I used to live in Houston, and there are a few things I can guarantee:
1. There is no BBQ or Tex-Mex in NoCal. Forget finding the spicy food - it's all the real Mexican stuff, which is just not the same (Yes, I understand the irony in that statement). Armadillo Willy's Texas BBQ (not "really" TX, but the place feels like a TX icehouse) is pretty good.
2. Gas prices suck. You'll be looking at $2.80-ish in the San Jose area. That said, I agree that we're still lucky to be paying less than $5.
3. The Garlic Festival is an interesting place to spend an afternoon, but let's be honest - Gilroy reeks of the stuff this time of year. It's a very "special" aroma...
Be careful going through Pecos County. They get angry when you exceed 100mph. Same goes for New Mexico. On the positive side, if you get nailed twice in one day the 2nd smokey won't have that information handy yet
