Two week stop-over in Austin, Texas

Everything is bigger in Texas

Great day sampling lots of experimental ales

That is a sh*t load of meat. I did my best to eat as much as I could.

Literally waited for this chicken to shit for 45 minutes @ Ginny’s Little Long horn Saloon

We ate at this place twice within 72 hours

First ever baseball game

This gourmet burger was unreal. I miss gourmet burgers.

I am going to replicate this car when I get back to England

This guy handmakes / recycles neon signs

Loved seeing a real space rocket

We spent a glorious two weeks in Austin, it was a much needed rest after 6 weeks of constant driving and moving around. We had decided to do a detour to catch the final weekend of SXSW. I have never been to a festival where I did not camp, are able go home any time to eat/re-coup and it definitely helped. The best thing was catching the guys band playing who we bought the car from. It is a very very commercial festival so loads of free drinks / food etc etc are available at both the official/unofficial partires and I happily accepted them. Turning up without an official SXSW pass is actually better are the only people who have the official partires are corporate heads and rich people, I am neither.

After SXSW was over we spent the rest of the time enjoying the happy hours, hitting dive bars, food trucks, BBQ’s, breweries and generally exploring the city. A really great day was driving out to Jester King brewery. $10 you sample 12 of the 14 beers, have a tour, enjoy the tour and meet great people. By the time this is over you are in need of food before the drive home. About a 10 minute drive takes you to Salt Lick BBQ, there is always a line but worth it. I heard a lot that is is overrated and yes, it is not the best BBQ ever but the atmosphere is great.

I must say that both myself and John loved the little pocket that is Austin.

Goodwill Warehouse Fun

My new door handles would have looked amazing on this after I had repainted it…

I literally love the Goodwill warehouses out here. There are lots of Goodwill stores around but in the warehouse you can buy homeware and clothes by the lb for 1.39, I find it hard to shop anywhere else. I had to post these pics as I found so many upcycling opportunities in the homeware bins. If only I could have bought these back with my, unfortunately they cannot fit in my suitcase and I very reluctantly left them behind. I did however get a silver christmas candy spoon and a lovely christmas decoration.

More Time More Hobbies

Due to the recession I found that in many small-America towns a lot of business’ are closed down. And with it being slightly to cold to be in the motel pool, I have found myself with time on my hands (although luckily not the case in Austin or New Orleans). Not that I don’t mind having time to relax but I still have not got over the fact I am not working for the first time since I was 14. However in Austin I discovered the best shop ever, the Hobby Lobby. It has EVERYTHING in there, literally everything, and what is amazing it always has discounts and offers, even John was happy exploring all they had to offer. All the door knobs were 50% off which made them $1.50 each (about 80p), bargain! I also got candle scents and dye for when I start to make my tea cup candles back in England. Not only this is I got all the equipment I need for jewellery making. So far I have made two necklaces and I expect to make a lot more. All girls I know should expect jewellery as Christmas/Birthday presents, homemade presents always seem more personal.