Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 979-691-4000;
http://bushlibrary.tamu.edu
; 1000 George Bush Dr W, off FM 2818; adult/child $7/3;
9:30am-5pm Mon-Sat, noon-5pm Sun)
Whether they agree with the former president's politics or
not, Republican and and Democrats alike would have a hard time arguing that this is any-
thing but one darn fine museum. The well-curated exhibits trace the elder President
Bush's life and career, and serve as an interesting primer on American history from WWII
through the 1990s.
Follow the statesman's rise from Texas oil prospector through his virtual tour of nation-
al politics: from Ambassador to the UN, to Republican National Committee (RNC) chair-
man, to CIA director, to the White House, to becoming the first American president to see
his own offspring occupy the Oval Office. (Yes, that's 'Dubya,' or America's 43rd presid-
ent, George W Bush.) Family moments, and Barbara Bush's contributions are also in-
cluded. The story is told with compelling videos throughout, making the additional audio
wand superfluous.
TEXAS A&M FOOTBALL: THE 12TH MAN
Who is the 12th man? You are. Well, you, me and all the other A&M fans standing to support the team at Kyle
Field during a home game. The tradition started way back in 1922 during a difficult Dixie Classic game (precurs-
or to the Cotton Bowl). So many injuries were sustained that coach DX Bible thought he might not have enough
players to finish. So former player E King Gill was pulled from the stands and suited up. At game end he was the
last player standing on the sidelines, and though he never touched the ball, his willingness was well noted.
Today the student body and fans stand throughout the game to show that they are the 12th man, ready to help.
And they aren't quiet about it either. Yell leaders on the field use an elaborate set of hand and body gestures to
call the response-chants - which everyone knows, and SHOUTS. Thirty thousand students, all dressed in maroon,
shouting, swaying and gesturing in unison is quite the sight to see. Even if you're not an Aggie fan, we recom-
mend you don't wear orange (that's rival University of Texas' color).
Sleeping
Chain motels line Hwy 6 on the eastern edge of Bryan-College Station, but on football
weekends, all lodgings sell out. Book ahead.
Rudder-Jessup Bed & Breakfast
( 866-744-2470;
www.rudderbandb.com
; 115 Lee Ave; r incl full breakfast $169-209; )
Stay in the old
college president's stately home, just across George Bush Dr from A&M. Rooms have a
comfortable country feel. The hosts will charm your socks off; as they wryly state, 'Chil-
dren with well-behaved parents are welcome.'
B&B
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