Don't be alarmed by snakes on the beach in Galveston Capital Tourism and Marketing

GALVESTON, Texas -- It’s that time of year again: rattlesnake season in Galveston.

The reptiles are once again making an appearance on the island. Beachgoers are warned not to trek through the dunes.

The rattlesnakes will start to emerge from their daytime hiding spots as the sun starts setting. Only one person was bitten by a rattlesnake last year, but nonetheless, it pays to be cautious.

“With a rattlesnake, he bites you, he’s got to pump those jaws. I got hit once in my leg with those jaws and that when he’s injecting,” said Hal Newsom with Animal Control Wildlife.

Newsom has been wrangling rattlesnakes since he was a kid. The varmint trapper says he’s responded to at least 22 rattlesnake calls on Galveston Island in the last three days.

Newsom says since it’s rattlesnake mating season, and the weather’s getting warmer, the snakes are showing themselves to beachgoers as they pass through the dunes.

Contrary to popular belief, you’re more likely to run into rattlesnakes either at dawn or dusk when the snakes are looking for a spot to cool off.

That’s when Newsom says people are at the greatest risk.

“They can feel vibrations, they can’t hear, they got no ears. But when he feels vibrations and gets nervous, that tail starts to shake,” Newsom said.

Galveston Island State Park supervisor Hans Haglund says it’s nature’s way of warning us to slowly back away.

“They’re not out there to get us. They’re there to let us know if we don’t mess with it, it won’t mess with us, kind of deal,” Haglund said.

Experts say if you happen to get bitten by a rattlesnake at the beach, stay calm and call 911. Don’t try to use a tourniquet or suck out the poison; just get to the hospital as quickly as possible.

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Jakarta Indonesia’s Capital of Splendors

As the capital city of Indonesia, the sprawling megapolitan city of Jakarta is not only the seat of the national government and center of business activities but also a melting pot of cultures from many parts of the archipelago. Home to millions of people, the city is where the glittering lights of modern skyscrapers fuse perfectly with traditional Indonesian elegance and the legacies of the country’s national history, while, standing proudly at its center is the National Monument.

A city that never sleeps, with round-the-clock entertainment and superb recreational facilities, there is definitely something for everyone here in the capital city. From international music concerts, pulsating nightlife, fascinating recreational and theme parks, wide range of shopping opportunities, culinary presentations from all over the archipelago and the world, as well as its distinctly unique traditional art and culture, Jakarta is truly a capital of diverse splendors.

Here are some of the main highlights of the capital city of Jakarta:

1.      Fun Packed Recreational and Theme Parks

Jakarta offers the ultimate experience for perfect family leisure and togetherness in some of its fun packed amazing recreational and theme parks. For a comprehensive glimpse of Indonesia with all its fascinating attractions, visit  Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, or the Beautiful Indonesia in Miniature Park, located in East Jakarta. If it’s non-stop fun actions you seek, head to The Ancol Dreamland which is the largest and most popular recreation park on the beach completed with all sorts of rides, and amusement parks, and a gamut of facilities. A unique indoor theme park especially built for Kids with edutainment in mind is Kidzania, located on the 6th. Floor of the Pacific Place Mall, at the Senayan CBD. There are only three such parks in the whole world, and one is in Jakarta.  

2.      Jakarta’s Shopping Extravaganza

The wide variety of things that you can buy in Jakarta is mind boggling from the best of local handicrafts to haute couture labels. Jakarta has literally hundreds of malls to browse through. If you are looking for international top designer boutiques, head to Jalan Thamrin-Sudirman, where there are the Grand Indonesia, Plaza Indonesia, and the FX Sudirman. Further South are Senayan Plaza and Senayan City and in the Kebayoran area are malls catering to the upmarket clientele, such as Gandaria City, Dharmawangsa Square,Pasaraya Grande, Pondok Indah Mall and Kemang. Then there is Pacific Place at Kuningan, another favorite haunt.

3.      Exquisite Fine Dining in the Metropolitan Capital

Here in Jakarta, the best Indonesian cuisine and international fine dining restaurants are found in unique surroundings as they are located in elegant and well-appointed colonial buildings that enhance that special nostalgic atmosphere of fine, graceful dining  like in those  grand colonial days long gone. The Oasis Restaurant on Jalan Raden Saleh in Central Jakarta, the Kunstkring Paleis and the Bistro Boulevard on  Jalan Teuku Umar, Bunga Rampai on Jalan Tjik Ditiro and the Jittlada Thai restaurant on Jalan Sultan Agung, are among some of the restaurants where you can experience the exquisite dining experience.

4.      The Scrumptious Street Food Scene

The culinary splendor of the capital city does not stop at fine dining restaurants and luxurious cafes, but all the way to street sides where you can definitely find some of the most delicious treats of Jakarta. Situated just behind Istana Merdeka or the Presidential Palace, Pecenongan is an area that is known for its Street Food Scene which is dominated by delicious Chinese food variety. Looking for Sea Food? Then Muara Karang is your answer. Here, various freshly caught fish, prawns, crabs, squid, and more are served in various ways according to your preference. The busy Jalan Sabang transforms itself into a vibrant street food scene in the evening. Here poplar Indonesian meals such as Fried Rice, Satay, Fried Duck, Gado-gado (Betawi’s Salad), and more will definitely leave your mouth craving for more.

5.      Jakarta’s Authentic Culture Experience

If you wish to experience the authentic culture of the indigenous Betawi ethnic group of Jakarta, you can pay a visit to Setu Babakan in Srengseng Sawah in the subdistrict of Jagakarsa in South Jakarta. As one of the last remaining, and most intact Betawi village communities in Jakarta, Setu Babakan has been stipulated as a Betawi Cultural Heritage village to showcase the life of the original Betawi people. Here visitors can see the original architecture and layout of the houses or stroll through this rustic village that has retained the Betawi atmosphere, watch cultural performances by the lakeside, enjoy special Betawi food and snacks, or go fishing or boating on the lake.

6.      Legacies of the Colonial Era

The splendor of the capital city also lies in the many legacies of the colonial era from the 16th century onwards which still stand majestically today, especially at the Old Batavia complex in North Jakarta. Center of the Old Batavia is the former municipal building or Stadhuis, which is now a Museum depicting Jakarta’s long history, called Museum Fatahillah, while the square fronting it is called the Fatahillah Square. Around the square are the Fine Art and Ceramic Museum, once the Court of Justice, now housing splendid paintings of the romantic maestro Raden Saleh, and expressionist Affandi. There is also a collection of ceramics from many parts of Asia. There is the Wayang Museum, the Bank Indonesia and Bank Mandiri Museums,  that house artefacts related to the banking world.

Things to Do in Galveston Capital Tourism and Marketing – Thrillist

EXCELLENT REASONS TO GO TO GALVESTON

You don’t go to Galveston nearly as much as you should. Sure, the water is “dirty,” and the sand isn’t fluffy and white, and it's not stick-thin like the islands in Michael Bay movies -- but it does have tasty food, great drinks, and some amazing events. In fact, there are at least 74 killer reasons to recommend it...

1. It’s a vacation destination only one hour away

So why not?

2. It has 32 miles of beach

That’s a lot of beach.

3. The beautiful water will bring out the color of your eyes

... so long as your eyes are brown.

4. It’s cheap

Think Houston happy hour prices, all the time.  Except when it's happy hour in Galveston, when it’s somehow even cheaper.

5. It’s been named the #1 place to live in Texas

It claims this island has more nightlife per capita than anywhere else in Texas.

6. You can show up late (except when meeting for drinks)

It’s a thing known as “island time.”

7. Take photos at the Galveston Cemetery while the flowers are in bloom

It’s pretty and you are guaranteed double-digit likes on Instagram.

8. Explore the Moody Gardens pyramids

There is a rainforest pyramid & an aquarium pyramid, both of which are great. Doesn’t matter how old you are, monkeys and sharks are always cool.

9. Step away from the salt water and get to Schlitterbahn Waterpark

It has a wave pool AND a lazy river. Just remember not to run around the pool.

10. Fly a kite

Why not? It’s cool to do it at the beach (kinda), and with fewer power lines than Houston, it's safer, too. 

11. Check out the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig & Museum

It’s actually interesting, and if you live in Houston you should probably know what all this oil & gas stuff is about.

12. Get some history

There is lots of it in Galveston. Pirate ships (or boats that look like pirate ships), massive old mansions, churches, Victorian homes, and more all scattered about the island.

13. Hit the Pleasure Pier

Sounds dirty, but it’s not. Its big and long and you can ride all you want for around $30.

14. Let Fido roam

The miles of beach are open to your pooch. Just please bring plastic bags...

15. Mosquito Cafe

Right up the street from Sunflower, with more of a deli feel. Check out the tuna sandwich. Make sure to order it rare.