to Sesquicentennial Park.

Pearland Meenakshi Temple

The main deities at the temple are Meenakshi, Sundareswara and Lakshmi, the companion of Vishnu. Its located apx. 50 miles from my place. It take atleast 1 hour drive in car during the off-peak hours.

Stafford Swami Narayana Temple

It was the first traditional Hindu Mandir (temple) of stone and marble to be constructed in the United States.The 25,620 sq.ft Mandir is constructed entirely of marble from Italy and limestone from Turkey. There is no iron or steel anywhere in the structure.

The stone that makes up the temple was shipped to India where it was hand-carved with traditional Vedic deities and motifs. Approximately 33,000 individually marked pieces were then shipped to Houston and assembled like a giant three dimensional jigsaw.

Houston Johnson Space Center - NASA

Houston, the city, was the first word spoken from the surface of the moon and the first to build an air-conditioned sports stadium.Houston received the official nickname of "Space City" in 1967 because it is home to NASA's Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center.

Space vehicle used in the Moon

Shuttle Ship(model)

Kalpana Chawla's with her crew on the Wall of fame.

My dad happily riding in the future vehicle..

Inside the Rocket Cockpit

Design of the International Space Station which is rotating about the earth.

Future Unmanned Space Shuttle

Port of Houston (Boat Tour)

San Jacinto Monument

A bit history - On April 21, 1836, Mexican rule over Texas came to a dramatic close. The climax of the Texas Revolution, the Battle of San Jacinto eventually moved America’s western border to the Pacific Ocean. This world’s tallest 570 feet monument tower was built in memory of this great battle fought by the Texans.

Another interesting fact, in the 57 hours that the foundation was poured, the builders consumed 3,800 sandwiches and 5,700 cups of coffee.