Yesterday, we wandered S Congress and checked out some hip stores. Everything from thrift stores to gag gift stores and even more food carts lined the hot Texas pavement. In a short half a block one could (if so inclined) by a $450 vintage Jimi Hendrix concert shirt and pair it with a $900 pair of skull designed cowboy boots. Great deal of you ask me.
The rest of the day was packing, last minute prep, and relaxing. We even splurged for some Amy's ice cream and then slept in to prepare.
Today, started with finalizing the packing and some Tex Mex. We had some great enchiladas at Chuy's. It was a super cool indoor/outdoor restaurant with great service and delicious food. Tracey says her step dad loves it and I can see why.
I think I "get" ATX. It's a town were you should be you, and that would be the most extreme you that you can be. Everything is accepted as a form of expression and/or belief. The people were all super nice. From bartenders to store clerks to the friends of friends. Great people.
The saying "keep Austin weird" is plastered all over town. After nearly a week here I have determined it doesn't mean literally weird, but rather something bigger. There weird means local, weird means independent, weird means open, and weird means dream. Keep Austin weird means let yourself be free to be you, and give the community the strength to stay local and close knit. I learned a lot from Austin and its people- thanks. If you get a chance check it out, just do it when it's not 9273939 degrees.
After eating it was to the hotel just outside of where we'll start. The usually antics ensued. We drank Singapore Slings poolside and gather some afternoon rays. Later the three of us tried to use a variety of child flotation devices to get around the pool. It was an overall failure, but we and the patrons around us enjoyed it.
This hotel is swanky. Hembry and I walk around in a Stanford, and Ramones t-shirt, respectively while others are wearing designer polo, Gucci, and other import designers that I have no idea about. There was a ritzy dinner party adjacent to us. This was the first time in my life I saw a real human wearing a shirt and tie with a sweater tied around his neck. I imagine their convo:
Samuel: "Did you enjoy the yacht ride and truffles?"
Claude: "Very much so Samuel!" I will definitely have to repay the gesture next weekend in the Caimans."
Samuel: "Oh how delightful! Let us enjoy this beautiful evening. I'll have Vivian get us some champagne."
They seemed nice and happy, but I couldn't resist the scene in my imagination.
We'll put wheels on the ground tomorrow at 8 am, so send us some positive vibes when you are up and getting your day started. It has rained here this evening so hopefully that will lower the temp a degree or two.
People have continually asked us why are we doing this or who would do this? I guess my answer is why not? Or more importantly why not you? Is it a search for validation? Is it a search for the white whale or a challenge to suit ones masculinity? Is it an escape? Or is it just a couple of guys that were posed an idea by a friend and thought why the hell not? Whatever it is tomorrow is go time.
I'm a little anxious, a little nervous, a little apprehensive, and a lot night before Christmas. There really is only a plan for days 1-3 and then we'll literally see where the wind takes us. It's total freedom kind of like the explores from long ago. See what the day gives you and see where it takes you. It's kind of cool to think of it like that. The only expectation is to get somewhere, with your friends, and enjoy the journey. Cool.
For those of you wondering there is a Plan B, hitch hiking. We have no plane tickets or anything. We're getting there by the good old highway.
Tomorrow is riding day and it's time to sleep. Stay tuned as the real adventure begins at 8.
To all of you still reading, "Keep ___________ (insert town) Weird" and stay cool.
Until tomorrow evening and 126 miles later, stay cool.
KRS
*Blogs will hopefully be posted nightly barring cellphone reception.
Lovin' the writings so far KS! Excited to be part of the journey with you through your blog.
ReplyDeleteDid you get to see the Museum of the Weird? That place is one of my fav stops in Austin!
Love the blog... you write well, must be inservice... smal bone to pick... did you ever think that you might be hurting the feelings of those of us middle-class people who own yachts AND tie sweaters around their necks? Well, we're kinda sensitive about that you know! Stay cool!
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