Stories

"I learned about Houston Greeters at a Fulbright reception last year.  I requested Galveston, Jewish Houston and the Rodeo. 

The lady from Galveston, Mary, contacted me at once (so did Jo and Ivan, from the Rodeo team).  During my winter break I went to Glaveston with a friend and we were warmly welcomed by her and her husband.  She showed us around/ we learned a lot about the history of the town, visited the Maritime Museum of Texas.  We even went into these with a net to find out what sea creatures can be found at the Galveston shore!  It was absolutely fantastic!  I later bumped into Adam, a Greeter I had met at the reception, at a rock concert and we also went out a couple of times later.

As for Jo and Ivan, our friendship is still going on and is very enjoyable and educational for all of us. You see, I  requested the Rodeo event which didn't take place until the following spring.  But Jo contacted me and said that by the time of the rodeo they would make an hononable Texan out of me.  So I hung out with Jo and Ivan several times, tasting the Texas cuisine and sharing our varied cultural experiences.  I even went to a concert with Jo's son who was visiting Houston at Christmas!

The Rodeo was amazing, with Jo and Ivan telling me about its history, purpose and the way it all works.  And, what I also really appreciate, we still keep in touch, I've come over to their house and met Jo's Mom and their four identical white dogs.  I'm sincerely thankful to these people (and the folks who find such people as Jo, Ivan and Mary).  I'm definitely more aware of the Houstonian and Texas culture now, and I've made good friends."

Best,

Victoria F. a Fullbright student from Russia