Went to Austin, TX for work.  Other than layovers in airports, don’t think I’ve ever been to Texas before.  Can’t say I completely immersed myself in the experience.  The problem with trade shows is that after the day is over, I’d rather find a quick and close place for dinner and then crash in my hotel room, rather than spend all my free time in tourist mode.  But here are some things I learned about Austin without really trying:

Beware the Grackle

That thing up there is what’s called a Great-Tailed Grackle.  They plagued the block where my hotel was located.  Like scary plagued.  Only at night too, for whatever reason.  Maybe that’s when they come out to get their breeding on or something.  The first night we got there, we were dropped off at the wrong Hilton (because there are apparently three Hiltons in the downtown area located within five blocks of each other – it’s good to be Paris), and hoofing our way to the correct hotel in the dark and in the rain, we came across a tree that suddenly exploded with Grackles Gone Wild.  Apparently we scared them!  Every night after that, the sky and neighboring trees were filled with them.  Every morning the street and parked cars were painted with their waste.  I have no idea if Daphne du Maurier ever visited Austin, but I’m betting!  Don’t believe me?  Check this out!

Texas Longhorn Paraphernalia

Austin, TX loves their Texas Longhorns.  Every building, every street, every time I turned my head, someone or something was sporting a longhorn symbol and colors.  The sports dummy that I am, I didn’t realize the logo applies to multiple sports, so that helps explain its prevalence, but I still don’t see that sort of thing around here, and we have our colleges too.  Texans are really into the pride thing.

Texas Bumpersticker

Speaking of pride, the two times I was on the freeway I couldn’t’ help but notice that every car had a Texas bumper sticker.  You’re right, I’m lying. It was more like 1 out of 3 cars, but dang!  We get it people, Texas is the most awesomest toughest specialist place on earth!

Now That's a Big Guitar!

There are all these big guitar statue things everywhere, painted differently, much like the cows in that other city that escapes me.  I asked a waitress why and evidently Austin is know for its live music.  I did not see or hear any, but it must be true because otherwise the big guitars all over the place wouldn’t make any sense.

cowboyharleydavidson

This is where I am going to go to buy my bike.  (As soon as I have money and learn how to ride.)