Staying at the Omni Downtown really gives Austin, and Texas for that matter, some perspective; The 20-story glass Austin Centre houses both the Omni- a lavish hotel and conference center- as well as offices for city workers, financial planners and other white-collar movers and shakers, but amidst the busy suits and polished hotel staff, below the marble columns and modern glassworks, sits a little plaque explaining the history of that site. There, in 1839, the residence of the President of the Republic of Texas was built, only to burn to the ground several years later. Next the first residence of the Governor of the state of Texas was built there, only to be replaced a short time later with a more opulent mansion further out of the growing town. Now, glass walls shining in the hot Texan sun, heads of state and celebrities stay in the air-conditioned, fashionably decorated suites, most passing the plaque and unaware of the site's history. Texas, Austin in particular, always throws one for a loop with its quirkiness, while at the same time enchanting with southern charm and easy, good times.
Our first day was spent at the town lake, a large body of water that effectively splits the town in half. A long bike n hike trail circles the lake and its several bridges (including Congress St. bridge, home to the largest bat colony in the US) lend Austin a jovial, active feel as runners and dog owners take in the sights and relax in the cooling evenings.
Moose, however, found little enjoyment as he was once again thrust into the midst of the dog park and Andy's vain attempts to get him to swim. He much preferred having his picture taken with personal hero, Stevie Ray Vaughn.
We enjoyed all that famous 6th St. had to offer- live music, exciting food, lots and lots of Lone Star (that great Texas lager) for two days, enjoying the Whole Food's landmark store, tasty homemade barbeque at Lambert's, an Austin institution, and Chuy's, a Tex-Mex mecca.
Alas, having traded for two more day's at Casa de Los Dutch in Florida, we had to depart this wonderful city al too soon, heading through infamous west Texas.
2 comments:
Do people in Austin have a thick Texas accent? It seems to liberal and fun to have one. Glad you guys got to spend time with both your families. Your hair cut look great EM. Its the first time I've noticed it, but it looks good. Your dog is weak and antisocial, no water huh. I'm taking Rudy to the beach for the first time I'll let ya know how that goes. To bad we wern't there to party in Austin. Later guys.
Poor Moose...he suffers in such silent dignity to please you guys. Love the shot of him with Stevie Ray!
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