The Houstonian

My boss sent me to Houston for a leadership training class on personal improvement. The class is about using different communication styles to influence people at various levels in the company. The class was definitely beyond my expectations. Perhaps I haven’t taken any self improvement class for a long time (limited career path in the last company), so this was refreshing and I was ready to learn. And the best part is I got to stay at the Houstonian!!!

The Houstonian is an iconic hotel for the Houston area. The first time I ever stepped inside this hotel was to meet up with Ira when she visited me in Houston; I think Antonius was with her that time. She and I were impressed with the oversize fireplace at the hotel lobby and the expansive old world classic style of the hotel interior décor. I started working only a few years then, in an environment that is certainly out of my affordable zone! Plus, I was younger and definitely more impressible. Staying here now reminded the “me” of that time, a bit down the memory lane, isn’t it? I was less confident then, now you can’t keep me from speaking out! The place is still as classy as I recall.

While here, I got to meet up with a few friends from the past.

I haven’t seen Blanche at least 4+ years, I think. I knew her through Fran. We even went to Hawaii 10 years back (Fran, Blanche, Jenn, and me). It is a different world now. We all went a bit separate way for a while. When I got married, I wasn’t able to invite everyone. She never actually received an invitation (as I didn’t want to send invitation to people I know wouldn’t be able to attend…) but she still sent me a wedding gift. This time when I was in town, I returned the favor by taking her out to dinner. She picked Kiran, a very nice Indian restaurant. We had a nice leisure dinner. I ordered the Jumbo Prawns Roasted in Tandoor with Ginger and Garlic Marinade. Blanched had the Goat Cheese Salad and Tandoori Scallops.

Edyta was supposed to join us too, but she had a very long day of work and decided it was time to rest instead. I totally understand as I had quite a few of those lately!!!

The next evening, I met up with Fran at Niko Niko, yes, old stomping place for us. Food is still great. Since it was the same restaurant and I ordered the same thing, I didn't capture any shot!

On the third eveing, I met up with Bruce at Sylvia's Enchilada Kitchen. This is one of the cleaner line Mexican restaurant in the area. I mean you don't feel too stuffy when you walk in. I ordered the Laguna Madre (Crab Enchiladas topped with a Creamy Seafood Sauce). Conversation was so well that I completely forgot to take pictures of us. Well, we haven't met for at least 2+ years!!!