Ella and Francisco

Two of my favorite things in the world happened in Austin last week: South by Southwest (aka SXSW, South-by) and Spring Break. 

I love Spring Break because there’s no traffic.  Traffic here really slows me down. 

I love SXSW because when it’s going on, there’s an overabundance of cool bands, good movies, and interesting people from all over the world to see. 

SXSW is a now-gigantic interactive, film, and music industries conference that takes over the town for two weeks.  I first heard about SXSW in 1995, and I’ve gone to SXSW Music events every year that I’ve lived in Austin. 

This year, I finally made it to a SXSW film.  Last Sunday, I went to see the world premiere of Fired! at the Austin Convention Center with Francisco, Cheng, Cheng’s friend Ed, and a few hundred other people.  Chaos reigned at the Convention Center.  No one could tell where the lines started or ended.  Somehow we made it in.  We saw no celebrities in the audience, but they may have been too far away for us to recognize. 

I ended up liking the movie.  We talked about it for several blocks after leaving the Convention Center, and then on a corner after that.  Besides the funny stories actors and writers shared about being let go, the film also featured interviews with job fair attendees, politicians, economists, career counselors, and a look at the current state of the Michigan auto industry.  There’s even a play and a book.   

The weather was so pleasant downtown that Francisco, Cheng, and I decided to eat at the new Italian restaurant in the new 2nd Street District, Taverna.  It did not disappoint.  Every dish we ate tasted flavorful yet light, and service was friendly and prompt.  Plus, they serve a Budino chocolate cake!  We will definitely be back. 

Next up: SXSW Music Day 1.  Keep checking back for photos!

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