Naturally.

This weekend Baxter and I decided to escape the winter wonderland that was the 'Ville and head South to Austin. This was our back deck:

While I was grateful for the snow days that allowed me a day and a half off of work and excuse to park it on the couch, we were looking forward to a weekend away to celebrate our SIX years of togetherness. Not that our faithfulness to one another or our marriage is really an issue that's up for discussion, but that we have entertained one another for six whole years we find impressive.

Now we love Austin, but feel like its the kind of city that is best enjoyed if you know local hot spots. A meandering tourist might miss some of the hidden gems that "Keep Austin Weird", and while we've enjoyed our visits there previously, we did our homework to make sure this trip was extra great. For whatever reason, I tend to kind of have a melt down on a trip/shopping excursion where there are TOO many options. I have this innate desire to want the ultimate overall experience; eat at the "best" restaurant of one particular genre, find the "best" (read: nicest for cheapest) hotel available, so needless to say it can make travel or special occasions a teensy bit stressful. (Sorry babe). Trip Advisor and such websites plague my dreams - what does it mean that the food was unbelievable on 2 Feb 2010, but atrocious on 9 Feb 2010?!! What am I supposed to do with this contradicting madness?! Why are Expedias booking fees more expensive than Travelocity?! WHY?! WHY?! Sigh. I'm learning to cope.

Because my doll of a husband knows me and this tendency quite well, he suggested planning ahead of time. Genius, that man! So, we started with dinner here:

This restaurant was recommended by friends, and it served Mediterranean fare which we LOVE. Our summer in Turkey introduced us to the deliciousness that is mezze, so we knew this would be bangerang. We were first hesitant when we found the place was nearly empty of customers, but decided to stick to the plan and try it out, and Lord have mercy aren't we glad we did! Hummus, Baba ghanoush, stuffed grape leaves, feta with olives, gyro schwerma - absolutely DELISH!! But perhaps the highlight of the evening, was the belly dancer. Yes, that's right - belly dancer.

Now this might not have been as awkward, if there were say, more than 5 people in the restaurant. But since there wasn't, Baxter & I were treated to a near-private performance. The lady was actually quite talented, but it was kind of hard to have conversation over all of the jingle-jangling, so we just observed and politely applauded. That is until she got me out of my seat and begin teaching me "the moves". So, ha ha, Katie and the half naked lady gyrating while giggling Baxter enjoys his Babba Ghanoush - but the BEST part, was when she decided BAXTER needed a turn. And just the jiggling wouldn't cut it, oh no, out comes the giant golden SABER - which one balances on their head while belly dancing. Naturally. To say I wished I had my camera for such a moment is a HUGE understatement, but let me assure you - Baxter is a ninja. He can roll those hips AND not kill himself with the saber delicately balanced on his pretty head - the man's got talent!

After a great meal and lots of laughs, we explored a little more of Austin and headed back to the Casulo Hotel. Check out these digs:


Very zen, right? I have to say the "rain effect" shower was perhaps my favorite. After sleeping in Saturday morning, we went for a stroll around Town Lake. Besides being just beautiful scenery, we LOVE to people watch, which this place is ideal for. But perhaps the CUTEST thing, was this:

The local animal shelter brings out some of its available animals, and you can borrow a dog to walk with you around the lake, all while he wears that cute little jacket!! Precious!! We are definitely starting closer to the pick up points so we can walk a dog next time - TOO cute!! After oogling funny people and dogs we headed back to the hotel, cleaned up, and went after lunch. We first stopped by the Austin Famers Market, which was UBER Austin-ish. While there I decided that I need to quit wearing make up, get a hemp beanie and a minimum of 3 tats. Naturally. Other than the tasty goodies available, there was a fantastic selection of lunch options as well. Nepalese, French Gumbo or Thai for lunch all while the bluegrass band plays and polite tree huggers kindly explain to you where to place your various lunch trash for composting or recycling. You're killing me Austin!

But of course my carnivore wasn't satisfied the the Nepalese Saag wrap and rice salad we'd selected, so off we went to Frank's; Purveyors of Artisan Sausage, where Baxter promptly devoured this:

Mom, you would have been in heaven. An ENTIRE menu, devouted to hot dogs. (Seriously, the woman LOVES her some hot dogs).

We left Austin feeling refreshed and adventurous. It was fun to spend a weekend exploring a great city and simply enjoying one another. Sometimes I forget amidst the daily grind how great it is to just get away and do something new and different, and I am so grateful for my buddy who loves to explore like I do.

So to my special dude who asked me out on that first date six Valentine's ago - keep the good times rolling (or belly dancing) baby!