Please Stop Saying Midland and Odessa Are Too Far Away

Whether you live in Midland or Odessa, Texas, you are likely comfortable in your respective parts of the Permian Basin.  With the cities so close to one another, it isn't unheard of that you could be invited or have business in one city or the other.  However, oftentimes you will hear stories of people declining invitations or doing business if it requires you to travel to the other city.  Chalking up the reason for the declining cause "It's too far".

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When I first heard this notion I honestly thought it was ridiculous.  I spent the majority of my life living in San Antonio- a major metropolitan area.  So traveling from one part of the city to another was a daily occurrence.  I thought, how could people who live in Odessa think an event in Midland is too far? (Or vice versa)

I then thought, how far could it really be?  That's when I broke it down.  If you look at any given map, the Western part of Midland which in this case I used the corner of Highway 191 and 250 and measured it to the Eastern part of Odessa (42nd Street and Parkway Blvd), and it only measured out to be 13.6 miles.  Granted that is only the tips of each respective city but still, they are technically around 13 miles apart.  Having said that, it brings up the question is that really considered to be far away?

The reality is that 13 miles is not that far... like at all.  The ONLY exception here is if you are traveling on foot.  So saying traveling to the other city is too far really is ridiculous.

Until...

I have only lived here for less than 2 months.  Recently, I was invited to an event in Midland.  Granted, this was after midnight and I caught myself saying "Nah, it's too far".

So I get it, and frankly, I am a little disappointed in myself for thinking/saying that but it's totally true.  So, all-in-all it ISN'T far away, but then again it really is.

Here are a few comparisons from places around the world that are 13 miles apart.

1.) Chicago

The former Sears Tower (now known as Willis Tower is roughly 13 miles from O'Hare International Airport

2.) Houston

The NASA Johnson Space Center is roughly 13 miles away from Downtown Houston

3.) Los Angeles

The Santa Monica Pier is approximately 13 miles away from The Hollywood Sign

4.) Washington D.C.

Mount Vernon, the home of former president George Washington is about 13 miles away from the White House

5.) Austin

Lake Travis, which is widely known to be one of the most famous lakes in the state is about 13 miles from the State Capital.

6.) San Antonio

Sea World San Antonio, which is located on the far west side of San Antonio is about 13 miles from the Alamo in downtown San Antonio