Austin Aftermath: A Caffeine-Fueled Chaos
okay, so. austin. wow. just…wow. i’m still processing. i landed late, the air thick and humid, clinging to you like a second skin. the weather? i just checked and it's...a humid hug, basically, perfect for sweating while contemplating life. definitely not for anyone who enjoys dry air. the pressure is surprisingly normal, which is a relief. the humidity, though? a whole different story. it’s like breathing soup.
i was there for a music thing - totally last minute - and it was… an experience. the city buzzes with this kind of frenetic energy that’s both exhilarating and exhausting. it’s like everyone is running on espresso and good intentions. i spent most of my time wandering around the *South Congress (SoCo) area. it’s a total sensory overload. vintage shops overflowing with clothes i definitely don't need, food trucks pumping out smells that make your stomach rumble, and street art absolutely everywhere. i even spotted a few musicians busking - seriously talented peeps.
Someone told me that if you go to a certain taco stand, ask for “extra everything.” Apparently, it’s a local legend. I didn’t dare.
my little Airbnb was… charming. let’s just say it had character. the neighbors were… interesting. a mix of artists, musicians, and people who seemed perpetually on vacation. if you get bored, San Antonio is just a short drive away. seriously, it's worth a day trip. i grabbed some amazing coffee from a place called Jo's Coffee. seriously, the line was insane, but totally worth it. the baristas seemed to have a PhD in beanology. i might have overpaid, but honestly? didn't even care.
the street art scene is killer. i stumbled upon a hidden alleyway completely covered in murals. it was this intense explosion of color and creativity. i saw someone spray painting a piece, total dedication. it's the kind of thing that makes you feel... hopeful, you know? like maybe the world isn’t completely dumpster fire.
Pro-tip: wear comfortable shoes. you’ll be doing a lot of walking. and hydrate. seriously, hydrate. it’s not a suggestion, it’s a survival strategy. i also heard that avoiding peak hours at Barton Springs Pool is a good idea. Apparently, it gets packed*.
oh, and someone warned me about the parking situation downtown. it’s brutal. seriously, be prepared to walk or use ride-sharing. i ended up taking a rideshare - the driver was super into conspiracy theories, which was… entertaining. (maybe?)
i'm already dreaming about going back. austin, you were a beautiful mess. a caffeine-fueled, humid, art-filled mess. and i loved every second of it. you can check out some awesome local music venues here: https://www.do615.com/ also, this Yelp page has some solid restaurant reviews: https://www.yelp.com/.
okay, i need more coffee. and maybe a nap. but first… more photos.