It’s been quite a while since I’ve had a good travel rant, and after a long (and delightful) absence from the friendly skies, Monday morning marked my return to that ethereal entity know as “the road.” I’ve picked up a new client that promises some interesting international travel, but the experience kicked off with a trip to the decidedly non-international area known as “north Houston,” a stone’s throw from the airport.

I was relieved to find a Sheraton near the client site, but rebuffed by Starwood’s website as the red lettering informed me, in no uncertain terms, that the hotel was fully booked due to the flood of construction workers helping rebuild damaged buildings left in Hurricane Ike’s wake. Orbitz informed me, much to my dismay, that my only option was the Clarion Inn. I generally have a no-Inn travel policy, but in this case, it was the Clarion or a park bench.

The motel itself was OK, and the cheerful check-in agent informed me there was a “Shopping Center” next door with myriad dining options (he didn’t actually use the word myriad, but the small ghetto blaster behind the desk playing “All up in the Club” inspired me to class up his act). After depositing my suitcase, I sauntered over to the “Shopping Center” with visions of grandeur. The shopping center was a strip mall, the anchor store, JFK Liquors, presumably playing a humble tribute to the fallen president. It was flanked by an anonymous Chinese Food place, and a pizza joint featuring an all-you-can-eat $5.99 buffet. Hoping for healthier options further afield, I continued my walk to find a Taco Bell and Jack in the Box. I hung my head as I traded haute cuisine on the Champs d’Elysses for Mr. in the Box, opting for a chicken strip salad.

My next trip remains a mystery, but hopefully will not involve any more Jack in the Box!

Categories: Travel