Austin is a unique species to Texas and if you haven’t been here for more than a layover in the airport you may not be able to understand that. It was evident to me within the first few hours of moving here in May of 2000. Having grown up in Blanco just a short hour drive from Austin I was aware of it’s existence and even participated in the night life of Austin while attending what was then Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos, but actually living here is a whole new experience.

My story with Austin starts like this…I came to Austin for the week of preparations for my sister’s wedding and while she was on her honeymoon I decided I liked it so much I should stay. Imagine my newly minted brother-in-law’s surprise when he returned from his honeymoon to find his new bride’s sister had set up camp in their spare bedroom. It made perfect sense to me and Daniel was more than welcoming (as any good Austinite would be).

Time marched on I became gainly employed by the State of Texas and I set about exploring all of what Austin had to offer. This was made easier by the fact that I was dating a true Austinite. Someone who had lived here (almost) his entire life. Justin was born in Houston, but moved to Austin as a child with his family. Something that became very clear to me right away was that Austin was not set-up in the same fashion as other cities and the people weren’t exactly the same either. In one day you could see the Governor eating at the Texas Chili Parlor and local celebrities walking through downtown on 6th Street.

Well, I started thinking about this because of a flyer I received from Independence Title Company that really sums the Austin experience it’s called “The Austin Old-Timer’s Guide to Bein’ From Here.”