We took a trip down memory lane today. We lived in Houston, Texas when we were first married many years ago. Houston is both the same and very different. The population has grown from 1.8 million to 7 million. Downtown is still a lot of skyscrapers, but now there are several over 50 stories tall. Houston has even more freeways.
We went on a tour of our old apartments. Our first apartment has been torn down. It is now a shopping area. That is a good thing. It was not a nice place. Our second apartment is still there. However, it is now primarily a Hispanic area.
We also visited Rice University and the University of Houston. It was nostalgic to visit the two schools so many years later. We were not the only ones experiencing nostalgia. The old Richardson College Tower was being demolished. Several long time employees were observing the process with tears in their eyes.
We were surprised that the original Hansen College building was still there. However, the additions from later years had been replaced. Overall, there were many newer buildings and much less open space than we remembered.
By the time we got to the University of Houston, it was raining. We drove through the campus. It had changed quite a bit as well.
When we lived in Houston, going to Pancho’s Mexican Restaurant was our favorite treat. It was our favorite because it was a buffet that only cost $1.99 and the food was very good. It was $2.99 if you wanted a tea or soda with refills. Today, we went to the last remaining Pancho’s Mexican Restaurant. We enjoyed our dinner and dessert. The food was still very good. It was now $14.99 with a drink. They still had the Mexican flags you could raise to get more food.
It was fun to see Houston after being away so long. Thomas Wolfe was correct though. You can’t go home again.