‘Why Texas? Why not?’ – If you’re thinking that Texas is all desert and cowboys, then we’ll have to prove you wrong. Texas is much more than that! Here we would like to introduce you to a small selection of the many positive characteristics of Texas. It has as many characteristics as the new WooCasino mobile version.
One of the most diverse states: Texas
Texas has everything you could wish for: big cities, beautiful unspoilt nature, multicultural inhabitants and even a desert! Yes, Texas is truly one of the most diverse states. Whether in the middle of the desert of Big Bend National Park or surrounded by natural pools and forest in Colorado Bend State Park. The nature in Texas will surprise you! Texas is the state where you can find the magical city of McAllen.
Major Mexican and German influence
The diversity of this state is not only due to its unique nature, but also to its people. Texas actually once belonged to Mexico a long time ago and still has plenty of Mexican culture today. Not only will you hear Spanish on every corner here, but you can also enjoy the unique TEXMEX cuisine.
But there’s more! In addition to the Mexican, you will also find a German influence in Texas! There are small towns like Fredericksburg and New Braunfels that have German street names, bakeries and restaurants. If you’re very lucky, you’ll even meet a person who speaks ‘Texas German’!
Cowboys, honky tonk and more!
Many people who have never been to Texas immediately think of cowboys and westerns. Yes, you can still find this influence today, mainly away from the big cities. This unrivalled culture and the feeling of being catapulted into a completely different era is truly something unique that cannot be found in any other US state. Let yourself be inspired by Texas BBQ and honky tonk!
Friendly Texans and plenty of fun!
If there’s one thing Texans certainly aren’t, it’s a mouthful. You will quickly be accepted into the heart of your host family, can laugh with your host mum and dad and even a quick chat in the supermarket is part of everyday life in Texas. You will make friends in no time at all, be it through your host sister, your host brother or at high school. You’ll love the open and friendly nature of Texans. Funny sayings included!
What to know about McAllen
The present-day city of McAllen was only founded in 1904. The settlement became a city in 1911. The city, which calls itself the City of Palms, is the centre for an area commonly referred to as The Valley (of the Rio Grade). Over the years, McAllen has become an important trading centre for trade with Mexico and South America. Mission is the city of origin of the ruby red grapefruit, which is now an important product of the Valley. So when you are there try it out for yourself. There are so many more things you will try there.
How to reach there
So the McAllen-Miller International Code is MFE. There are direct flights from Germany, Austria and Switzerland. There are several airlines that offer direct flights. There are also national flights to MacAllen. For example, Allegiant (Las Vegas, Phoenix Mesa), American Airlines (Dallas) and United Airlines (Houston).
But there are also bus stations. You can take the Greyhound in McAllen (Business 83), in Edinburg (Yole’s Restaurant, Closner), in Mission (One Buk Stop, Kika de la Garza Loop) and in Pharr (Pharr Bus Station, Highway 83 Business). If you can’t necessarily come by plane or you’re not pressed for time.
What you should try
Mexican tortillas with a fiery filling for breakfast? For example with chilli salsa, garlic, chorizo sausage, fried mashed beans, potatoes, pork, cactus leaves? In Texas, the spicy kick-start to the day is a tradition. After all, the state, which was only swallowed up by the USA in 1845, once belonged to neighbouring Mexico as the province of Texas.
In the melting pot of Tex-Mex cuisine, the variety of hot snacks that can be filled with anything grew. They are traditionally Mexican in a flavoursome, soft cornmeal tortilla. Or Tex-Mex style in a hot wheat patty with cheddar cheese.
The range is huge, even for vegetarians, and breakfast tacos form their own section on the menus of many restaurants. Food journalists write articles and even books about the epitome of creative Texan food culture – not to be confused with what is known elsewhere in the USA as ‘tacos’ (minced meat in hard taco shells, which are available shrink-wrapped in supermarkets).
Europeans like to order the simple classic with a scrambled egg filling for breakfast. Or they enjoy breakfast tacos for lunch – many restaurants serve them all day long, at ‘Mi Tierra’ in San Antonio even around the clock: the Cortez family proudly claim that their restaurant has only been closed once since 1941, on the death of founder Pedro Cortez. The food is wonderful, as is the atmosphere. So go and find out for yourself. There are for sure many more places to discover. Especially in McAllen, Texas.
