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Los Verdes finally gather together in-person outside Banc of California Stadium for Austin FC's inaugural game. (Sonia Garcia/Austonia)
"You don't know what you have until it's gone," Jay, a 25-year-old researcher at the University of Texas told Austonia. He held a boat party on Lake Travis to celebrate himself and his friends getting vaccinated, something that has been taboo in the pandemic sphere.
After a year of staying indoors, social distancing and attending school online, Jay, who asked to remain anonymous to avoid potential backlash, said he feels relieved and has been enjoying activities he wasn't able to do as freely prior to vaccination: going to bars, having friends over and being around more than 10 people at a time.
"It made going to Zilker Park, a place that I've been to a number of times before, even more special," Jay said. "It also felt like this is one step closer to normalcy so it's definitely a comforting feeling."
As the curve flattens and vaccines become more widely available—with 61.22% of eligible Travis County residents at least partially vaccinated—"normal" is starting to return. And many vaccinated Austinites are rejoicing over their newfound freedom.
This coming Friday it will be the end of my two weeks of lockdown since my second vaccine shot. And you know what that means! As that classic song goes 🎵"I'm gonna party like it's the early part of 2019 before a deadly pandemic killed all of us."🎵 EVERYBODY! 👏 👏 👏
— Nathan Minger (@NathanMinger) May 3, 2021
My vaccinated powers have officially become fully activated 💥 pic.twitter.com/dNDbtZ8FcU
— Libby Koch (@libbykoch) April 15, 2021
Thirty-four-year-old Fabian Puente, an artist and musician, kept a tight-knit group of friends throughout the pandemic, so he could maintain a social life without worrying about catching the virus, but has since enjoyed eating out, going to the greenbelt and seeing movies in theaters since getting vaccinated.
"I feel like Superman," Puente, said. "The risk is much lower and that eases my mind a lot."
The pandemic has permanently changed him though—Puente said he's more conscious about washing his hands clean and still wears his mask to keep others safe. He doesn't feel quite normal yet, but he said that will change when he is able to go to concerts and perform again.
Groups that didn't feel safe meeting before most were vaccinated are now not only meeting in-person but also traveling together. Los Verdes, an Austin FC supporter group, was only able to hold a few in-person events before the pandemic. They've since started meeting again, the group has traveled to Minnesota, Colorado and California to watch games, attend outdoor watch parties and hold frequent events at Hopsquad Brewing.
"It has been a big release this spring to get back out and a lot of times meet people, lots of people that I've only known through Slack over the last year or on Twitter," member Jeremiah Bentley said. "It's been really joyful because a lot of us haven't had the chance to really actually spend much of any time together."
Bentley said that even though a lot of people in their group are enjoying being able to meet in person, they are still continuing Zoom events for those who aren't ready to face the world again and will continue to do so until everyone is comfortable meeting in person.
"The most important thing we can do is police our own," Bentley said. "The first Austin FC match at home is on June 19 and we'd all love to be in a full stadium together, standing shoulder-to-shoulder, and the only way that's going to happen is if a significant number of people get vaccinated between now and then."
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- CDC says fully vaccinated can gather without masks - austonia ›
- Lake Travis party boat operators see high demand after COVID - austonia ›
Popular
(Gulfstream)
Elon Musk has placed an order for a new, top-of-the-line private jet: a Gulfstream G700, Austonia has learned. Delivery is expected in early 2023.
Billed as offering “the most spacious cabin in history,” the aircraft seats 19 and soars above the rest of us at up to 51,000 feet. Base price: $78 million.
The Gulfstream G700 was awarded the 2022 International Yacht & Aviation Award for excellence in cabin design this year. (Gulfstream)
According to the Gulfstream website, the G700 can fly up to 7,500 nautical miles without refueling, enough range to fly nonstop from Austin to Hong Kong. Powered by two Rolls-Royce engines, it has its own Wi-Fi system, 20 oval windows measuring 28” x 21”, and two lavatories.
The sweet new ride will replace his current top-of-line private jet: a 2015 Gulfstream G650, the aircraft that has been made somewhat famous by the automated @elonjet Twitter account, which tracks and reports his personal aircraft’s movements using public data.
Landed in Austin, Texas, US. Apx. flt. time 44 Mins. pic.twitter.com/jZ7HI0i4iV
— ElonJet (@ElonJet) June 24, 2022
Musk has repeatedly championed “free speech” as a guiding ethic in his planned purchase of Twitter. Last December, Musk offered the teenager who built the @elonjet tracker $50,000 to shut it down, citing security concerns. It’s still up.
According to the @elonjet account, Musk’s jet last traveled to Austin, where it’s been since June 23. The associated data says that his flight to Austin burned $2,573 worth of aviation fuel and discharged 4 tons of carbon dioxide.
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(Valencia Hotel Group)
Live music and beer? Say no more. With a location in Austin, and others throughout Texas, the court hotels by the Valencia Hotel Group have a new offering for weekend stays: Live Music & Longnecks.
Enjoy live music all weekend long and check out the hotels’ state-of-the-art amenities between sets. Make a splash in the pool, enjoy outdoor fire pits, or challenge your friends in a yard game while enjoying a weekend full of live music! Did we mention the package includes deluxe accommodations and a bucket of beer? Oh, and if you needed more convincing, this pet-friendly hotel means the whole family can join in on the fun.
The hotels
Explore any of the Court Hotels by Valencia Hotel Group for a memorable escape. Each property offers a unique experience remnant of yesteryear but with all of the modern amenities that make for a fun and comfortable stay. With acres of landscaped courtyards, relax and unwind in an outdoor environment perfect for doing everything or absolutely nothing at all. With locations in Austin, College Station, Irving, and Lubbock your urban retreat has never been so close.
The music
Locals and travelers alike are invited to enjoy the deep roots of Texas music all summer long with a robust lineup of live performances. From the banks of the San Antonio Riverwalk to Irving’s manicured streets, Valencia’s hotels are a place to gather and reconnect, offering uniquely Texan settings for the weekly performances.
“We’re proud of the community we’ve fostered among Texas musicians and the many rising stars who perform at our properties,” says Amy Trench, corporate director of brand marketing & PR for Valencia Hotel Group.
In Austin, you can catch good ol’ fashioned Texas country by Drew Moreland and Clayton Gardner, bluegrass by Reagan Quinn, and much, much more.
With unique programming at each of Valencia’s properties, there’s something for everyone to enjoy all summer long.
The perks
If you’re a Valencia Hotel Group Rewards member, the perks are plentiful. Enjoy up to 10% off the Best Available Rate, and for a limited time, members can save up to 15% off a stay of 2 nights or more, for select stays in 2022.
But that’s really just the beginning. At select locations, you can enjoy discounts on weeknight stays, a complimentary third night, or curated packages for a romantic getaway or a night of watching the Verde at Q2 Stadium. You’ll also find special rates for AAA and AARP Members, educators, and front-line heroes including military, law enforcement, fire, and rescue workers.