Spring Break: Austin is Still Weird

Heading back north to get home, we spent a bit of time in Austin, where they are still keepin' it weird. But different would be a more appropriate term for this, the Sitagu Buddha Vihara. 

It is a serene campus in the hills, but weird that it was just on the edge of downtown in the middle of a neighborhood area. We only saw one other person and a cat walking around, otherwise we had the place to ourselves. (Do notice the beautiful big, blue sky!!)

Since there was no one around to guide us, we were respectful and curious, and did the best we could. Buddhism uses elements related to yoga, so it seemed fitting. 

Something that does qualify as weird, but still cool, is the Necropolis of Britannia Manor III. This multi-stage cache includes puzzles and clues which lead you on a journey to a few scenic spots in Austin. We struggled a bit with the coordinates of the last stop, but thanks to notes in the documentation, we made it to the final destination! 

And even at the last stop, it was a short trek to the ultimate destination!

And even that just kept going...there was a combination to get inside to the treasure.

The coolest treasure was the coin press, that turned quarters into trinkets.

I'll be honest, when I saw the next entry on the itinerary, I was skeptical. Yes, we've played a lot of mini golf over the years, but that is way different than swinging a wedge golf club. 

This was a par 3, 9-hole course, which is something Jeff and I have done before. 

A totally new experience for Naomi and Danielle, and this is what parents do -- they expose their kids to new experiences! Jeff was a patient, articulate teacher, and his students were quite coachable! Naomi and Danielle both had nice shots off the tee with a sweet clicking noise and some air, more than once. (And yes, there were plenty that simply roll down the hill towards the green.)

It was the most perfect evening for a round of golf!

Golf helps you work up an appetite, so we topped off the night with burgers and greasy onion rings and tots from Top Notch Burgers!

Hooray for Austin!