Best Little Parking Lot in Texas
Tonight Jo’s and the Hotel San Jos? present another installment of their free Thursday night movies. I see a great opportunity for someone to write “1000 Fun Free Things to do in Austin” (Mt. Bonnell, watching milllions of bats fly off the Congress Ave. bridge, mural tours, etc.). I think bands start playing around 7:30 and the movie starts at dusk. We checked out Rushmore last week. It was a great time. There were probably 150-200 people there. Judging from the large numbers of dogs and bicycles, I think most people were from the neighborhood. Its best to bring your own lawn chairs, because you won’t be able to see the screen if you’re down on a blanket. The films are shown directly behind Jo’s Coffee shop in the parking lot. On the side of the parking lot is the Hotel San Jos?. This is an incredible hotel. I think this article best describes it. One of the more interesting things about it is that apparently less than 10 years ago it was known to be a really seedy, pay-by-the-hour, flophouse that was notorious for prostitution and crime. Its hard to believe now. There is so much attention to detail here. The lobby is full of nicely framed old show posters from the Continental Club across the street. Although the hotel is ultra modern, with Ikea-esque stylings, they do a great job of holding on to the old Americana motor court sensibility of yesteryear. I can’t remember how much a night’s stay costs but it seems like its not shockingly expensive for a motel of such exquisite taste. I bet you’re looking at around $90 a night. Here are a few links about the neighborhood that Sarah and I live in: Citysearch, about Bouldin Creek, Mary Street.
Take a look at Barron and Mariko’s adorable new baby, Bay.
Have you listened to The Shins yet? Could “Oh Inverted World” be the best record of the summer?
Hope you had a great 4th of July holiday! Did you take a moment to reflect on why we celebrate this venerable date?