When hurricane Rita was going to hit Texas in Sep2005, we were told to evacuate Houston. I called so many hotels but none of them were available during that period. We decided just to drive out of Houston. It was a nightmare because everyone was trying to get out; we took 14hours to reach Centerville which usually only 2 hours drive. The car hardly moved, under the summer heat, we were dying for some cool water. A truck in front of us was the kindest people I’ve ever seen. They were giving out sandwiches. We traded 2 room temperature bottles of water with 2 cold bottles waters with him. There were no bathrooms along the freeway. That was the first time I learn how to pee in a car! We were exhausted when we finally decided to stop at the Days Inn at Centerville; we even prepared to sleep in a car. We went in to Days Inn just to go to the toilet but it was a long line. While waiting, I was trying to see if we have any luck of getting a room although we knew the chances is almost zero. The reception told me it was fully booked ( I knew it) Just when I was walking away, he called me back and told me to wait up , there might be a room for me. I wanted to kiss him when he told me there is a room for me now! I don’t even care how much it was, I just needed a bed to rest. To my surprise, he charge me the normal Days Inn Rate (I think it was $45) I couldn’t believe it. If this happen in Asia, the price would have been at least 3 times higher!
The Room is clean, with microwave and refrigerator. Clean bathroom too. We had a good night sleep. We woke up the next morning and saw there were many cars parked outside Days Inn and these people were sleeping in the car. I am so thankful that I got a room at times like that.
We stayed 2 nights while waiting for the hurricane to die down. We had good time shopping at Woody’s - a tiny little grocery store. We had warm meals at the restaurant nearby (walking distance). This is one of the unforgettable and fun travel experiences.
