TRAVEL TALK
With the global shut down of international travel due to the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic and any future overseas holiday off the table for the foreseeable future, I find myself reminiscing about all the wonderful experiences I’ve had overseas. This is a brief account on my most recent family vacation in December 2019. Honestly, when my husband proposed an impulsive trip to Texas late last year, I wasn’t overly enthused. Pre-manufactured images of an abundance of fast food, cowboy boots, rodeos and sweltering heat immediately came to mind. Luckily heading into their winter, we were fortunate to be welcomed with some cooler weather and it really was wonderful being there for the festive season with stunning decoration and light displays all over Dallas and to experience our very first Thanksgiving dinner with friends. Never having been to the United States before I had grown up with the notion that everything is bigger over there and it certainly was from vehicles, highways and superstores to food portion sizes. The preconceived thoughts I had of Texas didn’t disappoint and I enjoyed some of the best BBQ smoked meat, Tex-Mex food and luxuriously smooth queso I have ever tasted. The fact I had gained three kilos in two weeks is testament to that. Wanting to experience all we could in so little time, we ventured out to Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District where the West begins. With the original brick walkways and wooden corrals it truly embodies old Western heritage. Memorable moments were watching a steer drive right at our feet and for my daughter, Chloe, sitting on a Texas Longhorn. Another worthwhile attraction was Billy Bob’s Texas (self-proclaimed) world’s largest honky-tonk! A massive country music honky-tonk with an indoor rodeo arena, dozens of bars and mechanical bulls. Definitely something different. Back to metro Dallas, another impressive place of interest was the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, with a view of the lake and the downtown Dallas skyline. The gardens are simply stunning, a sanctuary to reconnect with the beauty of nature and at this time of year, adorned with elaborate Christmas displays. Chloe had a blast engaging with countless squirrels and other resident critters. Whilst at the gardens overlooking the beautiful White Rock Lake I wondered where all the boats were housed and decided to explore. The following day I searched for nearby boat clubs and while there were many, I was drawn to Pier 121 on Lake Lewisville. It’s been referred to as one of the most popular marinas in Texas and I could see why. The office staff were warm and accommodating and with over 1000 wet berth options and 800 dry storage options, lakeside dining and all the amenities you could need, Pier 121 is a truly unique and premier boating facility.
The wet berths are located in a perfectly protected arm with the majority undercover, sheltered from the severe hail and storms. The marina is a virtual floating community where members can relax with all the comforts of home. Each berth has its own private deck area to fit out as they wish, from lounges, TVs, kitchen area, BBQ, disco balls, you name it, it was there. Each deck with its own character… a real home away from home. Admittedly, while Texas was never on my ‘places to go list’, I was glad I went. My only regret is that we didn’t stay longer. With much history and many quirky attractions from vast desert bad lands to lush mountains and prairies, Texas has much to see and do. Unfortunately my plans to swim with the Whale Sharks in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico weren’t well thought through with our spur-of-the-moment trip, as the beautiful giants had already migrated some months prior to our arrival… but there’s always next time. To all the folk in uptown Dallas down to the charming country town of Canton, my family and I thank y’all for your hospitality. Mellissa Vahoumis Marketing & Communications
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