Shara Fryer
Chairman
World Affairs Council Houston
Houston is a city of infinite possibilities, fueled by an incredible work ethic, sense of community, and warm hospitality. It might also be the most philanthropic city on the planet.
If someone visits from out of town, I take them to see: downtown by way of Memorial Drive; the live oak trees on North, South and Sunset Boulevards; Memorial Park jogging trail and golf course; the Japanese Garden, the Houston Zoo and Miller Outdoor Theater in Hermann Park; all of our museums; the Theater District; our sports arenas; the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo; Hong Kong Market and the area on Bellaire at Beltway 8; and of course a World Affairs Council event
People are most likely to find me at a bookstore, at any of the places above, and at least two times each week, at one of the programs hosted by The World Affairs Council Houston, whether it's a lecture by a visiting diplomat, global newsmaker or a former U.S. Secretary of State, or a Young Professionals Program drawing international artists and journalists, or Academic World Quest which is an annual trivia contest on global affairs for local high schools.
When describing Houston to friends that have never been here, I tell them that Houston is exotic, with a tropical climate that nurtures an abundance of trees, flowering plants and grassy lawns. I tell them how global our city is, with a population so diverse we truly are the world. And I always tell them how great a place Houston is to eat and party, with virtually any cuisine in the world and an abundance of unique "watering holes,” and, I should add, great music and performances!
My perfect day in Houston would start with a walk and swim with our golden retriever Remy, scanning the latest news and catching up on what's happening with our neighbors and ongoing community activities. Lunch would be a World Affairs Council program with Colin Powell or James Baker or Muhammad Yunnus, etc. Then a round of golf or the latest museum exhibit in the afternoon. I would end my day at "happy hour" with my friends from American Leadership Forum and then meet my husband Barry for a fabulous dinner at our favorite restaurant, Tony's.
My favorite places to eat are: Maria Selma's or Armando's for Mexican food; Croissant y Brioche or French Riviera Bakery for a quick lunch; and home because Barry is great with the grill and with a pit. (we shop for mesquite, oak or pecan wood at Goode Company).
My favorite places to shop for clothes are Tootsies and Neiman Marcus in The Galleria. I'd rather shop for dishes and house things (in the myriad of little shops and stores all across town). My new discovery for cute gifts is "Impromptu" on Bissonnet.
One of Houston’s best kept secret is that our residents are not only incredibly knowledgeable about, but very interested in, and open to world affairs.
I truly believe Houston's corporate community is the underpinning for every great endeavor here. Not only do the corporations (large and small) provide jobs, but also a vast amount of funding, volunteers and sweat equity whenever called upon. Our business community is very much at the heart of our overall community and gives real muscle to our "can do" spirit and our reach toward those "infinite possibilities.”
