Bulls and Texan Tourism

          My last day with Ashlee was a little hectic trying to organize everything and get some last minute tourism in my day.  Ashlee, her mom, and the 2 girls and I went to old town Fort Worth to see the cattle drive.  We got there just in time and parked along the bull's route, trusting that they wouldn't run wild and stampede my beautiful Sally.  Luckily, nothing of the sort happened.

          Old town was a neat area!  We walked along the brick road, as if transported into an old Western film,  sweating like crazy on the hot summer day.  Old wooden buildings stood tall surrounded by large shady trees that screamed with cicadas.  Tourists in their brand new cowboy hats and boots ambled about the streets taking pictures of the cows and the well costumed cowboys.  Long-horned bulls stood tethered in the shade, standing in as photo props for the non-country folk to hop on their back to get their 30 second thrill while friends take their pictures.  I watched as eager tourists payed $5 to climb up a wooden stool, hoist themselves on the massive, bored animal and try awkwardly to kick up their legs as if ridin' them cows real good.

          Ashlee's mom was the only person who jumped on that cow with confidence and grace, kicking up her foot and throwing her head back with total ease.  Snap snap snap!  We took lots of pictures of her, as she glowed, soaking up some of that country fun!

          Although I knew that this was essentially a block in Knotts Berry Farm (a Southern California theme park that showcases the most stereotypical of the country/cowboy scene), I finally felt like I was in Texas!  As I continue to learn more about Texan culture, I am struck with the vast differences in convictions, lifestyle, language, and spirit. This may be something I would like to ethnographically research further....

          After a few days spent with the Gomez's in Fort Worth it was time for me to continue on my journey and head south toward the Gulf of Mexico.