Born and raised in Louisiana, I appreciate its eccentricities – from drive-thru daiquiri huts to front-yard parking – its music- and food-imbibed culture – from fais do do’s to cochon de laits – and its colorful lingo – from pooyies to cher bébés. But YOWZA, was it good to get outta dodge for a few days and head west to Austin. Set in the heart of Texas, it is indeed the blueberry in the bowl of tomato soup. Hanging out at outdoor patios slurping down a few food-truck tacos, jogging past the bats around Lady Bird Lake and pampering yourself with Whole Food heaven, you’d never know right-wing Governor Rick Perry had even one pinky toe attached to this great city.

Approximately six hours after taking off, we landed on the winding streets of Bat City’s southern burbs to enjoy 2.5 days of bliss with our friends Amanda and Laurence. THANK YOU, for intelligent conversations, fresh air, delicious salmon and civilization. Whew! We needed that.