I went to Zax. I did. But I went too early. It was a very nice restaurant, very clean, but quiet so early in the evening. I decided to go elsewhere for some time with the intention of returning later.
It was suggested to me to go see the bats in Austin. I have heard of these bats before. "There are so many of them," I have been told, "it looks like smoke." Sounds impressive.
I have also been told it is not something that needs to be seen more than once.
Naturally, I was intrigued.
Most people sat on the lawn under Congress bridge. Others, including myself, stood on the bridge. Waiting. For a very long time.
The bats are supposed to come out at sunset while it is still light outside, and it is supposed to be amazing.
This is what it is supposed to look like:
Bats, kayaks, and people on the bridge
When I was there, by sunset, there were no bats.
This is what it looked like when they finally emerged:
I thought I took a picture of them, but obviously it was too dark to see.
I peered over the edge of the bridge, and in the glow of a boat's light, a wave of bats flooded from under the bridge. But that was as much as I saw. Other than kayaks.
This is what I saw:
But when I manipulated the picture, the images of bats can indeed be seen.
(The glowing, white bat-shapes)
Apparently my camera saw more than I did.
Overall, the bats in Austin were a complete disappointment.
However, I will say that waiting for over an hour to watch the event of bats in Austin provides great opportunity to meet new people. There is not much else to do but stand and wait, and in my case, get to know the strangers standing next to you.
Ryan and Jonathon
Ryan and Jonathon have been living in Austin for a year, and work in both marketing real estate and finance brought them both to Austin.
Originally from Atlanta, they "love it here," and say that the people, laid-back and friendly attitude, beauty of the city and ease and ability to get everywhere is what keeps them here.
Ryan said that he enjoys running, especially at Town Lake, because he finds the amount of people motivating.
They enjoy going out for drinks, to the theater, and improv shows at Hideout (!).
"The night life is unmatched," Ryan said.
When asked what brought them to see the bats in Austin, Ryan smiled. "My mom!" he said and explained that his family was visiting.
Favorite activities include hanging out on a rooftop with a full bottle of wine or champagne and tubing at the river.
Ryan's mother proudly explained that her son still holds two high school swimming records, and Jonathon explained that he enjoys the simple pleasure of getting into a freshly made bed.
Favorite Restaurant agreed upon by Ryan and Jonathon:
Imperia
310 Colorado Street
"Good sushi, sea bass skewers, happy hour, and wine bar."
Austin's Hidden Treasure:
Paggi House
200 Lee Barton Drive
"One of the best brunches," they say, with great Bloody Marys and dollar mimosas.
Next week, Ryan and Jonathon send me to Barbarella to dance.
Thanks for the great company.