We left around 9:00 AM, headed for College Station, Texas (about 200 miles). We decided to go on the toll road part of the way as it cut almost an hour off the drive (and, as we mentioned, the miles in Texas are LONG).
We say goodbye to our cabin like resort in the Texas woods.Grey beginnings as we set out.
We stopped a few miles out and Michael got Subway for breakfast. While they were making his sandwich, I went across the road and got a donut and some chocolate milk (should have gone with the Subway). Then off we went… The roads were good and the weather was good – 80’s and 90’s, although part of the way was darkened skies that looked like another storm was coming. Saw a beautiful huge lake (Palestine) that we would have liked to explore more but we needed to get to College Station.
It is a large body of water.It goes for miles in several directions.We cross arms of it on bridges twice.
We got into College Station and there is so much construction going on. Texas A&M is here and there are a lot of fun college town type things – restaurants, bars, shopping centers. Looks like a nice town.
It is a sprawling campus and the Presidential library blends in on the outskirts.Construction is visible all over the campus.
The George H.W. Bush Library and Museum is on the same campus as Texas A&M. The cost to get in was only $10.00 for the both of us (AAA discount and old person discount). We opted to take the self-paced tour, even though they offer an audio tour.
I suspect picked by him and how he wants to be seen.Nice touch for the First Lady.Large and imposing.A gift from the King of Moracco, years in the making, hand wove.When you first enter there is a side display regarding 9/11.The Partners desk is on display.This picture is huge.
The Library was very interesting and lovely. Enjoyed all the exhibits and information about the family the family history, the marriage of Barbara and George, their children, the loss of Robin, and the work history of George. Didn’t appreciate or remember that he was the Ambassador to the U.N., Ambassador to China, or that he was the CIA Director. He was very qualified to be President. Nice museum.
Grand paintings and seal just inside the Library.His Presidential limousine.Early childhood for George and Barbara.World War II aviator.A World War II plane hanging from the ceiling.The marriage.He found his niche.One unsuccessful run for congress.Then a successful run.
He cast the second US Veto in history.He was UN Ambassador during the Munich Olympics tragedy. He casts the veto to stop the condemnation of Israel for retaliatory strikes after Munich.Ambassador to China.Mr. Bush’s letter to then President Nixon recommending that he now resign.He was head of the CIA.That is an overhead infrared photo of me. It was fun.He ran for President against Ron Reagan.He came in second place for the nomination and ended up as Vice President.Their china pattern.He went to so many state funerals I remember him saying, “You die, I fly.”Winning the Presidency.The back 2/3’s of the Oval Office is represented by a large photo.As it was in his day.His four years were packed with world events.A Presidential library is a stroll through their lives.A nice display regarding Barbara’s education initiatives.Desert Storm – start to finish.
The coalition is well noted.The prosecution of the Iraq war is well displayed.Missiles hang from the ceiling.So many extravagant gifts.
The Gate of Kuwait.Many fine gifts.
Very impressive.The placard for the date tree reads that it is made of gold and fresh water pearls. That is a lot of gold.His defeat to Bill Clinton and the part Ross Perot played is examined.Seems a small table now.Mock situation room.The displays are becoming overwhelming in shear number.
Nice touch.A jump onto the library grounds to celebrate his 75th birthday.His gear for the jump.As all good museums must, this one ends in the gift shop.Outside the Library.
It is a beautiful sculpture and fitting for the Texas location.
After we left the museum, we drove by the huge Texas A&M football stadium. It reached high into the sky. Fun because I remember seeing it on TV. Nice to see it in person. (Can’t help but think the one for the public school in McKinney that cost $70 million must be as big as this one.)
The football stadium is very big and beautiful.
We left and checked into our hotel for the night (Priceline for $60.09). It’s quite lovely. Has a separate coach area, a small refrigerator and microwave, and a cozy bed with great soft sheets. Once we dropped off our things, we asked the desk clerk about a Tex Mex place (we were told by tour guide John that we should eat three things while in Texas – BBQ, a steak, and Tex Mex). She told us there were two across the street, which we drove to and decided on Rosa’s. It was good but I’m not sure if it was true Tex Mex.
Nice bathroom.Micro and fridge.TV, desk, dresser.The bed was very comfortable and Edie especially enjoyed the high thread count of the sheets.Nice lines and touches at the Comfort Suites.Rosa’sEdie had a salad and taco.We had chips and guacamole,Maybe it is tex mex. Not really sure. Going to try again in Austin. I had burrito’s with rice and beans.
We are now in our room, enjoying having internet and a comfortable bed. That was our day. Hope yours was great!
