>>218518You're obviously just looking in the wrong places. I realize that it's not outdoorsy, but no city is. Go spend some time at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, or better go sit in the Rothko Chapel. It may help you out a bit. There's a ton of culture in Houston; you just have to look for it. Also, now that it's winter down there you can go paddle the Buffalo Bayou; I remember they were talking about cleaning it up while I was living down there. And go down to Galveston, spend some time fishing and sleeping on the beach. Instead of focusing on what you miss try to enjoy what's around you. The Galleria isn't all that's in Houston.
I'll admit that you won't find the sort of beauty you had in NZ (I know what's there; I spent a few months in the country and it is beautiful) but there's still plenty around you.
Also the food and beer in NZ was terrible compared to what you have available to you in the States. Go down to the Ginger Man in Rice Village/West U and drink some quality beer that isn't Speight's or Tui. Or get some of the best margaritas in the world at El Gran Malo.
Pic Related: Buffalo Bayou
