Wild West Experience

It’s been a while since a western movie hit the silver screen. If I am not mistaken, the last good movie in this genre is Tombstone by Kevin Costner about the legendary Wyatt Earp; officer of law and feared gunslinger. Other old time favourite includes The Magnificent Seven, Maverick and anything from Charles Bronson or Clint Eastwood.

Apart from the settlement of petty issues through the end of a Point 45 Magnum or Winchester Rifle (thank god that period has passed), I am always fascinated with the simplicity of a cowboys life. Almost everything owned or consumed is worked with own sweat and effort. However that the romantic representation from Hollywood, we will never know for sure unless we’re in that era.

The only thing that burned in my mind as result of watching lots of western is: I always imagined myself as a cowboy in a dessert, whenever I am eating baked beans with eggs and using only a fork of course but no hat :P

Moving along and interested to experience more on the cowboy culture, I’ve stumbled upon the Houston Rodeo & Livestock Show (a/k/a rodeoHOUSTON). This is a one stop cowboy experience event that last for almost a month held next year from 3rd till 22nd March 2009. There are rodeo shows, square dancing, country music, authentic western barbeque, gun slinging and of course real cowboys. There are also many activities for both grown-ups and children whom you can participate; I am looking forward to have a go of shooting a rifle, 0.45 Magnum and trail rides.

Looks like I have to sell lots of stuff on eBay to set some budget, if I plan to go. Its going to be quite a task with the recent fuel price hike and hopefully by the time I’m going, there are still RodeoHouston tickets available. Oh well, in the mean time better I practice my Yeeehaaaaww!!