Austin Impressions

I mistakenly thought Austin was comparable to Madison in size, as the two are always compared. Wrongo! Madison, 200K; Austin metro 1.7 M. That's larger than Milwaukee. No wonder they have a larger airport than Milwaukee. And San Antonio is even larger. Goes to show how the movement south has occurred. Austin has an Arena league football team and a minor league hockey team, while Milwaukee has major league baseball and basketball. I just wonder how long Milwaukee can sustain that level of sport in an era of increasing costs. Don't be surprised Wisconsin when all that's left is the Packers.

Another interesting point is the general decay of downtown Austin. Yes, there are nice hotels, but vacant lots everywhere and I'm just blocks from the Capitol. And homeless everywhere. The homeless situation here has drawn unsolicited comments from everyone I have spoken.

Ate at a BBQ joint that is supposed to be nationally renowned. Singularly underwhelmed. I know several joints that would beat this hands down in Georgia and Florida. I guess they have a good PR firm or the Yankees coming here (i.e., moving) are smitten by the first taste they get and declare it the best. Whatever the reason, I'll take some of my favorites back in Georgia.