Category: Austin, Texas

National Park Tour Day #12 “Let’s go to the Capital and meet the governor”

by reissmd, posted in Austin, Texas

Today we were greeted by a moderate drizzle so we wimped out and got a ride to the Capital building instead of our planned walk.  We arrived moments before the 12 pm tour after being strip searched (well, not really).

Our tour guide was very nice but did not impress us with her knowledge of Texas history (asking for confirmation that the Civil War ended in 1861.  Sorry actually that would be 1865).
After the tour we got to see the State Senate in action.  They were discussing a bill that involved a tax break for egg producers.  We were then subjected to some of the worst puns about eggs that I’ve ever heard.  About 6 senators were wasting taxpayers money telling stupid jokes.  Our tour guide said the state legislators meet only during odd numbered years.  Now I know why.
Tomorrow we head for Big Bend National Park.  We have been hearing awful news about the rains but so far we have only had very mild showers.  Let’s hope that keeps up.
I am not sure if we will have good wifi in the National Park.  So it is possible you might not hear from me for a couple of days (is that a round of applause I just heard?).
Robert

National Park Tour Day #11 “All the Way with LBJ and Flying Bats”

by reissmd, posted in Austin, Texas

I know I told you that this hotel is heaven but see the attached photo and I think you will agree they want me to relocate here.  We worked out this morning and the stationary bikes have TV, Internet, and simulated videos of rides in the Alps and French Riviera.

Your prayers WORKED!   It rained rather heavy early so we took a cab to the LBJ Museum instead of walking as we had previously planned.  But thanks to your anti-rain prayers we did not have any further issue with bad weather the rest of the day and night.

Our visit to the LBJ museum was a huge success.  There were great videos, graphics, memorabilia and recorded conversations.  I was in my element.  I turned a “recommended” 90 minute tour into a 3 hour 30 minute experience (and Patrice thought three Pirate vs St. Louis baseball games were torture?).  My favorite part was the “Please hold for the President” phone conversations.   I loved the way he was in such command talking to people like Dixiecrat Richard Russell of Georgia (“Don’t tell me you can’t do it, I am telling you that you WILL do it.  I am not asking you to do this for me, you are doing it for your country”) and Harlem Congressman Adam Clayton Powell (“What are you doing?  Why didn’t you get it done?  I don’t care what you need, you NEED to get this done!”).   Other phone calls showed his sensitive side.  There were a couple with Lady Bird that were very heart warming.  I was teary eyed when we left the museum.

At night we headed to the Colorado River for the much ballyhooed Bats of Austin.  I must admit this was a bit underwhelming.  The bats were tiny and very hard for me to see.  It was dark so a photo of the rapidly flying bats was out of the question.  I have attached a bat picture for those who might otherwise be disappointed.  The highlight of the Bat experience was hooking up with our friend from LA, Tai, who now lives in Austin.

A blog without any mention of food?  Is this possible?

Yes.

Until tomorrow.

Robert

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National Park Tour Day #10 “I think we have found heaven”

by reissmd, posted in Austin, Texas

Happy Mother’s Day to all.

One last meal in Nola before we left town.  We had grits and the highly recommended corned beef omelette at “The Grill” in the French Quarter.  In addition to a great meal we were treated to one more dose of southern charm.  We were “Honeyed”, “Babied” and “You have a happy Mother’s Day, Child” throughout our meal.
On our way back to the hotel we decided to walk back via Bourbon Street since we had not been there this trip (I swear this was Patrice’s idea).  Check out the signs below and you get an idea of the types of activity you find on this famous walkway.  Do any of these places look like a good venue for a Mother’s Day celebration?
We then left the Big Easy and 515 miles later we found ourselves in Austin, Texas at the JW Marriott hotel.  This place is amazing.  Our room is huge with every convenience known to mankind.  We have a corner room with spectacular views of the city.  After getting settled we explored the hotel, first going to the executive lounge.  There we found televisions with private sitting areas, newspapers, fresh fruit, nuts, yogurt, drinks, cookies, candies, yada, yada, yada.  Then we went out by the pool area and found a spectacular view with loads of comfortable sitting space and a beautiful pool.  We also went to the gym (to see, not to work out, of course) and it had every piece of equipment you could possibly desire.  Our self guided tour ended with a visit to the concierge who fell over himself making suggestions of things to do tomorrow. When he finished he thanked us!   I love this place.  I told Patrice if I find a conference schedule at the JW Marriott in Austin, I am going.  I don’t care what the topic is, I am going.
Until later.
Robert
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