THE GREAT ESCAPE!

"No! I do not want to go downtown today!", was the emphatic response to Samantha when she called and asked if I could take her and Edward and pick them up later.  "No! I do not want to go downtown today!" was the emphatic response to Dana when he suggested I could join Samantha and Edward downtown, and he could take us and pick us up.  "No! I do not want to go!" was the emphatic response to both when they suggested, in unison that I would enjoy myself.  I just didn't want to take part in any of the activities.  I was exhausted after Saturday's jaunt, and standing in the heat for the best part of an hour, to get an umbrella and bag!  I would have plenty of time during the week to take part in all the festivities.  No! I was not going!

Just before four o'clock, Dana had dropped us downtown!  We stood in the line for the 'Good Omen' tent, and it did not take long before we entered the familiar surroundings.  Beef sliders and sushi were once again on offer.  I enjoyed a late lunch, or early supper, depending on the point of view, with a glass of white wine.  They had run out of rose for the time being, but the 'white' was rather fruity and enjoyable.  However, rose has the least affect on me, and this time I finished the glass, without spilling the contents down me.  With another couple of umbrellas in my bag, a full stomach and a light head, I was ready to move on!

We made our way back to the main drag and stopped at a couple of tents on the way.  Both were for local colleges.  The first was rather elaborate, with demonstrations in various subjects offered.  I made my way to the culinary exhibit and watched a middle aged man ice a cake. It was mesmerizing.  It is possible that without a glass of house white it would not have been quite so hypnotic, but I was feeling rather mellow.  "Would you like.....?"  Of course, said I, hoping on the one hand to 'have a go', but on the other hoping not to be asked, as I was a little tipsy.  I accepted all the free gifts they were offering, ate a plate of chips and salsa, a bag of popcorn and trail mix, and a cookie.  Surely this was enough to soak up the vine fluid.  

It was probably not a good idea to have a couple of gulps of beer when I hit the next tent, as it was quite politically based, and whilst I am not one to take part in any debate, for two reasons, (one I cannot vote here, and secondly because 'an opinion' is now considered a volatile remark) I was concerned that I may get into a discussion with one of the 'staff' and express my view.  "Time to go" said my daughter.  

"Can you pick us up now?" I asked Dana, calling him from my phone.  "What have you been drinking?" he asked, in a rather jovial fashion.  Samantha had been walking next to me, constantly telling me, "Don't say a word.  Do not speak".  A man was handing out roses, albeit dead blooms, and asking for a 'donation',  My brain was screaming to my mouth, but it knew it was futile.  Instead of becoming hoarse, it instructed my teeth to bite my bottom lip, preventing me from uttering anything that could have been (and would have been) misconstrued as inciting violence!

We did not venture out on Sunday evening.  I was not hungry and it seemed befitting to stay away from people!  I giggled a lot.  I fell asleep early, which was unusual as we were an hour ahead.

Whilst I did not relish the thought of going downtown on Monday, this is 'what we do', during SXSW.  I had managed to procure tickets to the Trade Show.  This year the 'job fair' was part of the Trade Show and tickets were required.  I am nothing if not resourceful, and with the alcohol having left my body, I was seeing straight again, and found some sites that gave 'access' to locals!  I am a 'local' after all!

Grant was fascinated by everything.  He joined us in the car and we drove down to the Courthouse area, as parking was at a premium.  After driving around the block a couple of times, we found a space, and walked the ten blocks blocks down and across to the 'Good Omens' area, where the queue was very short, and access quick. We ate (although I did not drink today) and as it was the last day, the 'giveaways' were quite prolific.  I do love 'swag', and whilst I will probably not use most of the items I collect, the word is, "You don't ask Tracie, 'have you got?', you ask, 'can you find'."  I have a variety of objects that may be useful to someone at sometime.  
After all, who knows when a stress ball shaped like a brain may come in handy!  After eating a glorious lunch, care of the Good Omens people, having some photos taken, gathering more umbrellas and bags, and giving my 'extra' drinks and food tickets to people in the queue, we left for the Convention Center.  At first, we were slightly disappointed, as the exhibits were not particularly interesting.  However, as we neared the back wall, there were a couple of stalls that were rather good.  Grant obtained some information for his sister, regarding the possibility of a job, and we managed to procure some 'fun stuff', as long as we posed with the vendors.  We did not have to give any information, just have our pictures taken.  (I know modern technology needs not your name anymore!)  The passes were not needed.  However, we then realised that we had entered into the 'job fair', and in the next hall was the 'Trade Show'.  No one asked for our passes and we just walked through.  "And how would you use robots in your line of work?"  Oh how I wished I was still plied with the vine fluid!  I could have answered, albeit sarcastically, but succinctly nonetheless.  "Use your words", I could hear the voice inside my head instructing me.  "Um", was all I could come out with to start, but gradually I became more coherent, and started to think of all the ways a robot would be useful.  I would not have to leave my desk!  However, would that really be an advantage?  Suffice it to say, I received a bag and some samples, probably to move me away quickly!  

We only managed to cover half of the exhibits on Monday as we had to get back to the office.  However, the show was open for another two days.  We drove back to the office and Grant was quite delighted with his wares.  He had a pair of state of the art wireless ear buds, as well as an umbrella and bag!  His t-shirt collection had also doubled, and he had a variety of 'fun stuff' that he had never realised he 'needed'!  He had been instructed on how to use an electronic surfboard, and found a boot manufacturer.  He had even had a cup of coffee from a super new machine, and been treated to snacks along the way.  "You do this every year?" he asked.  "Awesome!"  I had not the heart to tell him it was not anywhere near as much fun as previous years, but what the eye doesn't see, the heart doesn't grieve over! 

I worked rather late on Monday, as I had to catch up.  I had missed three hours worth of work, and whilst Dana was happy for us to take part in the festivities, I felt as if I needed to make up the time.

Arriving early on Tuesday, I worked diligently, until it was time to take off again.   Parking was again an issue, but we saw a truck backing out of a space by the side of the Courthouse, and waited for him to complete his maneuvers before claiming the space.  Two teenagers were hopping about on the kerb. and we realised that they had been attempting to save the space.  However, the vehicle for which they were saving said space was not in sight.  I felt a little bad, but not enough, and not for long.  "Perhaps they were trying to save a space for their mum, as their dad was being 'sent down' today", I said, in an attempt to make myself feel a little more guilty.  "Five years in an undisclosed facility, and they missed saying goodbye as they could not find a parking space", I continued with my account of probably non-existent events.  "They didn't look too upset", said Samantha, not feeling a pang of any wrongdoing.  "Of course they didn't", I responded.  "Would you want the world to know.  They were putting on a brave face!"  Grant was unsure as to how much of the story was real!  He reverted to his now familiar phrase, "I have never met anyone like you two!"  

Rainey Street was in full swing.  The Good Omens area was being disassembled.  "Come on!  I found lunch!" said I.  We entered the bar that had been taken over by "Canada House", and saw they were setting up for the afternoon session of bands.  Lunch was lemon chicken, roasted vegetables and stuffed peppers.   We helped ourselves and watched as the first band set up and performed their sound check.  "Help yourself" said one of the organisers.  "Rubber binders", said another. I was confused.  I did not understand to what he was referring. I was getting a taste of my own medicine!  "Pardon", said I three times. "Love the hat!" was finally heard over the drumming and guitar playing.  I have no idea how the first phrase was as misheard as it was!  However, lunch was amazing and it was time to move on!  The next bar had been taken over by a produce company.  Music was coming from a band in the rear of the pub and we were led into a line where three women were making up bouquets of flowers, and handing them out.  We also received a garland to put around our head, and then bags of tomatoes and peppers.  Fruit was all over the tables and although we did not 'gorge', we did have some.  It was wonderful.  We all left with flowers and a large smile!  Golden sunglasses were being given away on one stand, and we received them with gratitude.  The 'free food' tokens we received were not used a we were full to the brim!

The 'second half' of the Trade Show was as good as the first, if not better. The lady checking the badges and passes looked at our tickets.  "No idea what the heck they are, but you have passes, so you better go in".  We thanked her. "Here, help yourselves", was the general offer.  Many were packing up and did not want to take their wares with them. Samantha and I filled bags with 'swag', and I stopped at a few 'interesting' exhibits and asked for more information.  I am quite fascinated by all the new technology, as well as terrified by its existence, but it is good to be informed on two levels.  Firstly, to see what is out there, and be fascinated by it, and secondly to see what the world is expecting to look like in a year or two, and be terrified!  No wonder the 'circle' is referred to as 'vicious'!  

Sixth Street was starting to 'ramp up', getting ready for the music part of the festival starting officially.  For our part, we were recorded singing, "Be alright!" by Dean Lewis; the first 'star' Grant met at the first meet and greet he attended.  Our rendition was awful to say the least, but the staff at the stand found it all very amusing, and that was okay!  We were rewarded with a copy of our debacle on a  'thumb drive' that looked like a cassette tape. We walked uphill back to the car.  Our bags were rather heavy, but the afternoon had been a lot of fun.  We arrived back around three thirty and Dana had been ready to send out a search party!  Although we had been gone as long as the day before, we had left later so it seemed longer.  Grant was very grateful for being allowed to have the time to partake and Dana was glad he could facilitate!  I was exhausted by the time I got home, and had the best night's sleep that I had had in a long time!

I did not go to Joe on Wednesday as I did not want to take advantage!  I had a nail appointment, which took an hour and a half out of my morning, and we then went to the radio station as we had won tickets for a meet and greet.  Austin Brown was very good, but also very young.  It comes to something when your child sees someone as being a child themselves!  "Have you heard any of his songs?" I asked Grant and Samantha.  "Yes.  'The Wheels on the Bus' is one of his", said Grant, with a smirk.  We had enjoyed pizza before the show, and met the young man afterward.  With such talent he will probably become an enormous star, but he would not be able to take part in the 'festival' due to his age.  However, his politeness did him credit and he was quite delightful to talk to after the performance.  

"I don't know what those tickets are, but the show is closing", said the 'stormtrooper' on guard.  We went to another entrance to the Trade Show to see if we could find the lady who let us in previously. They were, after all, legitimate tickets. A young girl, seemingly no older than the uprising star we had just met, told us that the show closes at two.  The tickets said six. "Then we have a couple of minutes to enjoy it!" said I, and walked through to the Exhibit Hall.  I did not mean to be so rude, and did actually feel a little guilty when I saw the the clock showed a couple of minutes past the hour, and moreso when the announcement came that they really were closing!  However, I did not go back and apologise for my behaviour, as well I should, but instead almost ran around the remaining stands, and was rewarded for my ill-manner with lots of bags, t-shirts and 'swag'.  Grant was delighted with his wares, again, and I told him that years ago, his father (when he worked for us) would laugh at all the items we brought back into the office after a trip 'outdoors'.  (I think I mentioned that Grant is the son of one of Dana's best friends, albeit now deceased.)  From the Trade Show to the 'sound show'.  We received a second bouquet of flowers, some more peppers, fruit and vegetable shakes, and then went on to the next stand.  The music varied from soft rock to screeching, and back again to melodic sounds.  We had managed to procure a parking space one block in and one block over from the courthouse, and this made a lot of difference when walking back.  It was a very hot day, and although we had dressed appropriately, an uphill walk is rather tiring in such heat.  

On Wednesday evening, Grant, his mother, brother and sister came to dinner, and we chatted about the days, and weeks events.  Grant's mum said that she would be surprised if he continued to join Samantha and me for the rest of the week, as he was thoroughly exhausted and his legs ached from so much walking.  She was impressed with her bouquets of flowers.

Grant's mother would have indeed been surprised on Thursday, as he could not keep away!  The festival and all that it has to offer is rather addictive.   We headed straight for Rainey Street, where we had lunch again at the Canada House.  Tortilla coated chicken and corn salad.  The flowers had gone, and the sun glasses stand had gone.  We did get some popcorn, and then queued up to go into the Doc Martin 'show'.   For those who are familiar with the English TV show, this was not it.  It was the footwear company Dr, Martens!  We received hats and whilst we did not accept the offer of the free tattoos, we did enjoy the music for a while.  Then on to the 'fender' bar.  Grant got to play a couple of brand new style guitars, and was once again in awe.  We then went to another bar where we played a duet, albeit with headphones attached so not only could no one else hear our melody, we could not hear each other, which was probably a good thing, at least for Grant. "Doh, Ray, Me?" asked Samantha as I pounded the keys.  "Of course!" said I!  I was the star of the show, not for my piano playing, but because I was wearing 'StubbHub' sunglasses.  The area was being promoted by StubbHub and no one but me had the glasses.  I never throw anything away from previous festivals, and my glasses were suddenly a hot item!

The parking space on Thursday was the furthest away to date.  However, it was much easier to get back to the office, as we took a different route.  Our bags were thrown into the car, and we headed back.  I worked late again, and caught up as much as I could.  I was delighted to be home, and made dinner with a spring in my step and a song in my heart, or at least a medley of sounds that had been trapped in my ears and had been unable to budge!

Friday was pretty much a repeat of Thursday.  However, lunch was not gratis in the Canada House, and the bands were not starting until two.  Doc Martin was giving away anything and everything as they were closing their 'event' that evening, and what was the 'Showtime' showcase was now something else, where t-shirts were being given away as samples for a new clothing company.  We sauntered down the road, and received a few fun things from 'Topgolf', and then stumbled into the 'Australia House' event, where we were treated to an 'egg and bacon bap', and drinks.  I asked if it would be possible to have a 'virgin' Mary, as the 'bloody' was off limits as I was driving.  Drinking almost neat Tabasco with olives and celery was quite interesting!  Samantha sent Dana a picture and told him she had taken away my car keys.  I think he was a little concerned as the work was piling up and he knew if I had partaken, work would not be accomplished!  I think I would have managed particularly well on a vodka or two!  It is the one thing that does not seem to affect me to the degree that everything else seems to!  On our way back, a young man stopped Grant and handed him a disc.  It was his 'latest' album.  We had not warned him about the 'type', who come up to you, hand you a CD and then ask you to pay for it.  He did not have any cash with him, as we had advised him to take as little with him as possible, and stood with the CD in his hand and a blank look on his face.  "He doesn't want it.  Thank you", I said, taking on the 'mother role'.  The artist was a little perturbed. He had just written Grant's name on the copy and signed it.  Apparently track 7 was for me. It was called 'mama'. "I signed it and put his name on it", said the man, rather aggressively.  "And he did not ask you to, so thank you but no thank you".  I took the disc from Grant's hand, handed it back to the singer.  If track 7 was about 'mamas', then he should know that we are always right!  He sunk back into the crowd.  I apologised to Grant for my aggressiveness but he thanked me for taking over!

I joined the kids in the 'vape' tent.  I did not want to take part in the 'vaping' but I did enjoy the lunch items.  On beautifully displayed individual trays were bite sized morsels of wonder.  I am not sure what I ate, but it all tasted delicious.  However, I was ready to head back to the office and prepare for the final onslaught!  My desk was piled high with work and I just ploughed through.  "Are you okay?" asked Grant as he gave me a handful of papers.  I explained that I am very sensitive to alcohol and other things.  Suffice it to say, the amount of contraband that had been floating around, had probably affected me. One sip of tequilla, or a whiff of 'you know what', and I am a different person.  One sends me into a fit of giggles, and the other makes me so mellow I could float.  I was in the 'floating' stage.  He said that he had smelled some 'suspect' aromas, but it didn't affect him.  "Well, no, but in some ways I am just unique," was my drunken response!

Edward joined us on Saturday.  Grant did not.  We went to Stubbs, where the queue was too long.  Stubbs is famous for their barbecue, but during the festival they have a show open to the public and the food is spectacular.  Instead we decided to 'hang out' at the Samsung tent where we were fed and watered, and I had fun painting a picture whilst 'working out'.  As I moved my arms and legs up and down, I was painting a picture.  I could have stayed there for hours.  I was less impressed with the technology of their new phone as I would not be getting one, and even if I did, I would not use it to its full capacity.  But making an abstract painting by moving my limbs, now that was amazing!

The kids went into the vape tent and I went for a walk along Rainey Street.  The bars were all 'back to normal' and music was blaring.  Samantha brought me a corn beef slider and cake pop out of the tent, and we headed back along 'Sixth'.  We did not go back to Stubbs as we really did not have the energy.  Enough is as good as a feast, and we had overdosed!  It was time to go home and say farewell for another year.  Dana came to collect us.  I fell asleep for a couple of hours in the late afternoon.

Sunday so far has been peaceful.  I just wanted to stay home and do nothing.  A day of rest!  Although the week had been exhausting, fraught at times, and overpowering to say the least, looking back, I enjoyed most of every minute.  I do not remember the names of the bands.  I know I enjoyed the singer from Australia, and the bands from Canada, and some of the 'street' performers, who were either waiting to be 'talent spotted' or were just having fun.   I know that Sixth Street was just one big 'noise' vaccuum.  I have a collection of 'swag'' that needs to be sorted, allocated, and dispersed.  I shall probably give a lot away.  I know I shall have to break my own rules and read instructions on some of the items received, so that I can use them, but it is par for the course!  Next week is going to be oh so much quieter, or at least I think it will be.  Of course, we may be invited to another meet and greet, or win tickets for some amazing show, or find ourselves in a dilemma about which concert to attend.  Watch this space for ......... another story!