Austin Trip

Well I finally got around to posting about my awesome Austin trip.

Flew from Tulsa to Dallas, and after sitting on the plane for an hour and a half on the plane while still in the terminal in Dallas (broken toilet in first class), finally made it to Austin and was picked up at the airport by my cousin Ibby and Aunt Pru.

Was taken to the swanky Hotel Saint Cecilia where I had a private bungalow near the pool.




I was quite hungry, so we walked to the nearby Snackbar, which I thought had some really good fresh and simple food. I had the American salad and spiced beans. Actually thought it was some of the best food of the trip, but maybe I was just really hungry!

Next we went to check out Ibby's place, and then onto Uchi for sushi, sake and great service. Next went back to the hotel to lounge by the pool. After a while, I say, "Hey let's go up to the lounge, there might be a movie star there!"

Well we go up to the lounge, and just as we walk in, Ibby spots Sean Young who starred in movies like Blade Runner, Fatal Instinct, Stripes, and No Way Out.

Drank some fabulous drinks which had fresh strawberries and stuff and met up with I's friend. We all went back to my room before going to dinner.


Walked over to dinner at Botticelli's, I had the yummy mushroom Pansotti.

After everybody went home, I remembered that while on Congress that I had seen a poster for Texas Industrial Fest. Flagged down a cab and off I went. One of my favorite bands was Virus Filter.



While playing, the singer threw his placard into the crowd. Nobody seemed to notice, so I picked it up and wore it. It said "BAND" on it, though not sure if I fooled anyone as I was the only one not dressed head to toe in black.

The next day we drove around to see the different areas of town, lots of nifty areas. Also had some food at the 24 Diner, where I had a waffle sandwich.

Ibby's friend's invited us out to her house in the country, and when we arrived, had some amazing queso that her friend's husband made.



Later, went to Angel's Icehouse, where I thought it was my duty to try the deep fried bacon with lettuce and tomato.

Was getting late, but we had tickets to the Alamo Drafthouse Theater. What is nice about the Alamo, is that you may order drinks or food (good menu) while watching the movie. There is a long bar/table set up in front of every row. We saw the movie Inception. Really liked it, but you have to pay attention 100% of the time or may lose track of what is going on. I am still confused about a couple things. A small criticism is was that there was too much gratuitous gunfire and explosions to fill in the complicated plot.



Next/last day (Sunday), we went to the Eastside cafe, which has their own farm and chickens, and what they don't raise, is bought from local farms. I simply had some great asparagus soup.

After that, drove to an old industrial area on the near east side where I had some iced coffee.



With some time to burn, went to the Four Seasons Hotel and hung out along the riverbank.


Finally, we went to the Whole Foods Market flagship store, which has its own underground parking garage. This place is HUGE and has a giant fresh bakery, deli, ethnic food selection, salad bar, and more, including much more and better quality of everything else of your normal grocery fare. I bought a mini-cheesecake, a cup of cucumber salad, and a couple of slices of steak Wellington to eat before heading off to the airport.


Thanks to the great tour guiding and patience of my family, I made it back to the airport and home!