austin, texas // day one

Oh hi there! It's a little after 11 pm here in Austin, and it's still 70 degrees outside. I AM IN HEAVEN.Today, after landing and waiting an hour for our Budget rental car (seriously Budget, that was ridiculous) we drove to South Congress and stuffed our faces with chips and guacamole while sitting on a patio watching the Grackles. Then we walked around and shopped a few antique stores. Then we took a nap next to an open window with a soft breeze and the sounds of birds chirping outside. Holy moly, was I a happy girl.After napping, we ventured over to Justine's, pictured above, which was one of our favorite finds a few years back during SXSW. We had an amazing dinner outside while being serenaded by a charming African man. It was lovely. And after that? Ice cream, window shopping and Texas Two-Step lessons with my man! And right when the lessons ended, the live band hit the stage, and we stayed and danced for several hours.This? This is how you vacation.Now, let's talk about this camera I'm using. As you recall, it's the Fuji X-20 and I'm not gonna lie, it's making me crazy. First, because I feel like a freaking tourist pointing it around, slowly figuring out the settings and using that horrendous LCD screen on the back. Second, because the proportions of the actual image size are off to me and third because the images just aren't as sharp as I'm used to.Now, that said, these images aren't BAD, they just aren't up to par. I am torn between:a) Giving it another day or two because I know the more I force myself to use it the easier it will get and the "tourist" part won't make me as crazy orb) Put it away carefully and return it next week in mint condition with less than 100 images taken orc) Give it a full week and if I'm just not thinking I'll use it much, selling it off at a discounted price to someone who might want it (like one of you, perhaps?)Thoughts? Suggestions? I'm all ears. And more photos of the day below! All from the Fuji. Enjoy!Justine's is a french bistro, and I love this Tabac sign they have on the patio. Cigarettes are also on the menu for $10.I loved this signage...One of my favorite views of the city...Not only do I love the lights at this joint, but I love the actual name! It's called Ms. P's Electric Cock. Ha!And lastly, a shot from the hip on the dance floor tonight. The Fuji just can't handle low light like I had hoped, but you do get the idea...And no internet shares while I'm on vacation. Spending any more time on the computer during vacation is blasphemy!