Belize and Guatemala

The Lonely Planet Effect and Why I Still Love a Good Guidebook

I just booked my first trip to Central America- I can't wait! Not only are we leaving soon (as in December 5 soon), but I also get to partake in my second favorite part about traveling: pre-departure planning. Besides actually being there, the preparation leading up to the big trip is one of my favorite things in the world. I always start with the book. I swear by a good guide book. Not only does it offer a sense of security when you are lost down a dark alley in say- Chinatown in Malaysia, but it also offers a glimpse of knowledge about the history and culture of your destination. A good guidebook will sparks my interest in towns and cities that I haven't heard of, and allows me to research them before taking off to a far away land. I just picked up the Lonely Planet Central America on a Shoestring comprehensive guidebook. I wanted to splurge for one specifically for Belize and one for Guatemala- but couldn't justify the price difference of $24 for the complete guide vs $20 each for the individual ones. Not that the comprehensive one is bad, but I have found that they lack some of the candid explanations and walking tours that I love.

Free Taco Tuesday and $8 Pitchers

Last night Mitch and I ate at Freebirds for their advertised "Free Taco Tuesday". It was late- so luckily no line, and it was exactly as expected. One free taco, on a Tuesday. It was a great ploy on their part though, because after seeing my one lonely taco- I promptly ordered 2 more, chips and queso, and a pitcher of $8 Dos Equis. I am not mad however, because the tacos were delicious. To spice things up a bit (and make them taste as different from my normal burrito order as possible) I had one of each, Chicken, Steak and Pork Carnitas. The latter was my ultimate fave- which surprised me as I don't normally order pork. All washed down with one very cheap pitcher of import beer, and you can call me Happy. :)

Milestones and Big Diamond Rings (not for me)

I still can not believe that my best friend in the entire world is engaged. ENGAGED. Even typing the word is weird. I just about crashed my car last night when I saw her text. How exciting. I guess I knew it was coming, there were subtle (and not so subtle) hints along the way, like her boyfriend asking her Dad's permission...I just thought he was taking care of it for later. In my mind it was going to be way later. I met Amy in 8th grade, or that is when we really bonded, at a concert, and we never looked back. We have done all of our important growing together, high school, boys, college, and now life after college. And now she is engaged. WOW. It is going to take me a while to get used to this. CONGRATS Amy...love you.

ACL - Don't go without your Sherpa

ACL was amazing. Regardless of the monsoon that flooded Zilker on Saturday- this might have been my favorite one yet. Even after standing in the terrible muggy heat for over an hour to watch Passion Pit from 10 rows back, nearly fainting from heat exhaustion and being covered in mud. It was all worth it.

Highlights from who I saw:

Phoenix- blue sky, green grass, cool breeze, #1 for overall experience including weather

Thievery Corporation- not much to say other than Friday was awesome.

Kings of Leon- sounded amazing- near record quality, #5 for overall show experience

Airborne- first show of the day, before the monsoon.

Bon Iver- Mellow and quiet after standing in the pouring rain for 45 minutes- surreal

STS9- Amazing. Great crowd, great music, even in the rain.

Ghostland- UT band on stage, awesome move. Add in glowsticks=overall goodtime

Passion Pit- Up front, stage center. Great show.

Girl Talk- Perfect way to end ACL 2009.

Fabi & Rosi for Austin Restaurant Week

Dined at Fabi and Rosi last night a group of girl friends. It is in a cute house where the old Zoot used to be, right off of Lake Austin Blvd. I loved the decor (and the waiter said ALL girls do), it has a black and white motif with funky one off pieces like a stuffed deer head and crystal globe-ornaments hanging over a partition with lights twinkling inside. Our table was one of three in the back room, and overall it was great. A little noisy after a couple of glasses of wine, mainly because of the obnoxiously loud table sitting by us. Our food was good- and the Restaurant week menu noticeably varied. I chose the pork belly appetizer salad with spinach, walnuts, pears and blue cheese which was a leap for me. I had never had pork belly before and it was super salty and rich- maybe too much so looking back at the dish, but pleasant at the time. For the main I chose the Lemon Verbena Ravioli with a prosseco cream sauce and crawfish tails, and had the rich chocolate mouse for dessert. 2 glasses of vino later- and I was ready to go to bed. All in all a place I would go back to, if nothing else to have a glass of red out on the cute patio in front.

Wedding Season in Sealy, Texas

Heading to Sealy, TX for a good friend's wedding. Can't wait to see all the girls there. I have the job of cutting the groom's cake and handing out sparklers....hope I don't burn myself!