Tuesday at ELI in Austin

Yesterday was my "get-to-know-Austin" day. I think I was the only one to have a smooth flight. I left earlier than Tom G and arrived sooner. (hm?) Thanks Laura at Holiday Travel.

An NMU Alumnus who worked at our Center for Native American Studies (and a good friend) picked me up from the airport and took me to lunch at the Green Mesquite. my bad...I didn't take a picture of my plate. They use Green mesquite for cooking (interesting tidbit).

I guess this diner was featured in "Diner's Drive Ins and Dives" a while back. It was a dive for sure and unless someone took me, I'm pretty sure I would drive by. They had black t-shirts with the saying "Horrifying vegetarians since 1988" hanging all over along with some other items.
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The beef briscuit was the special and I was very happy with my choice. Had a side of fried okra (a favorite) and cajun rice (good, but should have had twice as much fried okra). Peach cobbler was free on Mondays with the special...so had to have it since it was free. Luxary of the south. Everywhere has Dr. Pepper. :-D

Scott W (NMU Alum) drove me around Austin after that and I spotted a music store "Wild About Music." I could spend a lot of time (and money) in that place. Purchased some goodies for the hubby and took in what I could. Walked up and down 6th street (the happenin' street) in the afternoon and waited for my roommate (Liz from English) to arrive. We are staying in the Hilton Austin (it looks beautiful, but has a few flaws underneath it all). Bottled water is $3.75 for a "small" bottle. It costs to run on the treadmill (ugh!) and internet costs in our "sleeping" room. I'm on free thanks to Starbucks in the lobby (is that coffee I smell, or a ploy?).

Liz and Carolyn (School of Ed) finally arrived at 6:15ish (late!). We found a Mexican restaurant a few blocks away (thanks to Erwin at the valet desk!!!!!) Manuel's is the name. I'll have to look up the name of the actual dinner that Carolyn and I shared....but I suggested we order it because it had cactus and I wanted to say "I've eaten cactus." :-D

Instead of going out on the town (which we could have easily), Liz and I chilled out and talked a lot. (See Matt, we can behave). It is nice to get to know colleagues on a roadtrip like this. Liz and I found out we have a common addiction - beading!

This morning we found Tom G and the four of us (Carolyn as well) went to breakfast at a nearby bakery and cafe.

I have images to share (mainly food at this point), but this computer is not moving fast enough for me. I need to get to the first timer's orientation. More to report on the conference very soon as it gets started here in six minutes. Thanks for tuning in.