Austin, TX (USA)
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I just came back from 2 1/2 weeks in Texas, mostly in Austin. I absolutely loved it. Austin is very nice, everything looks brand new and clean and shiny. Amazing.
The temperature was over 100 farenheit (39 degrees) every day. The day we left it was 44 degree celsius and when we landed in London it was 11. Talk about a difference!
I loved the Gulf Coast, we stayed in Port Aransas in Mustang Island. Miles of fine sand beaches, super hot water. Lovely and not too touristy. I fulfilled a childhood dream by visiting the NASA center in Houston. Seeing a real Saturn V rocket almost drew tears from me. IH'ers from the US, please do support NASA and write to your politicians NOT TO CUT FUNDING!
People in Texas are friendly and not at all like what media portrays them. Sure they are conservative, but they are not the moronic bible-obsessed idiots they show on TV here. People are very polite, kids hold the door to older folks, people say think you. What a difference from other areas of the US (or, sadly, EU) where it's me, me, me, and only me….
The only thing wrong about the weather there is that it was way too hot to wear pants. Next time I go, I need IH khaki shorts!
This is mitigated by the fact that there are GREAT boot makers in Texas. I visited a few of them, and two of them stand out: Lee Miller at Texas Traditions in Austin and Dave Little in San Antonio. Lee Miller's boots are a bit more subdued, while Dave's are less subdued! to say the least. Lee was an apprentice to the legendary Charlie Dunn, while Dave, who is over 80 years old, is a 3rd generation maker. He has trained his children so he can retire knowing the Little brand will survive for at least another generation. The level of craftsmanship is absolutely amazing and they both took a lot of time to show me their shop and each step of the making of these fantastic pieces of footwear.
Dave Little's site = http://www.davelittleboots.com/default.html
Lee Miller's page = http://gallery.me.com/carrlyn#gallery -
+1 on Mustang Island. Not only is the scenery great but you can drive your car up on the beach and set up your barbecue grill. People in that area tend to be pretty relaxed about things. My old man lives in Portland, TX between Corpus Christi and Port Aransas. I can't take the heat so I avoid visiting during the summer…
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I was born in Houston and still have an uncle and grandparents there so I have a long history with the state and for the most part I agree with you. Austin is a super cool place, by far the coolest place in Texas and one of the coolest all the south. The people are very nice for the most part but there are most certainly the bible bumpers that you referred to. You just got lucky and didn't run into them, mostly because you were in some of the less conservative parts of Texas, Austin mostly. But, I am glad you enjoyed your trip, Texas is not for everyone and it does NOT represent the majority of the US so keep that in mind.
nice boots too…
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I've had some great times in tejas.
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I'll be in Austin the 10th-15th if anyone is around. I know Clint_D wants to get a drink. Maybe Boark can hang too. Chris you around?
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If y'all meet a guy names Brian Floyd slinging drinks at Qui or Half Step tell him you know me. Should get you kicked out immediately
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I might be able to make a quick trip over; I'll have to check with Julie and see what she'll allow.
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I might be able to make a quick trip over; I'll have to check with Julie and see what she'll allow.
Cool. I've got a wedding on Sunday, otherwise I can hang for a few hours Fri, Sat, or Mon.