TDudette,

Yes I think Austin would not be a good winter winter vacation home for you. Even if you're not allergic to the cedar now, you may be within a few years. It took me 3 years to get allergic to it, but now I am.

I'm thinking maybe someplace like Tucson may be good for you in the winter. I've heard there are minimal allergins there. Used to be true for Phoenix but too many people planted yards there like they used to have back in Ohio so now there are the same allergins.

Here are a few photos:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/32219995@N07/?saved=1

PWhite--Depending on the age of your son, you both might enjoy doing a Segway tour. We did a tour last May with Segway Nation (http://www.segwaynationinc.com/) and they were great. They also offer a $10 discount on all their tours. I'm not sure of the minimum age to ride a Segway in Austin, but you can call Segway Nation (512-663-9634) to find out in case your son is a minor.
Segways are not hard to learn to ride and they are so much fun! You'll see a lot of neat things in Austin on the tour.

Here's a link to a couple of shots. Other trips shots are also on the page but Texas should be first.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/32219995@N07/

T, I'm sorry about your husband. I admire you for taking this trip. Your photos are great, and wow, the Driskill looks beautiful. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks, volcanogirl. I'm sure the stress of this first solo trip may have contributed to the asthma attack but am glad to have gotten over this hump. DH was an extremely witty guy and fun to travel with. He also knew scads about history so Rome and Italy were made even more meaningful by his knowledge.

Forgot I had posted pix already-sorry!

TD - I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Didn't I meet your DH at the DC get together - the one before the most recent?

Your Austin TR makes me reconsider my impression of the place. I was there only once more than 40 years ago. My main memory is that there was an invasion of locusts of biblical proportions at the time. The streets reeked of DDT and shopkeepers were shoveling the locust corpses out to the curb in piles. They crunched underfoot walking down the street - even inside the statehouse. After that experience, I haven't had a thought of returning until reading your TR.

Thanks for posting the photos - Italy and France were bonuses.

Hi basingstoke2: Yes you did meet DH at the GTG with MaiTaiTom and his merry group in May 2009-he was into his 2nd year of remission.

It sounds like you hit Austin during the Plague! Did the bats not chase the locusts or are they too large? Surely your next visit would be better! The Driskill Hotel, though expensive, is really wonderful. I didn't get to the LBJ Library but friends recommended it.

Glad you liked the photos. I see I mis-labeled Driskill Cupola-the shot is actually not the cupola but the stained glass in the lobby. What is the opposite of cupola?

What is the opposite of cupola?

Cupadios?

Thanks TD, I was sure that I had the pleasure of meeting him. As you know, my son is now in his 8th year of NHL remission, but one can never feel safe.

Tdudette, it's wonderful that you continued your tradition. It sounds like you made another wonderful memory for yourself. Thank you for sharing.

Austin Traveler: I can't find cupadios online. Are you joking or is it a real word?! Inverted cupola is all I have found so far but am sure there is a term.

basingstoke2: It's a tough illness in so many ways, eh? May your son have 80 more years!

Toucan2: Thanks. I really wanted to go where there would be no shared memories. Have 2 BFFs who have never been to Paris (France not Texas)-I want to take them but it will be a difficult as DH and I went several times.

Realized that I didn't mention how quiet it was at the gate at BWI on the trip to Austin-many people were either texting or reading.

One woman on the phone got looks from those around her. Hope it wasn't you longhorn55!

Austin Traveler: I can't find cupadios online. Are you joking or is it a real word?! Inverted cupola is all I have found so far but am sure there is a term.

Sorry, I was just kidding.

That's OK, AT! Ya don't always know the real truth in Fodorville.

Topping for schkatie

After allisonrebecca asked about solo travel, I re-read this TR....the photo link didn't come up to the actual Austin Album. One can figure out where it is but just in case: