I landed in Oklahoma City on a warm Summer night, my second in “The States”. Right on time to join my dear Valencian friend bachelor's party, who was getting married on the very next day to a lovely Oklahoman girl.
The wedding of the year brought us all here, old and new friends, ready to celebrate and turn our time together into the best holidays ever!
So, where is Oklahoma?
Oklahoma City is on the I-35 Corridor, which is one of the primary travel corridors south into neighboring Texas and Mexico and north towards Wichita and Kansas City. And that is how some friends got here: road trips. I flew over from Newark Airport with United Airlines, I love that they offer tomato juice on board!
A bit of Oklahoma´s History
According to history.com the land that today makes up Oklahoma was added to the United States as part of the Louisiana Purchase of 1803. Throughout the 19th century, the U.S. government relocated Indian tribes from the southeastern United States to the area, and by 1900, over 30 Indian tribes had been moved to what was originally called the Indian Territories. At the same time, ranchers in Texas began to move into the area in search of new pasture lands, and the government eventually opened the land to settlement, creating “land runs” in which settlers were allowed to cross the border at a particular hour to claim homesteads. Settlers who broke the law and crossed the border sooner than allowed were called “sooners,” which eventually became the state’s nickname. Oklahoma became the 47th state in 1907, following several acts that incorporated more and more Indian tribal land into U.S. territory. After its inclusion in the union, Oklahoma became a center for oil production, with much of the state’s early growth coming from that industry. During the 1930s, Oklahoma suffered from droughts and high winds, destroying many farms and creating the infamous Dust Bowl of the Great Depression era.
Back in now
Oklahoma City is in the middle of an active oil field, being oil and petroleum products the largest sector of the economy. For instance, the Devon Energy Center or Devon Tower is the tallest building in the city, a 50-story corporate skyscraper owned by the company with the same name in downtown Oklahoma City. Around here we also found the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory, where Myriad Botanical Garden is: the magical venue my friends´ wedding took place.
The weather forecast was right about rain and storms. Nevertheless, I could not have been more surprised when I walked myself the building to find a tropical little forest hidden under a crystal dome, beautifully growing unaware of the southern arid weather. A truly majestic ambiance where our beloved bride and groom shared true love vows and affection, captivating everyone's hearts. It was a wonderful wedding from start to finish, a memorable weekend for all of us.
Exploring Oklahoma City
Apart from downtown, there are to be found independent houses with unfenced gardens on the front, and private backyards generally kept quite simple as I did not see many swimming pools, designed gardens or fruit trees.
Every now and again, you will be surprised by unique porches, spectacular vintage cars parked in front the houses and friendly smiling neighbors taking care of their gardens or playing Basketball with their children.
Things to Do in Oklahoma
Plan your holidays in the area and don't miss a thing!
Saying goodbye until the next wedding!
Before leaving Oklahoma, we saved some time for the indoor skydiving experience which is very popular around here. We did not want to miss the fun of flying on a safe environment thanks to the wind tunnel.
Next time we are definitely chasing a tornado!
One can make no better investment than the cultivation of a taste for the beautiful, for it will bring rainbow hues and enduring joys to the whole life. It will not only greatly increase one’s capacity for happiness, but also one’s efficiency.
- Orison Swett Marden
