Austin, Texas. The Pretoria of America.

Pretoria, or sorry, rather Austin, is probably what the Freestate would have looked like if there were:

•  no poor people;
• a rich and amazing foodie culture (including probably what is the world's best Sushi restaurant);
• vegetation exactly like you would find in and around Pretoria;
• very rich farmers were running the place and everyone was forced to drive around in a big truck (bakkie);
• the most amazing and biggest BBQ'ed pieces of meat. 

Brisket (and local Austin brew)  is king indeed!

One of Bruce's local hangouts - he knew most of the people in there ;-)

So yes, it seems that everything IS bigger and better in Texas. Especially the warmth received from the Schuurman's. We stayed with Brenda's Aunt Fio, and were treated / spoiled by her and cousin Bruce, whom I have met for the first time. Strangely enough, it was raining most of the time during our three night, two day visit to Austin, Texas, which apparently is quite uncommon  and out of character for the area.


Exploring Austin with Bruce ...

Funky dilapidated construction site which has been turned into a graffiti park

Bren & Bruce

Time to remember

Fio's Home & Garden - note the award!

Lilliput & Fio inspecting the garden of the month.

Fio's beautiful home

Little Lilli

Lilli will do ANYthing for treats!

A night out at Austin's number 1 rated restaurant, Uchi - thanks Bruce!

Fio's beautiful (back) Garden Forest - full of enchanting creatures and WILD animals!

We were amazed by the similarities between Pretoria and Austin in terms of vegetation and also the climate - very similar "feel" between the two cities, although of course also TOTALLY different.

The foodie culture is amazing - food trucks, craft beer Texan BBQ restaurants, authentic Tex-Mex and a whole host of other awesome places to eat.

A pity we were only 2 days / 3 nights in Austin, as I would have loved to experience some of the live music as well - what Austin is really famous for!