Dallas Light Rail Stop -Convention Center Station - There are Things to See on the Walk to City Hall

Here are a few of the random thoughts I had throughout the trip.

I have noticed several DART train stops have inscriptions written into the paving stones, or bricks. I am not talking about graffiti, or any of those outlaw inscriptions. These are messages left by the designers of the stations. The Dallas Zoo has a brick that says “Howl”. I have not looked at every station and really have not even looked down. Now I know there is something to find on the ground, besides my feet. I am unsure if every stop has something on the ground.

There is a surprising amount of bamboo growing in backyards along the rail line. These plants appear to make an excellent visual barrier for keeping me from seeing into people’s backyard - not that I am trying to do that.

People tend to mark their territory on the train by placing backpacks, books, or other personal items on the seat next to them. I am using my knee. Posture and seating position keep people away just as well. Another thing that works for some people is talking on a headphone using a head set, or jawbone. It looks like you are talking to yourself when you do that.

The train stopped for some unknown reason just before Union Station. It is annoying when I don’t know what is going on. When I find out, I wish I did not know what is going on.

There was a family on the train speaking in a language that I did not recognize. The conversation looked personal, so I really appreciated the use of a language that I did not understand. I know it was not done for my benefit, but I really do not want to hear another conversation about some random stranger’s personal life. It’s bad enough when that happens with people you know.

How can someone jog in this heat? I am not a big fan of jogging, but it is over 100 degrees. Isn’t today what treadmills were created for?

The stop I am exploring today is the Convention Center stop. The walk to the Dallas City Hall is interesting, although it would be better in cooler weather. This stop is directly under the Convention Center. The best way to imagine this is that the convention center is a bridge that was built over rail lines and roads. The sidewalk along Lamar Street is the way to walk out of this area. It is also the way to the convention center entrance. It’s not clearly marked. That is a good to know if you are going to a convention.

The walking directions to City Hall are simple. Just follow Lamar Street and turn right on Young Street. There is only one direction to take from the stop. You will pass several interesting land marks on the way: The new hotel under construction, the public sculpture of a cattle drive, the Founders Cemetery, the Dallas Police Memorial, and then City Hall.

Once that hotel is finished, it had better make a profit. That Hotel is attached to the convention center and is a short walking distance from the Dart train stop. The location is almost fool proof. I did not see any obvious restaurants or places to eat. The XYZ bar, near city hall, might have some food; but, I need to research that. Once I finished at City Hall, I hopped on the train and ate at the Original Italian Café at the St Paul stop. They have good pizza, and I will have to try their subs.

This was strictly a sightseeing excursion for me. The sculpture garden depicting a cattle drive is amazing to see. If you are a local citizen, take some time to visit the Founders Cemetery. You will recognize the names and get a sense of your city’s history. The civil war memorial located inside of the cemetery is interesting. Sadly, the cemetery had a lot of cigarette buts and other trash on the ground. A good deal of the clutter was near a perfectly good trash can.

The Dallas Police Department Memorial is a must stop. I should not have to explain why. The badge numbers of the fallen officers are displayed in a very unique manner.

Dallas City Hall was designed by I.M. Pei and is a striking example of his work. It is a late modern building, so there is an emphasis on geometry, monumentality, and architectural detailing. The plaza is large, and often hosts events, demonstrations, parades, and other political events. The pool appears to be a wading pool; but, I do not think people are allowed in there. There is a Henry Moore sculpture on the plaza, which is interesting. You will probably feel inclined to climb on it; but, do not climb on the sculpture. It is bronze and incredibly hot in the summer sun. I am not sure the city wants you to climb on it. The building itself is based on an upside down pyramid. It is a concrete structure, a material that Pei demonstrates considerable mastery of.