What a perfect palm tree… oh

So I am cruising the streets of Laredo, stereo full blast to MSNBC on XM (free trial) with Egyptian cheers after Mubarek’s resignation – I was drowning out the boom boom music of other cars. That’s right, nerds have speakers, too!

I got to thinking, what is it with Laredo and its love of fake palm trees?? It isn’t residences which might seem more likely considering some of the decorations sometimes seen in these parts. No, it is businesses.

Lin's Chinese Restaurant (serving enchiladas) has their set of palms and fake palms

Palm trees are not native to this area but they do well with their shallow roots and the Laredo heat. But why not just plant a real tree? What gets me is that usually when you see a fake tree, it is right next to a real tree. ¿Porque?

Calton Road's Palms and Fake Palms

Oh well, to each their own.

Driving down San Bernardo, though, and you see all the culprits… the import/export shops! You can also get a fake horse, fake pig, fake flowers – but that truck in the picture is real. You can decorate with all kinds of fake metal sculptures, some might even call them “art pieces.” It sure makes for an interesting Laredo :).

UPDATE:

How could I forget! Laredo caterers also do fake fruit palm trees – featured at the local Border Patrol Union Banquet. The caterer must have known that the National BP Union President from DC was going to be flying in :P.

Catering by Cindy's featured a fruit palm tree at the Border Patrol Union banquet