The next time was in 2000 when I went for a one day seminar. Didn't even spend the night.
So this time, I was looking forward to seeing what it was all about. Sarah was going to have an official student-type visit with her friend Nicole. I was going to see a game at Kyle Field.
We left Harlingen for Houston Hobby and got to Houston at 8:15am. John picked us up and we drove the 2 hour drive to College Station, stopping first at his favorite place Rudy's BBQ for breakfast (yes - tacos) and then when we got to C.S., we stopped at the various tent sales set up to sell the Aggie gear. When in Rome, wear maroon to fit in. So we each got a shirt. Didn't feel the need to invest too much since we'd probably not wear it much again.
We dropped Sarah off at the dorm and paid $10 to park at the golf course right across the street. I checked it out - would like to play at the Texas A&M Golf Course the next time I'm there. We then went walking toward Olsen Field where my friend Ben said he has set up a tailgate party.
We got there and found him. It was a nice set up, and I saw another friend from McAllen, Dr. Moncada and his family. He has 2 daughters at A&M. We all then left to see the Aggie Band march out from the dorm area. That was good to see it set up and go out. A big band and the military aspect was on good display.
Then we went to the Former Student Center where it had AC and cold drinks and a big screen (movie sized) TV. We cooled off there and then went into our seats.
The seats were on the upper level and 30 rows up was a good walk, even for this triathlete! It was a full house and the cheering was on display. I tried to get into the spirit of things but they have their own traditions that it would take more than 1 visit to master.
At the fight song they sing "Saw Varsity's horns off". I don't believe that Bevo was ever named Varsity so I'm determined to research that. I tried to get Ed involved. He probably knows the people that played in the 13-0 game that resulted in the Bevo name.
Aggies lost 30-29 in a game they had a chance to win. They had the ball in the last few minutes but... threw an interception. Afterwards, back to the tailgate party. Lunch and Dinner, both there. People were from all over, not just McAllen.
That night we stayed at John's friend Vicki and Kyle's house just outside of town. Very nice house and we each had our own room. In the morning we checked out the various dogs, chickens, horses, donkey, alpaca and sheep they had. They have a most unusual dog a Great Pyrenees, which is a special shepherd to watch over and protect the flock at night. No coyote would mess with that beast. We had farm-fresh eggs for breakfast. Best meal of the trip.
Afterwards we picked up the girls and went to the famous Dixie Chicken for lunch. It was an old drinking spot and smelled like last night's party Bourbon Street style. Food was not as famous as its cold beer. But I've been there now.
We drove back and got home and after a long day of travel was happy to be home. I've got my Longhorn shirt back on now. Sarah enjoyed the weekend but I think it just cemented that UT Austin was a better choice for her.
