Texas – The Lone Star State

 
Author: Vasko Talevski

My first thought when I started writing this article was how to combine a simple and useful guide to accompany travellers in their exploration of the biggest state in America- Texas. The Lone Star State, as many people call it, is the American proudest and friendliest state. This giant desert is home to 25 million people: a diversity of communities living under the same blistering sun by the motto “friendship”. Travellers going to Texas need to know few things about the state’s weather, transportation, the beautiful national parks and nature, the manner of conduct, and the tasteful cuisine.

The weather in Texas varies a lot due to the state’s large size, but it is mostly hot, and when I say hot, I mean REALLY hot! The Texas desert is so hot and dry that there are many fires throughout the year. In fact, it is so hot that there are not many trees to offer shade. Texas also has the highest number of tornados in America. People that want to travel across Texas need to take necessary precautions, avoid direct sunlight, wear a hat, and use sunscreen. Furthermore, if you decide to walk and explore the countryside make sure you have lots of liquids with you.

Due to the extreme weather in Texas many people use transportation. The most used vehicles in Texas are the trucks. Texans use trucks for all sorts of stuff but mostly because they are good work vehicles, and go hand in hand with cowboy hats and rough terrain. If you want to explore the countryside, to save some time, and to avoid the scorching sun you better take your car with you or have some other type of transportation.

The Lone Star State takes pride in its nature. Texas has it all: national parks, mountains, prairies, forests and seacoasts. The abundance of national parks draws many visitors to this state, and this is where the real adventure begins. If you go to Texas and have a chance and time to visit a national park be sure to do so, because it is a must. The parks are vast, clean and well maintained. Some of the most popular national parks in Texas are The Guadalupe, Big Bend, and The Rio Grande among many others. The true colours of Texas are seen in the big clear skies, while the remarkable desert that this state provides always beats the cramped city living.

One thing visitors in Texas have to remember is to respect people. This is one trait everyone should have, especially in Texas. Texans are friendly and like to be addressed by Ma’am and Sir, but get easily offended if not treated with respect. Among the few things Texans do not like is to be called “rednecks” and to be criticized about their barbeque cooking. So, whenever you find yourself in Texas try to be on your best behaviour.

Texas is a place that has a great diversity of people and with great diversity come variety of things. One thing that stands out is the delicious cuisine that Texas provides. The Lone Star State is actually its own culinary region. With the blend of American and Mexican food we get the famous hybrid cuisine known as Tex-Mex. Some of the most popular Tex-Mex dishes are Enchiladas, Chili con Carne, Guacamole, Taco Casserole, Texas Pinto Beans, and many others. Therefore, if you happen to find yourself in Texas, make sure to stop by and try some of the variety of delights offered by the Tex-Mex cuisine.

To indulge in the great adventures and pleasures this gigantic state has to offer, you only need to remember and follow the above-mentioned tips. So be fully prepared, buckle up, and ride through the countryside like a true cowboy.

Yippee-Ki-Yay 🙂