It sounds like she was set on being unhappy no matter where she was. Our nightlife and museums are pretty much standard compared to every place in the United States, and our food probably beats most (outside of perhaps Miami or Las Vegas, but it's not like those places are good representations of "real" America). I could understand not being comfortable in the heat and humidity, but otherwise, I think it's up to the host to show the guest what there is to offer. There are plenty of nice places to take a stroll in this city, and if that's what she used to feel caged in, then it sounds like she would feel caged in anywhere that isn't home.
My cousin lived with her in Russia for about 5 years, they moved here together, and it was her first time in the US. You really think Houston is going to look attractive coming from St. Petersburg?
There are about 10 cities in the world that will look more attractive than St Petersberg. That's like saying someone from Venice would find Houston pleasing.
And Houston is one of those 10? The point is she hated Houston. It was her first experience of this country.
No, the point is that if she is comparing what is thought of as the prettiest city in an entire giant country against anywhere else, she is going to be disappointed in all but about 10 cities in the world.
I think if you stay out of Montrose and the Heights you should have no issues with your hipster phobia.
She's been all over Russia, been all over Europe and traveled to Asia with my cousin. I'm sure she's been in more than 10 cities she would rather live in. My cousin might have been the one that rubbed off on her because he hates this city too(he lived here his whole life til he moved to Italy at 18), but i think it has more to do with the feeling of being trapped for someone who can't drive or walk her self to whatever she wants to do. He doesn't drive either and never needed to while living in Europe or Russia. That most likely is the biggest issue for them.
I wouldn't be too concerned about someone who lived in a big euro city finding Houston 'boring.' They'd find most North American suburban centered cities boring until they were willing to change the way they were used to living and appreciate the city for what it is. Heard the same complaint about Vancouver and San Francisco from people who moved to those two cities from Europe.
Here's the thing about Houston. If you are taking a shot in the dark at the city, you'll probably hate it. But Houston does have a lot to offer, but you'd need hosts to show you around who've actually made a point of exploring the city and finding the dining/nightlife gems that the city does have buried inside of its crazy boring cement and building facade. There are great breakfast places, bar-b-que joints, etc. They aren't all on everyone's radar and may take a lot of trial and error to discover. So unless there is someone who's tried a lot of places to show guests where to eat and go, they won't have any idea. Of the tons of restaurants, breakfast places, lunch places, bars, etc. (they are on every street, every strip mall, all over the place.) There may be 50 - 100 that are great. Once you find them and get used to looking for them and where to look for.the reviews and recommendations to find new ones then it may not be easy to end up going to these places. Tourists will have no idea where to go, and even if they find one great place, it isn't enough to make a visit really enjoyable. Houston doesn't really advertise it's great eateries but relies on locals to spread the news to other locals, or from occasional pieces in local media. I don't think that many people really read the paper, and of those that do, most won't read features about restaurants and places to go. Actually clutchfans is a good place to find out some information, or people who live in Houston and go out a lot. The good stuff is there but it isn't easy to find... And Houston seems to like it that way. It really isn't that hard to find the good things, but it takes more than plenty of other cities, or more than most folks are willing to to do.
As a Houstonian, I wish more people felt like I do. Who gives a f%$#!!!! Don't like Houston, leave and don't come back or stay and be miserable just STFU!!! I don't care. If you like it great, if you love it great, good for you. But again, I don't need to know or care.
It does some of it for you, but Yelp has great places, good places, bad places, awful places, etc. It can be a little much to sort through for some folks. Also not all folks have the same tastes. But Yelp is a great place to start. Yet, even with Yelp, there are plenty of folks depending on their age range that won't use it, or use it regularly.
I love all of this opinion and advice from people who don't and haven't lived in Houston for years. Thanks guys.
