Texas is my home for the next couple of years. And to make a place your home, you need to know a lot of things about it. For nearly 28 years in Delhi, I made sure that I know everything about it and take pride in it.
The beauty of coming to a new place is that you explore a lot about it and leave space in your life to get fascinated by them. Before I moved here, I just anticipated that I am moving to the US – the country where the silicon valley is. But Texas is a beautiful entity in itself. It has a rich amalgamation of French, Spanish and Mexican culture. And that is pretty fascinating!
I was very excited about the cowboy hats and boots before I came here. But Texas is so much more than just that! I love it how I see so many varieties of cacti everywhere I go!
Here are a few things that I learned about Texas while living here since the past few months.
Frozen margaritas have their roots in Texas.
I love Tex Mex, and on my very first weekend in Texas, I went to have some excellent Tacos with a massive glass of frozen margarita. And that place serves only Tacos and margaritas. A li’l bit of talking made me come face to face with the fact that frozen margaritas are best enjoyed with Mexican food but were invented in Dallas, Texas to keep the drink super cold for a long time. I love frozen margaritas for the fantastic buzz that I get – and can sustain it for a long time!
Talking of drinks, one book-ish fact about Texas is that you can not have more than three sips of beer while standing. That is illegal.
View this post on InstagramIf at first you don’t succeed, take a margarita break and try again #VelvetTaco #KickAssMargarita
Austin is the live music capital of the world.
The moment I landed in Austin, I got to know about this super amazing thing about it. You see highly talented musicians playing even at the airport, and it’s so delightful. Not just that, every night you can hear live music for free at various places in Austin. Austin Music, as it is referred to, consists of Blues, Jazz, Rock, Country and Latin music genres. I am just so proud of this city!
The next one is my favourite however I had to put alcohol and music before it because, priorities.
Texas has it’s own Paris and the Eiffel Tower
The second-largest Paris of the world is indeed a city named Paris in Texas. And not just that, it has got the replica of the famous Eiffel Tower. Remember how I said this place is an excellent amalgamation of western cultures? Also, remember how I talked about cowboy hats? This Eiffel Tower in Paris, Texas, is complete with a cowboy hat on the top. No kidding!
Texas flies under six different flags
I was already fascinated by the fact that every state in the US has it’s own flag(thanks to Sheldon Cooper’s Fun with Flags).
But I realized that it’s not just the US and Texas flags that fly over Texas but also the flags of Mexico, Spain, France and the Confederacy – all of them ruled Texas sometime in the history.
Dr Pepper originated in Texas
So basically, Texas has a thing for drinks. Dr Pepper – Coca-Cola factory is across the street from where I live in Austin. And that is when I got to know that Dr Pepper was created in Texas and is the oldest soda brand in the US. However, I hate Dr Pepper. I hate it.
Texas has the largest bat colony in the world
Now that is entirely scary. There is this place called the Bracken Cave in San Antonio where bats can be seen leaving the cave at an overwhelming rate – 50,000 bats per minute. Writing this is giving me the chills. I got to know about this when I saw unique “bat-sighting” places in Austin.
Some “by the way facts” that I came across sometime in my life but are sensible for this post are:
- Houston was the first words spoken from the moon because, NASA. I have to visit NASA once before I move back!
- The Academy Award statuette is named after a Texan called Oscar Pierce. I learned about this back in Hyderabad but never knew Texas would become such an essential part of my life.
Also, here are few weird Texas laws which make me rethink my actions! Just kidding – but they actually exist.
That is it, folks. I have summed up my love and fascination for this beautiful land.
I am taking my blog to the next level with Blogchatter’s #MyFriendAlexa.
These are amazing facts about Texas. The ‘by the way’ facts were quite amusing.
We visited Texas on our family vacation this year. It is such a beautiful place. We are looking forward to going back.
Texas has definitely grown more interesting to me as I’ve gotten older. I definitely want to visit.
I love Texas! I had no idea that you couldn’t milk your neighbor’s cow…good thing I didn’t get caught (haha, just kidding. My neighbor has a goat…also kidding!) Anyway, have fun learning about Texas!
I have never been to Texas but always wanted to go. These are some really interesting facts – the frozen margarita looks very tasty.
Those are some weird yet interesting Texas law but will still keep this in mind just in case. Never been to Texas but I’m sure there are plenty of places to visit and explore.
We haven’t traveled to Texas but we hope to do so next year. It is a beautiful state and I’d love to explore their parks and museums first. Thanks for the heads up on those unique laws.
I didn’t even know Texas had an Eiffel Tower or a bat colony (which is pretty cool). I’ll have to visit there one day for sure!
The fact that Texas has its own Eiffel Tower and is literally called Paris in Texas made me laugh for sure. That is hilariously beautiful; and it even hass a hat? Ha-ha! Anyway, Texas has quite much to offer- the frozen margarita too…yummy!
I did not know that Austin is the live music capital of the world or that TEXAS is the Bat capital! Certainly an interesting state.
I know Texas is one of a beautiful place to visit but I never thought that there are so much more that they can give to all people that visiting their place. Now, I am wishing to be there and see those amazing views and spots of Texas,
Texas is one of those states that really sneak up on you and show you a great time. We love visiting ourselves.
There are so many interesting things about Texas! Great that there are more than 40 varieties of cacti. My kids would love to visit the bat colonies.
That’s the easiest way to get married to, just announce it 3 times. These are interesting things about Texas and really grateful to know about them.
The weird laws in Texas made me laugh out loud, especially the one about getting married if you say it three times in public and needing a license to walk barefoot. My mum’s friend moved from California to Texas nearly 20 years ago and she doesn’t regret it at all either.
I love Texas, the music and the people there are great too. These are some interesting facts that I did not know about Texas.
It sounds like interesting place to visit and there is so many things to do. Who knew they have their own Eiffel touer x
Laura
https://pinkfrenzymissl.blogspot.com/
Your overview of this place are so thorough and they give so much good information.I will def have to add Texas to my list
I never knew Texas has such unique features. I have been there for a business visit only. The largest bat colony is like real eerie.
There are some interesting things that I didn’t know about Texas. It’s funny how you need a permit to walk barefoot and how you can’t milk someone else’s cow. So random!
Texas has been on my travel bucket list for so long! I really can’t wait to go there. These are some very interesting facts 🙂 I love frozen margaritas and can’t wait to try one in the state of origin 🙂
That Eiffel tower with a cowboy hat is a nice representation of the state. Hopefully I can visit the place sooner or later.
Largest bat colony? I had no idea! I thought I knew Texas, but these are so interesting – I haven’t heard of half of them. Austin sounds like an amazing place to visit.
These are some very interesting facts about Texas. I didn’t know half of them. And I think it’s very smart of you to do research about your new home and appreciate it fully. I did the same when I moved to Colorado, which seemed very alien to me at first. It’s good to always try to make the best of things.
Wow.. Those are such interesting facts about Texas.. Thanks for sharing it, it’s always nice to know a little about different places.
I love reading travel posts! I learn so much about local culture, architecture, food, people. It is an amazing world we live in!
Oh my goodness, this place looks beautiful! Although I’ve never been to Texas before myself, I would love to make my way over in the near future. Thanks for sharing all of this! 🙂