It’s truthfully been a while since I’ve taken much time to reflect on this past year’s travels (and just as a whole), and Austin feels like a good place to start. To begin, I want to acknowledge that travel is incredible, mind-expanding, and extremely fulfilling. On the less glamorous side, the reality is that it can be isolating, lonely, and a bit chaotic. Austin as a whole was a great lesson in finding the moments and places that make any city feel like home when traveling.
Luckily enough, I was able to work remote while visiting one of my best friends, Margaret. This meant that our Friday was filled with outdoor coffee shop hangs, breakfast burritos, and sunshine on our faces. In the afternoon I took an incredible yoga class, before heading out on the town with Marg and a group of her gal pals. This day as a whole felt like a warm hug- full of nourishing conversations, a sense of purpose through work, and so many of the things I love (yoga, sunshine, and exploring new cities)!!
One of my favorite things about Austin was the juxtaposition of the many different cultures that converge in this Texan city. On one corner you’ll see an authentic hole-in-the-wall taco shop, another corner a cowboy boot store store draped with American flag paraphernalia, and another a tech startup filled with kombucha drinking 20-somethings (where do I sign up??)
What surprised me most was the abundance of green space and the opportunities for outdoor exploration. While I didn’t feel like living car-free would be extremely convenient here, it was clear that residents had no shortage of chances to live their lives surrounded by nature. The people were welcoming and passionate about their city and its future, there was no shortage of activities, food, or fun to be had, and the energy of Austin was contagious. I’m so grateful to have a bestie who has made this vibrant, quirky town her home and can’t WAIT to go back (ACL I’m comin’ for ya!!!) 
