Not too long ago, there was a tour of old Houston cemeteries. Founder's, Beth Isreal, College Memorial Park, and Olivewood. It truly was a wonderful tour of Houston's past; I learned quite a bit. I like the space of Olivewood the best.
It's overgrown, then cleared, so it has that emerging from nature feeling. Oh, and there are quite a few plants that fell out of fashion years ago that are running wild, so it's really nice to rediscover flora in this slightly magical cemetery. Businesses and neighborhoods keep threatening its perimeters (metaphorically and quite literally), but there is a sense of calm within.
If you're unfamiliar with the area, you'll have a time getting there. It's not difficult, it's just that the horrid shipping company and the encroaching neighborhoods are all vying for right of ways. The meandering is really part of the journey. It lends a sense of annoyance and harassment and also ultimate success when you reach the center of this labyrinth. It helps you realize what the volunteers who take care of this lovely cemetery face on a daily basis. Apparently the owner of the business directly south of them is particularly vicious.
I'm not certain if all of these things that I mentioned (the antique foliage, old tombstones and statuary, neighbor issues, and general encroaching on people who have been laid to rest's space) were what caused my uneasiness, but I kept looking over my shoulder. It could have also been flashbacks to Doctor Who's Weeping Angel episodes. Regardless, it is pleasant and just a little bit unsettling. Oh, and if you do see any angel statuary moving towards you, stare at them, don't blink, and get out of there stat. read more