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A trip to Austin




Austin is the capital of the state of Texas.  A very large state.  In the deep south of America.  Also known as the Lone Star state.  Over time Texas has been owned and ruled by Spain, France then Mexico until it gained republic status and hence the one star.  Eventually it became annexed to the United States in mid 19th century.

Austin is the second largest city and diverse in terms of people and its employment.  Aside from the state government running the employer shop there are many technology centric companies taking their HQ there to get tax benefits.

Tourism is also big and a younger demographic arrives each year to attend a vast University of Texas campus in the city.   Our kid attended a speech camp where folks with degrees in communication taught high schoolers the fine art of writing and speaking.  More like provided advanced strategy and technique.   The weather this time of year is not pleasant but we managed to make the most of it.   Me as a visitor to pick up the ward so literally in the city for 24 hours.

Below are some of the sights seen and calories consumed....

Let's start with the travel part of the trip - at San Francisco airport a family decides to spread out at the gate - all their children - feeding themselves...

Notice a baby sucking down some beverage lying face up and the family canine eating straight from a 'To Go' container.  It takes all kinds... and the face of our airports is now forever changed.


Then the feasts of pork for yours truly - there were many a barbeque to be had in Texas and they were flavorful enough but did not live up to the hype as drummed up to be..


The Black's I am told were a large family but there was separation or falling out of sorts...we tried the original one - or so said the sign... good brisket and pork ribs to be had.

Falling off the bone and all but bit chewy for my taste.

On the other hand a desi adda (Indian food place) in heart of the city turned up the heat on a sweltering 100 degree day for me.  Called the Clay Pit - somewhat of a play on words - the facade and structure are made from local limestone quarried not far from there and the naan bread is fired in a clay pit to accompany my Goan Shrimp curry (see below)...




Then the next morning it was on to more protein courtesy cows and pigs smoked for hours after being rubbed with special seasonings .... ate an early lunch (CA breakfast time) at Stiles Switch (former railroad depot)




Typical barbeque platter - meat and two sides included pork fat smothered fries and pinto beans with brisket


Finally had a decently nourishing lager as pre-flight reinforcements to honor the lonely star, before heading home.

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