This Is Not Goodbye
So something funny happened as I was attempting my Austin-Houston-Manchester-Singapore route home.
After we checked out of our hotel, my colleague and I chatted about when to return to Texas. Not only had we learnt a lot from NAEMSP 2019 Who Said What And Who Cares but we also genuinely enjoyed the quirky city of Austin. (Austin Powers Up Our NAEMSP Social Program) Most of all, I had grown accustomed to the beautiful Texan sunrises. It was going to be difficult to say goodbye.
Ironically, I didn’t have to as I actually missed my plane. Since there wasn’t a flight to Singapore for another two days, that meant an unscheduled stopover in Houston. I couldn’t believe it. That night I was consumed with sadness, regretting being away from my children in their first weeks of school. I felt certain this was going to be the worst two days of my life.
Houston Inspired
Fortunately, Houston would have none of that negativity. The next morning peaked through my window with a gentle blush that swelled into glorious sunshine. It was the perfect day to go exploring.
Art In The Parks
As I strolled around, I fell in love with old structures like the county house which I had spied from my window at sunrise. Even the park bench in the Historic District was a work of art with mosaic tiles depicting the way of life before in Market Square. Presently I passed a carpark with the words “Houston Is Inspired” sprayed across the colorful wall. If ever there was encouraging graffiti, this was it.
At the Sesquicentennial Park, where the lovely Bayou Buffalo trail sprawls out, I saw an interesting art installation. Seven towers, composed of 150 children’s drawings pressed into metal sheets, stretch proudly, each seven feet tall. On closer inspection, the children’s drawings feature various aspects of Houston. I love the one featuring healthcare workers and artists.
Art In The Town
Art isn’t limited to parks; it is everywhere in Houston. As I walked through Theatre District, I saw a huge statue of a cellist among beautiful, massive theatres. Even commercial buildings, like the steepled Bank of America building, have inspired designs.
I marveled at how the city had recovered after hurricane-related floods had wrecked so much in 2017. I couldn’t help but wonder if art had played a role in Houston’s resilience.
Hotel Icon
After my long walk, I returned to my hotel, which was a bank in the early 20th century. Consequently, the vault at the front desk is but one of several interesting features in the building. The lobby and bar are sumptuously decked out while the room itself is quaint with arches passageways. But of course you know my favorite part: the windows with perfect views of sunrise.
Time Stood Still
Left alone after a busy conference, I had nobody for company, unless I wanted to chat with the four cows in the paintings in my room. It sure was quiet. With no agenda to follow and no kids to rush around for, I suddenly felt like time was standing still.
So I decided to do the things I usually say I have no time for. For instance, I picked up a newspaper and read it from cover to cover, instead of just scrolling through news online. With time to care for my skin, I finally opened the bottles of La Mer genaissance skincare that had been in my kit for ages. In addition, I updated my CV which had been abandoned for years. Do you like what I’ve listed as my top contributions?
But those are solitary activities.
The most distinguishing thing about being by myself was that I was dining alone. Usually I skip breakfast; other meals are largely social activities. However, I now had time for a leisurely breakfast, although I might have alarmed my waitress with the number of hot sauces I added to my plate. In the evening, I lingered over a cocktail at The Line & Lariat.
Time is such a luxury.
Homeward Bound
By the time I finally made it to the airport, checked in and lodged myself in the Polaris Lounge, I was all smiles. I had the sweetest ride home on that Singapore Airlines aeroplane, appreciating every detail previously taken for granted. And as we approached Singapore at daybreak, I realized that sunrise in Singapore is stunningly beautiful too.
