Grey in Galveston

Ever wonder what it's like on an oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico? We've seen quite a few through our binoculars, but today we got to "board" one.

The Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig Museum is a state-of-the-art facility that demonstrates and teaches about drilling procedures, production, marine transportation and environmental protection. We learned a lot about why and how oil and gas are produced offshore.

The downtown area known as the Strand, once called the Wall Street of the Southwest, is a now restored and re-adapted collection of iron-front commercial buildings featuring shops, restaurants and pubs, noted on the National Historic Landmark District registry. 

We missed Mardi Gras in Galveston by a week, but there were remnants of the grand celebration that this seaside town is noted for.

Mardi Gras Parade Grandstand on right

Discarded beads on an alley gate

After a sweet treat and a latte, we found the Grand 1894 Opera House entrance (but the fat lady didn't sing).