Wow, after over a year long absence (except the one post about my identity crisis), I am back! Anya's musings are back! Feels great. I've been MIA for many reasons - mainly that I moved to another country & life happened, but that's such a poor excuse. I am currently in United States, seriously considering moving back to India but let's see how that shapes up. But if I am going to leave, I wanted to travel a little bit (on my micro budget) & have managed to see a few hidden and not-so-hidden gems of this country.
Today, I am writing about my most recent journey - a day-long trip to Austin, Texas. I am in Houston these days giving interviews and what-not, visiting friends etc. Coming from Boston where it is still winter, Houston has been a surprise. Basically, I wanted to explore Texas a little bit but I am pressed for time and money, and I don't drive in the USA, so I googled "Fun things to do around Houston" and after much perusing, I realised that a day trip to Austin is just the thing for me (okay, it was my friend's idea, not mine).
Austin is about a couple of hours drive from Houston. We rented a car and started off at about 8.30am, grabbing coffee & food from Starbucks. We went with an open mind with no specific to-do list expect to just chill out. Bad weather seems to be following me everywhere because enroute to Austin we were met by a very torrential rain. Trust me not to check out the weather of the destination before starting. I actually was quite scared - we couldn't see anything but pouring rain for about 2-4 whole minutes and we were in the middle of a highway!
My other travels:
Today, I am writing about my most recent journey - a day-long trip to Austin, Texas. I am in Houston these days giving interviews and what-not, visiting friends etc. Coming from Boston where it is still winter, Houston has been a surprise. Basically, I wanted to explore Texas a little bit but I am pressed for time and money, and I don't drive in the USA, so I googled "Fun things to do around Houston" and after much perusing, I realised that a day trip to Austin is just the thing for me (okay, it was my friend's idea, not mine).
Austin is about a couple of hours drive from Houston. We rented a car and started off at about 8.30am, grabbing coffee & food from Starbucks. We went with an open mind with no specific to-do list expect to just chill out. Bad weather seems to be following me everywhere because enroute to Austin we were met by a very torrential rain. Trust me not to check out the weather of the destination before starting. I actually was quite scared - we couldn't see anything but pouring rain for about 2-4 whole minutes and we were in the middle of a highway!
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| Really, the sky should've been warning enough for us! |
Our first stop in Austin was SoCo - South Congress and I instantly fell in love (despite the chill in the air post-rain). We wanted to check out the I Love You So Much mural which despite its fame, to my untrained eye looked like the words "I love you so much" spray painted on the wall of Jo's, a very popular coffee joint. I later googled the history/significance of the mural.
SoCo is a very pretty, quirky area, filled with cafes, restaurants, shops, food and ice cream trucks, and of course, quirky murals. I really really recommend a visit here. You also get a nice view of the buildings and state capitol from this area. We went to Jo's and I tried the iced turbo. Thankfully it wasn't a sickening sweet and I actually found it rather refreshing. I don't know how long I was in there because when I got out, the sun was shining and it was really warm!
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| One of the many beautiful murals adorning the walls of SoCo establishments |
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| First view of Austin |
Which was great because our next stop was Zilker Metropolitan Park. It's a great place of sprawling greenery and the perfect place for outdoor activities - hiking, biking, kayaking and swimming. Unfortunately we were not dressed for the great outdoors. I was not wear appropriate footwear, we were in jeans and we did not have swimwear with us. So we were the happy spectators of this stunning Austin view! I was super fascinated by Barton Spring Pool, the natural swimming pool fed by nearby natural springs. I think adults have to pay $8 to use the pool but since we didn't have swimwear, we saw it from behind the barricade. I had never seen anything like this - you can even see the limestone around and inside it.
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| Me admiring Barton Natural Pool |
We had lunch at Magnolia Cafe - a true delight. Their mimosa was amazing, as was the food. I highly recommend this place. Like, highly.
Our trip ended with a short stop at Hippie Hollow. But more on that some other day.
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| A glimpse of what awaits at Hippie Hollow |
My other travels:
- Dubai (UAE)
- Dhauli, Odisha (India)
- Basilica of Bom Jesus, Goa (India)
- Dakshineswar Kali Temple, Kolkata (India)
- Alleppey, Kerala (India)
- Khajuraho, MP (India)
- Chitrakoot (India)
