Houston...

[DONT TREAD ON ME]

Thank you sir!

[seamusTX]

The biggest problem to avoid in that area is vehicle burglary. Don't leave anything in your vehicle that you want to see again. Especially that GPS unit.

That is true of every tourist spot or place like JSC that has a lot of business travelers. It's not just the locals that are a problem. The people in the next motel room might be opportunistic thieves.

- Jim

[LarryH]

I consider JSC a must-see (It's the Houston in "Houston, we have a problem"). They have a couple of guided tours that take you places you can't go on your own.

Just keep in mind that the entire place is federal property, and weapons are completely prohibited except maybe for some law-enforcement loopholes.

- Jim

True, JSC is federal property. When you enter Space Center Houston, they ask about weapons, including any knives, so leave them (well-hidden) in the car. I don't think you'll have to worry about stuff getting stolen in SCH's parking lot.

[SQLGeek]

Have a good trip.

You know, there are areas of Houston that definitely make me feel uneasy. But then I reflect back on riding BART in the SF Bay Area and being in some pretty bad areas at night in Oakland and Richmond (without a gun mind you), it doesn't seem all that bad in comparison. Now I'm certainly not going to Gunspoint or Shankstown if I can avoid it but the thing is, Houston is a huge city. There's just going to be crime here. I am at least thankful I can legally carry a gun...something I could not do legally in other such cities as New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco or Chicago.

[SecedeTX]

Heh....if you are anywhere in Houston that ends with the word "Ward" in Houston you are not in the greatest place.

Sticking the Kehma is a good idea. I am close and the extended family goes there probably 10-12 times a year. Touristy, but some really great resturants.

[bdickens]

I apologize for my previous snotty message.

The rules are simple: If you see abandoned houses, vacant storefronts, lots of bars and pawn shops, and men standing around drinking out of bags and spitting, you're in a bad neighborhood. Keep moving until the scenery changes.

if you want to come down to Galveston I'll show you around. At least 30,000 people didn't get murdered or robbed yesterday, and today will probably be the same.

- Jim

Seamus wins the thread.

Seriously, you are not going to be anywhere near the parts to be avoided.

[tacticool]

I used to enjoy visiting JSC but it's not the same with the theme park.

[Quahog]

I used to enjoy visiting JSC but it's not the same with the theme park.

When I first came to Houston to interview for a job at JSC, I got the royal tour... MCC, Training Facilities, etc. I think we spent the better part of 3-4 hours going through the Visitor's Center and all the various buildings. It was great.

Years later when the "theme park" opened, of course I had to see it but to be honest, I found it very disappointing. I guess if you've never seen the real deal, then Space Center Houston seems pretty cool.

p.s. Years later, I also got to do the full tour at KSC (LCC, pad, VAB, etc.) and even got to see Columbia launch. As promised, it was better than ... (you can fill in the blank!)