He Said, She Said: Austin - First Night & First Day

HE SAID:
When we arrived in Austin, we put the hotel address in the google maps app on my phone, and it took us like 10 miles south of where we were supposed to be. I know that doesn't sound like much, but when you've been in the car for almost 10 hours and just want to be there already, it makes you want to cry and break something. Eventually we got back on track and made it to the hotel. We checked in and were debating about going into town for drinks, but we saw that there was a bar called Bikini's next to the hotel and decided to go for drinks there instead. It turned out to be a great decision. The waitresses walk around in short shorts and bikini tops (not bad) and you can get a pint of beer for $2.50, imagine that! We had a lot of food and drinks, and our tab came out to about $25, once again, I love Texas!

Kike came to join us and all the waitresses oohhed and aaaahhhed and they decided to take a picture with him and let Des and I be in the picture.

After the bar, we just headed back to the room for a good night's sleep for the day ahead.

The next day, we went to Texas wine country to Becker Vineyards and try some wine. The wine was very good and we decided to join the wine club and buy a bottle or 2. After wine tasting, we headed to The Salt Lick, an Austin institution when it comes to BBQ. It was quite possibly the best BBQ I've ever had, and again, lunch for 2 for $25. After all the wining and dining, we decided to head out to 6th street for a night of live music and good drinks. Unfortunately it didn't last long because my stomach started acting up. Good thing we decided to push our dates back and stay in Austin an extra day. Can't wait to see what awaits us tomorrow.
Mario.

SHE SAID:
The hotel in Austin was like a luxury suite compared to where we've been staying. Now... I've stayed at some amazing places. So, don't worry... I know the difference. But it was nice to have a room not at Motel 6 and definitely not like the hostel. Plus, there was a bar named Bikinis right next door where all the waitress wore bikinis. And they were the type of bikinis that made everyone look fantastic...no matter your size. You can't really beat that. We had dinner there the first night. Our waitress, Rizzy, was awesome. If we lived in Austin (and we may one day), she would definitely be our friend. It did kill me though when she said she bought a 4 bedroom, 3 bath house and only paid $1200 a month for her mortgage and bills.

The next day we went to Juan in a Million. Its a taco shop we saw on Man vs. Food. The food was good, but a little too heavy to enjoy after everything we've been eating. I want to go back some time and try more of their tacos.

From there we went to Becker Vineyards. Mario had brought me back wine from here when he visited his mom a few years ago. Their cabs are so good. We we able to try 6 wines, plus a complimentary rose, for $5. I can't wait to bring my girls here. They will love it. The vineyard itself is so beautiful and not anything I would think we would find in the middle of Texas. And it doesn't hurt that the wines are really good.

From Becker, we went back to Austin to explore and play tourists. I have to thank our friend Sam at this point. He was meeting us in New Orleans but had to push it back one day. This mant we had one more day to enjoy the city and not have to run around like banshees. It was far too hot and humid to do any running. We went to the Capitol for their free airconditioning and lessen in Texas history. I was very baffled that one of the most conservative states in our country has their capital in the most liberal city in the state. The building was beautiful though. I kept thinking about my good friend Marcella and all the time she spent in Sacramento. Marce, you would have loved it.

We went to 6th street that night. This is a long street filled with bars and live music. Once again, I was a little disappointed that it wasn't a dusty street in Texas where we would hear the next country star. Instead, I felt like I was on Sunset Blvd. or the Hermosa Pier. Hmmm..... so far not the Texas I've wanted. Where are my cowboys and cowboy boots and hats and everything else you think of Texas????