DAY 2-3 – AUSTIN, TX
Texas. I think I finally understand why people from Texas are so proud and protective of their state. It is vast, beautiful and untouched, at least what we drove through. It’s the type of place that causes me to quit thinking and allows me to just be. At one point we veered slightly off course and didn’t see a soul on the road for a good 45 minutes. There were quite a few vultures picking at roadkill but hey, they’re just trying to make it in this crazy world like us. Also outside of Austin there was this tree, which was quite stunning set against the open landscape. I was told by many people the drive through Texas was dull but I found it to be completely the opposite.
We got into town in the earling evening, parking on the University of Texas campus, frustrated with lack of affordable hotel options and looking for a place to piss. Also, it was very humid, which it was for the entire time. We found some fleabag motel on MLK, right down the street from Bennu Coffee (where I later sold my first Roid Stewart shirt), which kind of became home base since they had great coffee, and WiFi. At night we drove down to 6th street, which was a bit much for me. Josh loved it, as I’m sure I would have too if I was 23 years old, but I guess I’m a little too old, and maybe a little too jaded to appreciate the whole scene, although there were a few great bands playing in a couple spots, and their sounds echoed in the dark corners. The mass of drunken young bodies swaying in the street made me yearn for, well, stability. When I decided to take this trip I knew I may come to some realizations about where I am in my life, but it hit a bit hard, and already on day 2, there were some people back home that I wish were by my side. Back at the hotel I worked on the outline for many of the short films that will be posted throughout the trip, then went to bed.
In the morning we got some beef brisket sandwiches, coffee, and wandered around town, checking out the University of Texas campus, which, at the base of Memorial Tower, was a bit eerie. If you don’t know why look it up. It was raining a little on and off all day but it wasn’t too much of a bother. Down on the edge of the Colorado River it was calm, and although it was very humid, made for a good walk. We used Airbnb to find a place to stay on the second night, much better call, and half the cost. Hotels need to get their acts together. I shot the John D short film on this page in the place in which we stayed, so you can tell it was pretty sweet.
Austin is the type of town in which I could really see myself settling down. I’d like to spend some more time here. It is very unique, as evidenced by this restaurant seating area in the corner of a parking garage in the photo on the right. The city has a lot to offer culturally, and it’s just aesthetically pleasing all around. I hate to say it since I’m an east coaster and all but shit, Texas is pretty swell.
