Country Magic

Thanks to Global Warming Climate Change (GWCC) it was cold and wet this morning, so I drove to West in search of "Valu Paks" of .22LR and a haircut. The barber was closed, along with most of the town, but the rumored .22 was there. Good result.

Downtown West

I took some time to wander around because I like West and its interesting Czech history. I understand some people still speak the language but regardless, the town's seen better days.

West Has Seen Better Days

Maybe the place will find a new source of income and prosperity, then again, maybe it'll simply continue its slow slide into decay and ruin. Like Detroit, but in rural Texas. Struck by that, I headed back along I35 and stopped at my town's Outlet Mall. 

Dead and Dying Outlet Mall

This was opened in the 1980s, promising wealth and jobs. Today it's mostly empty; here's a review, off of Yelp:

What I have to say about this place is probably the same that I can say about Afghanistan: bombed out and depleted. Like another reviewer mentioned, the only thing that makes this location complete is tumbleweeds blowing across the parking lot.

I took some pictures because I like to record the fall of what passes for our civilization, and was stopped by "Security." 

Mall Security Guarding the Empty Shops

Our conversation went like this:

"You can't take pictures here! No."

"Why not?"

"Well... I'm not rightly sure, sir, but no pictures allowed."

"Look, they're not even real pictures, they're digital."

"Maybe they'll hurt the buildings, sir. I been working here ten years."

"That's a very long time! And it's been a real pleasure to meet you. God bless."

"You too, sir!"

I liked the old man and off he went in his blue golf cart into the empty car park of the empty mall. I didn't ask why or how the pictures would hurt the buildings. 

That was obviously magic, country magic.

God bless,

LSP

I Like West

Czechoslovakians Settled This Town

The other day I drove to Waco and those of you who know I35 will agree that that's no small thing. On the way back I stopped at West, which was settled by Czechs and badly hurt by its industry, a fertilizer plant, blowing up last year. I heard the explosion from a good 20 miles away; bad business and a miracle that more people weren't killed.

Downtown West

So I pulled off the highway and into West to have a look around. There's the obligatory failing "antique" shops, a couple of Czech bakeries, a feed store, a barber, some bars (well done) and a railway line that still goes through the middle of the town. Freight only.

Better Days, My Friend

West has had better days, no doubt about it. The sidewalks are cracked, you'll see the odd broken window here and there but you know what, I like West, it had a good atmosphere and the people were friendly. I understand they sell ammo at their hardware shop and I'll be back to check that out, maybe the barber too.

God bless West,

LSP