The Sentinel hits Austin
Lone Star State hosts college journalism convention
Mike McCall
Issue date: 11/16/09 Section: Back Page
Going into the trip I expected to hear some great acts perform, I mean, six-string legend Stevie Ray Vaughan brought Texas Blues to the masses by starting off playing at Antone's, a renowned downtown establishment I was naturally eager to visit. The fact that I could listen in on some soulful, wailing blues and walk across the street to hear a phenomenal Latin band playing tasty salsa jams that made me feel as if I was dropped in the heart of Cuba 40 years ago, never ceased to amaze me.
Dining options seemed endless. Besides regular full-service restaurants offering a variety of cuisine from Tex-mex to barbeque to Italian and south-of-the-border delicacies, small stands were set up throughout town sending out lingering aromas that constantly teased my taste buds. Ironically (perhaps) the best food I experienced was at an authentic Asian joint, outstanding enough to bring me back for a second time and away from the other tasty offerings. (So if you're ever in Austin, go to Koriente on 7th street and order the Mixmix Bibimbap.)
One other aspect that makes Austin so unique is bats. Yes, I said bats -- more than a million of them in fact. They hide from daylight under the Congress Street Bridge that crosses the Colorado River. Around dusk, these creatures fly out and off into the horizon, drawing crowds that line the entire bridge. Video footage of this event lasts a good 10 minutes.
Austin is appropriately the Halloween headquarters of the United States. Sixth Street (think Bourbon Street in New Orleans) gets blocked off and patrolled by policemen, the majority on horseback. Close to 100,000 people roam the street, nearly all in costume. Natives don't take this lightly as I saw some of the most amazing costumes imaginable. There was even a $10,000 costume contest at stake.
To cap the trip off, the last day was spent exploring the capitol, the University of Texas and surrounding area. It was bright sunshine and the warmest day yet. We stumbled into the football stadium, timing it just right to bump into a public relations person who was nice enough to sneak us into the press box for photos. It was a great way to spend the remaining afternoon hours leading up to our departure.
Leaving the lively Texas city left me feeling somewhat distressed, although I was anxious to get back home (and of course to get a good night's rest on my nice, comfy bed). Although I call the Northwest home, this once-in-a-lifetime trip to Austin will gladly be forever burned in my memory.
Dining options seemed endless. Besides regular full-service restaurants offering a variety of cuisine from Tex-mex to barbeque to Italian and south-of-the-border delicacies, small stands were set up throughout town sending out lingering aromas that constantly teased my taste buds. Ironically (perhaps) the best food I experienced was at an authentic Asian joint, outstanding enough to bring me back for a second time and away from the other tasty offerings. (So if you're ever in Austin, go to Koriente on 7th street and order the Mixmix Bibimbap.)
One other aspect that makes Austin so unique is bats. Yes, I said bats -- more than a million of them in fact. They hide from daylight under the Congress Street Bridge that crosses the Colorado River. Around dusk, these creatures fly out and off into the horizon, drawing crowds that line the entire bridge. Video footage of this event lasts a good 10 minutes.
Austin is appropriately the Halloween headquarters of the United States. Sixth Street (think Bourbon Street in New Orleans) gets blocked off and patrolled by policemen, the majority on horseback. Close to 100,000 people roam the street, nearly all in costume. Natives don't take this lightly as I saw some of the most amazing costumes imaginable. There was even a $10,000 costume contest at stake.
To cap the trip off, the last day was spent exploring the capitol, the University of Texas and surrounding area. It was bright sunshine and the warmest day yet. We stumbled into the football stadium, timing it just right to bump into a public relations person who was nice enough to sneak us into the press box for photos. It was a great way to spend the remaining afternoon hours leading up to our departure.
Leaving the lively Texas city left me feeling somewhat distressed, although I was anxious to get back home (and of course to get a good night's rest on my nice, comfy bed). Although I call the Northwest home, this once-in-a-lifetime trip to Austin will gladly be forever burned in my memory.
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book report writing
posted 11/19/09 @ 11:27 AM PST
I've been to Austin. It really is a Music Capitol of the World.
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