Mardi Gras....Galveston

Everyone has heard of Mardi Gras. Partying, drunkenness, debauchery, no inhibitions, all of these are synonymous. I remember in college an old roommate describing it as the "most free he has ever been." He was referring to New Orleans, the original. However New Orleans isn't the only place that celebrates it. Many places along the gulf coast have their own Mardi Gras celebrations (though they can't top New Orleans). About 17 years ago I went to a Mardi Gras celebration in Port Arthur, TX. I don't remember a lot of it except my companion that evening. Since then I've always wondered what an all out Mardi Gras celebration would be like first hand (and not watching the special Cops' Mardi Gras episodes). At the last minute I decided to spend the day in Galveston and experience their Mardi Gras celebrations. I mean why not? So I packed the suitcase, booked the last room at the Harbor House and off I went. I enjoyed it. I stayed mostly on the sidewalk not wanting to go through the throngs of people jumping and shouting for beads from the crowd on the balcony. Of course I saw a few pairs of female endowments despite the chilly wind that blew right down the damn street. In front of one grill and bar there was a breast painting stand and ladies were lined up to have their bare chests painted up. Now I'm no prude, but there were kids out and about and that really shouldn't be in view of kids. Just my opinion. It was about 1am when I decided I'd gotten the full experience and retired for the night. As I was leaving I noticed a long line of people waiting to get in. Since this is Texas they better hurry up because alcohol sales have to end by 2am whereas in Louisiana there is no last call.