Austin, Texas: Lost in the Frequency

okay, so i just got back from austin. honestly, it felt like wandering through a broken radio - a million signals crashing together, trying to find something coherent. i'm still processing. i totally lost track of time. i honestly think the internal monologue was a solid 70% of the experience.

the weather? there right now, clinging on like a stubborn weed. i just checked and it's…warm. really, really warm. like, 'sweat-drenched-even-with-a-hat' warm. hope you like that kind of thing. it’s that kind of warm that makes everything feel hazy and dreamlike. i packed for a blizzard and ended up sweating through my best sundress. a classic.

i spent most of my days just…being. wandering down South Congress, dodging food trucks and vintage shops that smelled of sandalwood and possibility. the whole place hums with a kind of restless energy. if you get bored, houston is just a short drive away. if that’s even a thing you do.

i heard that the food scene is insane, and it’s true. every other corner is overflowing with something delicious - barbecue, tacos, breakfast tacos (seriously, every kind of taco), and weird, experimental stuff i couldn’t even name. someone told me that the breakfast tacos are the real deal, a local warned me about the lines at Franklin Barbecue, though i didn't dare try it, which is a tragedy. i'm still haunted by the thought of missing out.

*gear list? basically, a good hat. and breathable clothing. and a camera. you'll want to snap a million pictures. also, comfortable shoes - you’re going to be doing a lot of walking. and a portable charger. seriously. i ran out of battery on the third day.

pro-tip:* don't be afraid to get lost. the best discoveries are often made when you’re not on a map. just embrace the chaos.

i also stumbled upon a little independent bookstore tucked away on a side street. it had the kind of overflowing shelves and dusty corners that make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. the owner, a woman with silver hair and eyes that twinkled like distant stars, recommended a hidden gem of a coffee shop downtown. it's called 'The Daily Grind', and apparently, the pastries are legendary.

the locals are… interesting. they’re friendly, but there’s a certain guardedness in their eyes, like they’re holding back some secret. i overheard someone talking about a music festival happening next month, something called 'Circuit'. they said it’s going to be huge, packed with electronic music and art installations. it sounds intense.

i'm thinking of checking out Austin's local arts scene. i heard a rumor that there's a secret underground club somewhere - a speakeasy kind of vibe. it’s always worth looking for those kinds of things. also planning to check out the Zilker Park.

the air is thick with… something. it's hard to describe. maybe it's the energy of the city, or maybe it’s just the humidity. maybe it's the sheer number of live music venues that all seem to be competing for attention. i'm not sure, but it’s definitely something.

seriously though, i'm already plotting my return. i need to go back and get lost again. and maybe try that barbecue.

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