In the name of completion, I'd like to go through a few more snaps from my trip to Texas last month, along with a little commentary.
A very notable location...
The River House Tearoom, in Gruene, s quick drive from San Antonio. The town itself was perfectly lovely; apparently it had its name from its German population. The best wurst I've ever had! Of very course we had to visit its tearoom. I was disappointed that Afternoon Tea was only available in reservation form, but it was a cozy place with wonderful muffins. I felt at home - basically because I have the same teapot - that one, top shelf, fourth item from the left.
Brackenridge Park, San Antonio. There was a small tea shop by the Japanese Tea Garden, but I was left confused as to why it was called The Chinese Tea Garden. Mysteries abound!
Austin - a fun, funky capital - the day before its South by Southwest Festival was to begin. An influx of hipsters, as a result. Sadly, this includes, well, this:
I shall say no more on this subject.
At a gathering, I was interested in the iced Hibiscus that I almost mistook for Sangria. Actually, during my entire trip to Texas I didn't imbibe once. Usually on vacation I'll drink at least once or twice, but this trip was an exception, which is just fine. I didn't have coffee either, but tea is always on the menu for me! I'd had Hibiscus tea before, mostly in herbal/fruit blends, and it's a good source of Vitamin C, or something healthy like that. Iced tea, particularly Sweet Tea, is all over the South, but I didn't realize that iced Hibiscus tea was so common, until I also saw it on the menu of the cafe in Book People. And of course, not long after I'd returned home I saw it in a menu of a New York spot - isn't that always how things go?
Oh, and Book People was worth the unnecessary Crazy Long Walk on Austin's 6th Street. Sadly we had precious little time to browse, but it's a large, excellent independent bookstore that I'd love to return to someday. Check out what was written in one of the bathroom stalls:
More on Texas whenever I get a chance to return - who knows when that will be?
