The only time I had been to Texas was for a one hour layover at the Dallas Airport. I wasn't expecting much as I am not a big fan of country music and did not have an affinity for the country culture. I knew that Texas was a big state and a hot state, and I knew that “everything is bigger in Texas.” But other than those fun facts of blistering heat and oversized munchies, I had much to learn about this state. From the moment of entry, the Texas state was booming with pride. I have always known that Texans were quite fond of their state as every time I meet someone from Texas, they cannot stop bragging about the southern hospitality and culture. If I had my doubts about the degree of southern hospitality in Texas, they are all clear now as staying one night in Austin, Texas with Dr. D's old friend cleared that up. Rick and Marian were great hosts as they completely opened up their home to us. Their home was located on top of a hill that gave a great view of the area (although running up and around the hill as a morning run was quite the workout). Marian was an accomplished artist and writer so much of the interior design was done by her, and her work complimented the architecture of the house beautifully. Creative and intricate I am still amazed by the house. Rick is an orthopedic surgeon, and just by talking with him for a few minutes one could have guessed he was a doctor. Calm and collected, Rick is a very observant person who doesn’t miss much in his observations in you. Rick and Marian were a nice couple but what completed the family was little William. William was their adopted son and he was a ball of pure energy. Although he was shy around us in the beginning, by the end of our time there we had William playing in the pool with us and showing us magic tricks. I felt bad leaving the next morning as I overheard William saying, “Couldn’t they stay one more day?”
Although we were only in Texas for a day and a night, I will definitely have to come back to experience more of the music scene. Like I said before I am not a big fan of country music, but with the little time we had walking down Sixth Street, the lively atmosphere and bands were really cool. I still have the Derek Dyer band lyrics stuck in my head, “Words in my head.” I guess I have a better understanding of where Texas pride comes from now as a return will be inevitable for me.
-Clay Sohn
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