Many years ago, I watched a Mongolian singer perform Amarillo By Morning on YouTube. That performance introduced me to George Strait and, in many ways, to Texas itself. I have always enjoyed folk music regardless of language or culture, but one thing I came to appreciate about American folk traditions is how they evolved into country music. Through its stories of ordinary people, long roads, hard work, and perseverance, country music carries a distinct cultural spirit that I find both relatable and inspiring.
Texas is a place that often attracts strong opinions and lively debates. Yet what has always appealed to me is the sense of confidence, independence, and self-reliance woven into its regional culture. Long before I ever set foot there, songs like Amarillo By Morning had already painted an image of Texas in my imagination.
In late December 2024, I finally made the journey. Rather than flying, I took Amtrak from Chicago to San Antonio, experiencing my first stay in a Roomette. Part of the appeal was the destination, but part of it was the journey itself—the chance to watch the American landscape gradually change outside the window.
One evening in San Antonio, I wandered into a local bar where a live band was performing. Then, almost unexpectedly, they began playing Amarillo By Morning. For a moment, time seemed to fold together. I thought back to that YouTube performance I had watched years earlier and the curiosity it had sparked.
Sitting there with a Lone Star beer in hand, listening to a song that had traveled with me for years, I felt an overwhelming sense of connection. It was one of those rare moments when a place, a memory, and a piece of music all come together. I was not quite in Amarillo, but in that moment, I felt that Texas had finally become real.
Houston: Cowboy Hat, Spanish, and Space Exploration
From San Antonio, I continued my journey to Houston by Greyhound. The ride was not particularly long, and during one of the stops at a gas station, I picked up a cowboy hat as a souvenir. Combined with a Mexican cape I had purchased at El Mercado in San Antonio, the outfit made me feel as though I had fully embraced the spirit of the Southwest.
That impression seemed to extend beyond my own imagination. Shortly after arriving in Houston, I headed to a light rail station. While standing near the ticket machine, a man approached me and began asking for directions—in Spanish. For a brief moment, I suppose I passed as a local Mexican. As someone who has long enjoyed learning Spanish and exploring Latino culture, I considered it an unexpected compliment and another reason to appreciate the cultural diversity of Texas.
To make the most of my short stay, I joined a one-day sightseeing tour that included a downtown tunnel tour and a visit to NASA’s Johnson Space Center. Houston’s underground tunnel system offered a fascinating glimpse into how the city adapts to its climate, while NASA provided a reminder of humanity’s remarkable capacity for exploration and innovation. Standing among exhibits that documented decades of spaceflight, it was difficult not to feel inspired.
I also spent time at the Downtown Aquarium and explored parts of the city center. Houston’s modern skyline and architecture left a strong impression, combining the energy of a major metropolitan area with a distinctly Texan character. And, of course, no trip to Texas would be complete without barbecue. After hearing countless people praise Texas BBQ over the years, I can confidently say it lived up to its reputation.
On my final evening in Houston, I decided to try some Cajun seafood. At the table next to me sat a young Black couple enjoying a large platter of crab legs and shrimp. Their meal looked so good that I struck up a conversation and asked what they had ordered. To my surprise, when they were preparing to leave, they offered me the crab legs they had not finished. It was a simple gesture, but one that reflected the warmth and friendliness I encountered throughout my trip. Travel often leaves us with memories of famous landmarks and attractions, yet sometimes it is small acts of kindness from strangers that remain the most vivid.
The following day, as I prepared to return to the Midwest, I experienced another unexpected moment. While waiting at the airport gate, I spotted a crow casually wandering through the terminal area. Airports are usually meticulous about keeping birds away from aircraft operations, so seeing one so close to the gates caught me completely off guard. Perhaps it was simply because I had not expected it, but the sight felt strangely symbolic. After days spent exploring new places, meeting new people, and experiencing a different corner of the country, it seemed like a quiet reminder that travel is often defined by the unplanned details.
As I reflected on the journey, I could not help but think again of Amarillo By Morning. The song had accompanied me long before I ever visited Texas, and now many of the places mentioned in its lyrics felt a little more real. San Antonio was no longer just a name in a song. Houston was no longer a distant city on a map.
Although I have already visited Santa Fe, New Mexico—an adventure worthy of its own story—there remains one journey I still hope to make someday. When I return to Texas, I would like to follow the path suggested by the song itself: leaving Houston after dark, driving north through the vast Texas night, and arriving in Amarillo just as the first light appears on the horizon.
Perhaps it is a slightly romantic idea, but some journeys are inspired not by destinations, but by stories. Years ago, a song sparked my curiosity about Texas. This trip allowed me to experience a small part of that world for myself. And somewhere down the road, when the timing is right, I hope to watch the sun rise over the Texas Panhandle and finally arrive in Amarillo by morning.
— Linden Lake
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