Houston International Festival

It was a busy weekend in Houston as it was the annual Houston International Festival that takes place every April for two weekends! This year I-Fest spotlighted the country Argentina!

Performers at International Festival



Performers at Internationl Festival

The Houston International Festival is put on every year by the non-profit organization called the Houston Festival Foundation. The revenue made from this event goes towards future festivals and towards art and education programs that reach nearly one million students in the Greater Houston area.



Harry and Natalie showing off their salsa moves!

Both coaches and students volunteered at the event (free admission and t-shirt if you do!) and had a great time! Afterwards they were able to explore the grounds and devour the delicious food. Coach Teanna had two Jamaicans patties filled with spiced beef, snow cone, fresh squeezed lemonade, beignets, and gelato. Coach Xenia had grilled beef on a skewer dipped in some delicious Sang Sang sauce, corn on the cob drizzled in butter and seasoning, fried Oreos and lemon sorbet. While Harry had Jamaican beef patties, skewered chicken, snow cone, Italian ice, and beignets. Overall, it was a successful event and a College Forward favorite!

Torchy's Tacos

Coach Jessica and Natalie in front of Torchy's Tacos

Coach Xenia's chicken fajita tacos doused in rojo sauce!

The other weekend College Forward coaches went out to eat at the legendary Torchy's Tacos. It is a DELICIOUS eatery that is located within the 610 loop at Shepherd near Westheimer. Torchy's originally started in Austin, TX and has since expanded to Dallas and more recently Houston. They specailize in unique tacos at a very decent price as their tacos range from $3.25-$4.75. Customers can also try the green chile queso and chips, the "Nookies" (which are deep fried cookie dough balls!) and Maine Root soda. Overall, it is a favorite spot amongst the CoFo Houston crew so be sure to check it out!

Sky High Sports

From L-R: Harry, Xenia, Teanna, Spiderman, and Trey

Cofo coaches and AmeriCorps VISTA members decided to "bounce" it out last Friday by going to Sky High Sports- a trampoline park located in West Houston. For $10 you get an hour of bounce time where you can jump on a trampoline the size of a football field, do double flips into a foam pit, or participate in a trampoline dodgeball game. It's tons of fun and a great workout too! It was also Teanna's boyfriend's birthday and the Cofo crew sported costumes for his costume party!

Check out the site: http://hou.jumpskyhigh.com/index.php

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Part 2

Here are some pictures from the epic evening at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo!

When College Forward coaches first entered the Rodeo grounds, they were immediately greeted by the aroma coming from the food tents. This right here is a picture of a mountain of potato crisps drizzled in chili and cheese!



From L-R: Jess, Teanna, Maria

 
College coaches Jess and Teanna and VISTA member Maria immediately set out to satisfy their fried food craving. Jess tried the fried Snickers, Teanna got fried Oreos and Maria munched on a corn dog and a basket of fried Oreos too!

Native New Yorker and Junior College Coach Qiji tried the Texas sausage on a stick and some freshly squeezed lemonade.

After the coaches engorged themselves in food, they made their way into Reliant Arena to watch the Rodeo and enjoy the Blake Shelton concert! VISTA member Maria especially enjoyed the concert as she sang along to all of Blake's songs.

After the concert, coaches Dustin and Xenia and VISTA member Harry decided to check out the carnival rides. Windsurf was one of the many rides these three tried. While Harry and Dustin loved Windsurf, Coach Xenia shut her eyes the entire time and counted down the seconds till it ended.

Dustin, Xenia and Harry ended the night at "The Hideout." The Hideout is a place for Rodeo attendees who are 21 and up that want to enjoy live music and a place where they can show off their country dance moves. These three Cofo members attempted to dance and had a good time!

Overall, the Rodeo was a blast and is definitely one of the many perks of living in Houston!

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Part 1

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is something that everyone should experience in their lifetime. It is a three week event which consists of BBQ, bull riding, and concerts. This year College Forward Houston is attending the Rodeo on March 7th to see Blake Shelton! 

Most importantly the Rodeo is ALL ABOUT THE FOOD. Attendees at the Rodeo can have some of the world's best BBQ, smoked turkey legs, deep fried Oreos/Snickers/Twinkies (they are delicious), funnel cakes, and more!

Stay tuned for more pics!