Saturday, 19 April - transfer to Houston, TX

During the evening, the chefs and staff had gone to great lengths to prepare an Easter display in the main piazza on board.  It was so stunning - I had to take as many photos as I could!

We were up early, the ship had docked by 6.30am (half an hour early!).  We had to be at our rendezvous point by 8.15am.  I barely had time to take those snaps before we were rounded up for departure from the ship - our group: Red 2.  That meant we were on the second bus out of the port, and headed for the airport!  

We departed the ship and into the terminal.  Many, many people working to line up suitcases in coloured groups, to be found.  We were lucky - found our bags quickly and went to line up for customs.  Houston is a new, purpose built terminal with the latest of everything.  Our turn at immigration - and - just as the officer went to take my fingerprints, his computer decided to go on a coffee break - and no matter what the poor man tried, the computer just wouldn't work.  He had to shut down the whole thing and start again.... well, we just started cracking a few simple jokes with him, and he was very apologetic and even cracked a smile... I didn't even dare take a look at the people behind us who would have been wondering what on earth was going on, and probably very impatient!

They let us back in to the USA, we found our bus - complete with wifi - and were at the airport in no time.  Free bus to the rental car pick-up and we left in the Kia 'Soul' (Dave's 'Soultrain)....  to our hotel at the airport.  All by midday!

Decided next to go looking for some tucker - people on board had recommended 'Pappasito's' Mexican...  OMG!  Servings were huge - food tasted SO GOOD and we were hungry!  We walked out of there with swollen bellies!

Apparently the Pappa's brand is well known in Texas and people are addicted to the food!  There's Pappadeaux,  Pappasteakhouse, Pappa's BBQ etc.

Next, on the way back to the car, David spied 'Goody Goody Liquor' - so we had to go in there for a look!  Not to mention all of our jokes about the title of the store... 

Good prices!  Then next, into the Boot Barn next door, for another look!

By this time, it was getting dark...  we were still so full we decided to stop off at a grocery store, buy some cheese and crackers and get some rest at the hotel - ready to do it all again, tomorrow!!!