My visit to Houston ( USA)
By Lokanath Mishra
As I stepped off the plane at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport on July 12, 2025, the warm Texas air enveloped me, and I felt a mix of excitement and relief. This was my fifth trip to the USA, and I was thrilled to be reunited with my son and his family.
My wife, daughter-in-law, and her two kids accompanied me on this trip, returning to the USA after a wonderful summer vacation in India. As we made our way to the arrivals gate, our son was waiting for us with a big smile on his face. He greeted us with a traditional gesture of respect, touching our feet, before wrapping us in a tight hug. The kids joined in, making it a big family hug.
I had retired in 2016 and had been visiting my son every other year since then. This trip was special, as I got to spend quality time with my loved ones and experience the beauty of Houston. As we drove to their home in the suburbs, I marveled at the sprawling cityscape and towering skyscrapers. The kids chattered excitedly about their summer break plans, while my son filled us in on their lives.
I was impressed by the renovations at the airport and the pleasant climate as we drove towards the city. The weather and sights were indeed pleasant and excellent. I felt grateful to be spending time with my family and enjoying the beauty of Houston.
As we settled into our son’s home, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of contentment. Being with my family, surrounded by the warmth and love that only they can provide, was exactly what I needed. I knew that this trip would be filled with wonderful memories, and I was excited to explore the city and spend quality time with my loved ones. For the first time when iI stepped off the plane in Houston, Texas, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect.
Unlike other cities, Houston didn’t have one clear attraction that drew me in. But after some research, I realized that the city was truly the sum of its parts. I decided to explore the different neighborhoods, museums, and cultural experiences that Houston had to offer.
My adventure began in the heart of the city, downtown Houston. I spent some time getting to know the Marriott Marquis, one of the hottest new properties in the area. The hotel’s 6th-floor deck was a tropical oasis, complete with a massive lazy river in the shape of Texas. I couldn’t resist the urge to lounge on the beach chairs and soak up the sun.
Next, I headed to the Westin Galleria, a luxurious hotel adjacent to Houston’s most famous shopping area. The hotel’s comfortable rooms and excellent service made it a great place to rest and recharge.
But the real highlight of my trip was the food. I had heard that Houston was a foodie’s paradise, and I wasn’t disappointed. I visited The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation, a local institution that served up some of the best Tex-Mex food I’d ever had. The fajitas were incredible, and I loved learning about the history of the dish and how it was first introduced to North America.
After indulging in some delicious food, I decided to explore some of the regional experiences around Houston. My first stop was Galveston Island, a beach town that had been attracting visitors for generations. I spent the day soaking up the sun, playing in the waves, and enjoying the laid-back atmosphere.
The next day, I visited Space Center Houston, the official visitor center for NASA’s Johnson Space Center. As a space geek, I was thrilled to explore the exhibits and learn about the history of space exploration. The highlight of my visit was a 90-minute tour of the NASA facility, where I saw rockets and training centers up close.
As I left Houston, I realized that the city was more than just a collection of attractions – it was a vibrant, engaging place that welcomed visitors with open arms. From the hospitality of the hotels to the delicious food and exciting regional experiences, Houston had stolen my heart. I couldn’t wait to come back and explore more of what this amazing city had to offer.
