• Destinations
    • South America
    • North America
    • Caribbean
    • NYC
    • Asia
    • Europe
    • Siberia
  • Hotel Guide
  • About
  • Resources
  • Contact

Claudia Looi

Impressions of Austin Texas

By Claudia Looi 5 Comments

19 Apr
 
Brian our server at the restaurant said, “I love it here, and the music scene is fantastic.” He is a musician from Dallas, moved to Austin four years ago for more part-time music gig in Austin. As we waved goodbye, he said, “Thanks guys, I appreciate you.” We have never heard a server so appreciative of his tips. He is a fine young man with great manners and an attitude of gratitude. He knows why he came to Austin Texas.

Refreshing….

Austin Texas reminds me of The Diamond District and The Garment District of New York. Why? A gathering place... for Internet Marketers, musicians and high tech companies. For the last few years many Internet Marketers, musician and young families have moved to Austin. This is a gathering place ‘up and coming’ for a young breed of entrepreneurs.

Median age of the population 29.6…

James Michener, a Pulitzer Prize winning author lived in Austin Texas in his last days. This writer who wrote thick epics like Hawaii, South Pacific, Sayonara and Texas said, I think young people ought to seek that experience that is going to knock them off within center.



The history and state capital…

Instead of going south to establish a permanent capital for Texas, Mirabeau Lamar, despite objections from Sam Houston and his camaraderie, chose Waterloo by Colorado River. Austin, formerly known as Waterloo became the capital city of Texas in April 1839. Why?


The visionary Lamar… when others saw nothing, hill country, far off…he saw the future…

Tod Nielsen, President & CEO of Borland:We moved to Austin to take advantage of an area that combines a strong talent pool with a cost effective environment for Borland, so that we can continue to execute on our plan to profitability, while building our company for the future.



The talents…University of Texas

The University of Texas is right at the heart of the city with 357 acres, spreading throughout the city. We went on a guided tour of the campus. This was our first campus tour for prospective students.

As we approached the parking lot to the administration building at the University of Texas, we saw students walking and riding their bikes. A vibrant place for college life with healthy looking young adults. James Michener donated a great part of his wealth to the university. Why? He saw the future…the generations after him.


Some thought provoking Questions and answers with a university student during our visit:

How long have you studied here?
This is my first year.
How much do you pay annually to attend the university?
Since I’m from out of state, my fee is $15,000 per semester, which is about $30,000 per year. This does not include lodging, food and miscellaneous.
What are you studying?
Media and ____.
What are you going to do after four years in college?
I am not sure. I may further my education. I don’t know yet.
Do you have an idea what line of work you are heading for?
Not clear, not sure.

Here is the deal. $120,000 for four years and I DON’T KNOW WHAT I’M GOING TO DO!! What if you are paying and that is your child in college and her answer is “I don’t know”…do they know their "WHY"?

University of Texas indeed is a great school and there are many opportunities for students to learn and advance their skills.

The future is bright in Austin Texas.

Spoke to a student lately? What are their answers to “What would you be doing after 4 years in college?” Please leave your comment below.

Filed Under: North America

« Road Trip Lunch Stopover, Salado Texas
Fish Tanks, Feng Shui and Chinese Food in Dallas »

Comments

  1. Susan McKenzie says

    April 19, 2012 at 9:45 am

    Claudia, your description of Austin truly tempts me to move there! I have heard similar thoughts from a friend who moved to Austin, last year, so your article deepens my desire to live there... perhaps one day!

    Log in to Reply
    • Claudia Looi says

      April 19, 2012 at 3:06 pm

      Susan, I really like Austin. Best to take a trip there.

      Log in to Reply
  2. Hughie Bagnell says

    April 19, 2012 at 11:29 am

    Hi Claudia...thank you for sharing! Great article on Austin, Texas. Excellent to see an area that has a very bright future! ...Thanks, Hughie 🙂

    Log in to Reply
  3. Carla J Gardiner says

    April 23, 2012 at 2:46 pm

    Wow! Four years of a young life, $120,000.00 of hard earned cash to study and focus on "I'm not sure"? As a fiery grandma, a solid mom and an entrepreneur to boot I can definitely say "Not with my money". Better to work, find out who you are, what you want out of life and work towards that. Experience pays way more than just a job or career...it forms who you are and what you will build on for the rest of your life. As for Austin, TX...haven't been yet, but it's on my bucket list:)

    Log in to Reply
  4. Sue says

    May 10, 2012 at 6:50 pm

    I agree with Carla!! It's crazy how brainwashed our society has become about four years of college being the only way to proceed after high school. When an individual "isn't sure" it's definitely best to look at some other alternatives while deciding what they are passionate about! This is a great article Claudia!

    Log in to Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Search

Travel Makeup Mirror

https://travelwritingpro.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/0821.mp4

Get Your Travel Makeup Mirror Here

Makeup Eraser

https://travelwritingpro.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/0821-1.mp4

Get Your Makeup Eraser Here

travelwritingpro

🌎 Traveler, realtor
🏡 Posting NYC realtor life @claudia.looi
🤝 #globetrotter100club

Most visitors only spend a few hours in San Marino Most visitors only spend a few hours in San Marino. I decided to stay overnight, and it completely changed the experience.

As the day-trippers left, the streets fell silent. The medieval castle took on a different charm in the warm evening light, the sunset over the surrounding countryside was unforgettable, and dinner was a delicious plate of fresh truffle pasta.

If you’re planning a trip through Italy, don’t just make San Marino a quick stop. Spend the night. You’ll experience a peaceful side of one of the world’s smallest countries that many visitors never get to see.

Would you stay overnight in San Marino?

#SanMarino #VisitSanMarino #EuropeTravel #CastleViews #TrufflePasta SunsetLovers
I couldn’t believe it when our guide showed us thi I couldn’t believe it when our guide showed us this tiny rainforest seed in Kinabalu Park. After a few tries with the lighter, it finally caught fire and burned like a candle thanks to its natural oils.

Nature never stops surprising me. Have you ever seen a seed that can do this?

#KinabaluPark #globetrotter100club #Sabah #Rainforest #TravelMalaysia
During our walking tour of Baku, we unexpectedly s During our walking tour of Baku, we unexpectedly stumbled upon a rehearsal of traditional Azerbaijani male dancers. Dressed in their striking chokha costumes and papakha hats, they practiced powerful, warrior-like movements rooted in centuries of Caucasian tradition.

It wasn’t a staged performance for tourists, just a beautiful, authentic glimpse into Azerbaijan’s living culture. These spontaneous moments are often the ones I remember most from my travels.

📍Baku, Azerbaijan 🇦🇿

#Baku #Azerbaijan #AzerbaijaniCulture #CaucasusTravel #TraditionalDance TravelReels HiddenMoments WorldTraveler
You haven’t truly experienced Malaysia until you’v You haven’t truly experienced Malaysia until you’ve had a glass of Teh Tarik. 🇲🇾

Known as “pulled tea,” this beloved Malaysian drink is made with strong black tea and sweetened condensed milk, then skillfully poured back and forth to create a smooth, creamy texture and its famous frothy top.

From mamak stalls to family gatherings, Teh Tarik is more than a drink, it’s a taste of Malaysia’s warmth, culture, and everyday life.

Have you tried Teh Tarik before, or would this be on your Malaysia food list? 👇🇲🇾

#TehTarik #MalaysiaFood #MalaysiaTravel #MalaysianCulture #FoodReel FoodAdventure SavorNYCLife TravelFoodie TasteOfMalaysia FoodLovers
Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2025 Claudia Looi