Musings from Houston: Embrace challenges and be ready to take off

"IN every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks," said John Muir, who cofounded the Sierra Club and is considered as the father of the US national parks.

- By Prof. Ajith de Alwis

A semblance of wild nature can be created, and that is exactly what I am experiencing during my brief visit to Houston in the state of Texas. As I walked - not quite a common sight in this highly mobile town - I was reminded that Houston was the first word spoken from the lunar surface. With fuel being quite cheap, with an average gallon costing below $ 3, cars reign supreme. Even though Houston is a Car City, my daily routine to and from the University is walking. Through tree-lined pathways and with majestic Oak trees by the side, the walk is pleasant, and one can allow the mind to roam in varied directions. However, walking provides me with more quality reflec tive time than if I am to have to have my foot on an accelerator. At the end of the path, I have the park to my left and Rice University and the Texas Medical Centre to the right and ahead. Houston is the energy capital of the world with the world's largest refining capacity and the 4th largest city in the USA. The Houston medical eco system is also considered to be the largest healthcare system in the world. The place I am walking to every day is Rice University, where John F Kennedy articulated his vision to send an American to the moon and bring him back. Yes, as I walk, I am not exactly thinking about the acorns and mighty oaks, but the lessons contained in sights and sounds around me. Yes, I am also aware that this area had almost been a treeless plain and the archi tect of Rice University had brought out the best from what he himself had described as 'a level and stupid site'!