Brownsville, Texas, USA

July 31st - August 6th 2010

We got there early Saturday afternoon. It is HOT in Texas! Brownsville is the ‘southern-texan’ version of urban america. The city has close to 200,000 inhabitants; mostly Tejano. I grew up in this town and it has had modest change in the last two decades. Brownsville was always big (its Texas!) however, it was mostly empty space; available land everywhere. Every time I visit my relatives in 'Brown'-town I notice that the spaces are slowly being filled up. Wal-Marts, Gas Stations, Taquerias, Strip Malls, etc. There is always construction going on in this area. 

Brownsville has a great Zoo. Here are some shots:

Africa Bird: 

Beautiful Duck:

Bored Camel:

Cockatoo !!!

Crested Crane:

Flamingos Galore:

Giraffe:

Meerkat:

The Butterfly Exhibit needs work! However, here is a Nice Moth:

Squirrel Monkey!

A Tiger's time for lunch?

White Tigers in the Texas heat:

And last (but not least!), the Wise Chimp:

Brownsville does not have a financial district in the modern sense. It’s downtown area is a couple of long streets with buildings as old as the mid-19th century. The marquee for the Majestic Theater has survived since my childhood. 

The Majestic Marquee:

Although the area is mostly thrift shops and small federal offices, downtown is situated at the border to Mexico; near St. Charles Park overlooking the Rio Grande. Remember the idea of building a wall? Well, here it is; in all it’s rusty glory! (no, they have not completed it)

Border Wall !!! About 10 feet tall.

(What is left of the...) Rio Grande:

Do not get me wrong; Brownsville is growing in the right way too. When I was a kid Dean Porter Park was dangerous at night and way too crowded during the day. Since my absence it has been rebuilt. Remarkable difference! It hosts a children’s museum, a playhouse and a civic center. Here are some photos of the area.

Dean Porter Park:

And now... The greatest moment during my trip. South Padre Island!. Even ‘Noodles,’ my sister’s dog came to the beach with us.

Noodles on rout to the beach!

Too busy having fun to take any more real photos !!!!

Brownsville’s Historical Society is located near the downtown area. However, no photos could be taken inside. Here are some outside shots.

Museum:

     The scoop is this. Comanche indians lived in this area, Spain claimed it in the 16th century then Mexico claimed it in the early 19th century only to have the USA get it in the mid-19th century. The first shots of the Mexican American War were fired right here in Brownsville at the Battle of Palo Alto. President Zachary Taylor (then General of the US army) fought here. 

Palo Alto:

The USA took half of Mexico’s territory in 1848. But, no worries; the Mexicans are taking it back, generation after generation. (you’ll see..) 

As the first entry into 'a traveler’s blog,’ it makes sense that the first journey should start at the beginning. For me it is Brownsville, Texas in 2010. If you ever come here: hit the beach, see the zoo and stay away from the border! (for now anyway)