This week hasn’t been like the vacations we normally take but we are finally venturing out a bit more now that we are vaccinated and had some extra days off this week. It feels so nice to be out again but it’s funny because we almost feel like we are tourists in our own city again. We headed downtown for a bit of a wander and I know there is always some new building going up but given that we haven’t been downtown in a year, we can really see some of the changes.
We walked around the Seaholm District taking pictures of some art installations, taking note of restaurants we want to try later and enjoying some of the nature nearby like the Shoal Creek Trail. We’ve gone biking on that trail before but I think they’ve built out even more parts of it so we’ll have to do that again one of these days.
Finally, it was 10 a.m. and time to go to our destination, the Central Library. It’s been more than a year since I’ve been to the library and it felt so good to visit. I typically go to a branch closer to my house but as we were downtown we had to visit this one. Our first stop was at the CookBook Bar & Cafe to get some coffee and treats which we took to the sixth floor of the library which is the rooftop garden area. I had a book with me so I enjoyed reading and hanging out at such a great place.
Believe it or not, I didn’t borrow any books but my goal was to find out what was wrong with my library card account as I couldn’t renew it online several weeks ago when I tried. The staff were super helpful and it was a quick fix and I can now download audiobooks again! Which will come in handy once I start transitioning back to working in the office in the coming weeks and I need a book for my commute.
It was a wonderful morning and I’m looking forward to another visit soon. I have one more day off so let’s see what I get up to tomorrow. How about you, have you started venturing out more?
I’m getting out, but I still feel so hesitant to do so. The first place I went to after I was fully vaccinated was a bookstore, and I’ve gone to the library twice in two weeks now.
That library is one I have never visited. I think I need to go there!
It is strange being out more and seeing both the old and the new with new eyes. You are right it almost feels like being a tourist in your own town. Congratulations on getting your library card account straightened out!
Days off are the best, even when you’re just staying at home. But exploring your own city all over again can be fun, especially when it includes a trip to the library. 🙂
Sounds like a fun outing, Iliana!
We haven’t been going out for the past few weeks due to a spike in community cases. The figures have been going up and down so it’s hard to say but they’re looking at reopening again in two weeks’ time. I miss visiting the bookstores and libraries but at least I still have my TBR pile. 😉
What a nice time out! I went the first long bike ride outdoors since before the pandemic last weekend. It was glorious. And this weekend I am actually looking forward to going to the grocery store with my husband. We love grocery shopping together but haven’t done it since the pandemic started because of store capacity limits and to limit our exposure risk.
Deb Nance at Readerbuzz – I totally understand how you feel. The first place we went after being vaccinated was a Barnes & Noble! I’m looking forward to more outings but we are still very cautious. I hope you get to visit the Austin Public Library – it’s beautiful!
Jen Mullen – It is such a weird feeling isn’t it? We’ve really been just stuck at home since this whole pandemic started and so venturing out is exciting but I cannot even imagine what it will be like once we travel again. We’re going to feel like newbies!
Lark – They are aren’t they? I haven’t really had a proper vacation since 2019 so this was much needed. I’m only a bit bummed that now that we can go out a bit more we are going into summer and in Texas the last thing I want to do is be out during the summer months! haha…
Melody – That’s really hard and I’m sorry you guys are seeing more spikes in cases. That’s why we are still cautious because with the holidays and such I’m concerned that people will throw caution to the wind and we’ll have more spikes too. So we still wear our masks and try to not be around too many people.
Stefanie – Oh I bet that felt so good to be outdoors again on your bike! We were only going to the store every two weeks but now are back to once a week. Still we rush through so we aren’t out there too long. Isn’t it funny how we even look forward to those little things now? I hope you guys have fun doing some grocery shopping!
It must have felt very strange to go back downtown after a full year! I haven’t gone back to my library yet, and have only used their curbside pick up a couple of times. I’m looking forward to browsing the New Release shelves! We have been traveling in our RV for the past two weeks and it’s been wonderful. Almost feels like the pandemic is a thing of the past.. I know it isn’t and there are a few spikes in new cases, but we’re being pretty cautious. I hope the new variants aren’t going to turn into something that will put us back to square one!