LAWTON & OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA

June 28 - July 4, 2002

Flag of Oklahoma

Frankly, Oklahoma was quite unknown to me… the only thing I knew about Oklahoma was that there are a lot of hurricanes. Now, that I've been there I dare say that I got to know Oklahoma, at least a bit :-)

The reason why we paid Oklahoma a visit was that most of Oli's American relatives live there - both in Lawton and in Oklahoma City (the Capital of the state). All in all, we spent a week there. Most of time we stayed in Lawton with Linda and Bill, but we also spent two days in Oklahoma City with Jenny, Alan and Hayden. During our time we got to know nearly (?) all of Oli's relatives: Linda and Bill, Anne, Jenny and Alan and Hayden, Keri and George and Joshua, Jennifer and Rob, Barbara and John and Katie and Elizabeth. I hope I haven't forgotten anybody… it is really hard to remember all those names and how all of them are related to Oli. Anyway, thanks to all of you, it was so nice getting to know you, guys!

So, what is there to see in Oklahoma?

Well, first of all, I was highly impressed and touched by the Oklahoma City National Memorial Center which is erected in remembrance of the bombing of Oklahoma City's Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building on April 19, 1995. Do you still remember?
Another thing that's worth exploring in OKC is Bricktown - a district where you can find a lot of restaurants and bars. To me it seemed that Bricktown is a quite new district, they even have this Canal there which looked really good.
Lawton has not too many things to offer but with some tips of natives (Linda and Bill, that is), you can easily spend a nice time there. Probably the biggest thing there is Fort Sill. Fort Sill was founded by General Philip H. Sheridan on January 8, 1869, during a winter campaign against South Plains tribes. The famous "Buffalo Soldiers" of the 10^th U.S. Cavalry, built the post and established their regimental headquarters here. Since 1911 Fort Sill has been the home of the U.S. Army Field Artillery Center and School. In 1962 the Department of Interior designated the original old fort as a National Historic Landmark. Apache Chief Geronimo is buried there as well (he spent his last years there as a prisoner).
Another thing you can do while being in Lawton is to visit the Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge which is just a stone's throw away. The attractions of the refuge are many and varied. In addition to viewing and photographing wildlife in their natural setting, you can find lakes, streams, canyons, mountains and grassland which are all ideal for hiking, fishing, and other outdoor activities. And if you are already in the Wichita Mountains make a trip to the near "Meers Burger and Restaurant" in Meers. They probably sell the biggest burgers in the world - sharing is a good idea :-)

We also celebrated the "4^th of July" - America's Independence Day - with Oli's relatives in Oklahoma. I think we experienced quite a typical 4^th of July celebration: we had this yummy BBQ and buffet, we had fireworks, lots of people were there (around 40, I guess), we had a lot of fun, etc. Maybe I shouldn't forget to mention the trap-shooting. Linda told me that it is quite common in Oklahoma (as well as in Texas) that people have guns at home (for their own safety???).

Well, all in all, Oli and I had a real good time in Oklahoma and it was really nice to get to know his relatives. Thanks a lot for everything… and this is still not enough.

Oklahoma City: