Time to share a few lessons learned on my first visit to Austin

Every country, city, region has its own characteristics and idiosyncrasies.
Coming back from my first trip to Austin, I learned a few things I would like to share with first time visitors.
Bring an umbrella and a pair of waterproof shoes with you, the weather is warm but when it rains it pours.
Expect many stores to be closed on Sunday, including to my surprise the CVS Drugstore on Congress Street.
If you come for work and attend an event at the Convention Center (downtown), there are not many if any stores catering to the business traveler.
I needed to buy a messenger bag or a backpack to carry all the stuff one gets at things such as South by Southwest and asked many people and was told that the only such stores where in malls outside the city center.
I actually found out from the Cab Driver on my way to the Airport for my return flight that there is such a store. An Office Max is located at 907 W 5th Street (corner of Bowie), about 10 blocks from the Convention Center and the beauty of it is that they are opened on Sundays too.
I learned that by calling them just now.

Actually the first tip I should give to anyone who attends a major event in Austin and wants to be able to walk to it is start by booking your hotel room or bed and breakfast stay way in advance. That is unless you don't mind paying in the $200 range per night.

It is always nice to be able to lighten the load and freshen up after a day of meetings and before an evening of fun.

Despite these little glitches, I have to say I had a wonderful time.

Put it under lessons learned by a South by Southwest rookie.

Other Travel Tips:  Going Abroad, Fodor' s Travel Wire plus Travel Lighter, Leave the Chargers Home with Moixa USB batteries also Boutique Rentals, British Country style and Stop flying blind with Amadeus travel tools