Dallas - Day one...

It was an early start today and we have managed to fit in quite a bit.  We started off by driving to the school we were visiting so we knew where it was. We then needed some breakfast (pizza at 6am seemed a long time ago).  We stopped off at a shopping outlet in Southlake that had the most amazing farmer market/supermarket.  I am amazed at the things you can buy here but was especially pleased to see they had a whole section with English and European cheeses.

Next we took a trip over to Grapevine and had a walk around some of the shops in the old main street.  Steve and I decided it reminded us a bit of New Zealand - slightly out of date but quaint all the same.

Here are some photos including the boys sitting next to some dodgy guy!

We then decided to go to the Grapevine Mills outlet Mall which is roughly the size of Basingstoke or even bigger - it was totally mental! Steve and I now are the proud owners of new converse sneakers.  Mine were about £19 a real bargain. 

We had to rush off as our meeting with the school was coming up and as usual we were running late.  However, the one thing that does surprise me about Dallas and the areas we are looking at are that they are all really close together - well, I guess that is all relative.  They are a fair way away but the highway system here that runs like spaghetti junction is amazingly efficient at getting you around.

The other funny thing I have noticed is that no one is on the streets.  Everywhere seems to be deserted but that is because it is so hot - well, not according to the locals - they think this is cold (early 30 degrees).

Here are some photos of us on the highway.

We met with the school which was lovely but very small.  The boys seemed to like it but we have more yet to see.

Having not seen any houses we were reliably informed of where to find the Burbs.  Seems like they did a lot of building in the 1990's!

They are all big and boxy just like Sue Ellen's shoulder pads!

After discovering the Burbs we headed off to Grapevine lake as that was nearby - some huge, huge houses there!  Here's the lake...

At this point we needed to head back to the hotel and give the kids lunch (it was only 4:30pm).  We have had a bit of a giggle today over a few signs we have seen.  Here are Steve's favourites:

Here was the one that made me wonder...

Shame we will be missing that one!!!

Once we got back we headed off to the M bar for some light snacks (not sure this is possible in the USA) and a game of pool.

Then quickly from game of pool to swimming pool - nobody was in the pool as apparently we are having a cold snap....  27-31 Degrees C.... lol.

Finally here are some random pictures of school buses as I think they are so typical of America.

Just heading off to dinner  Will post more tomorrow!

Bxxx