What I Learned at SXSW 2012

Jones and I rode the bus to and from downtown Austin for SXSW quite a few times to avoid paying gobs of money to park. A normal bus ride can turn interesting when it is packed full of people going to a music festival. It can become even more interesting as people are returning home after a day of music festivaling. Top that with the Night Owl bus running after hours. Top that even more with a Night Owl bus after SXSW AFTER St. Patty's day ON a Saturday night. Woooeee.

I learned a few things on the Capital City Metro. I also learned a lot of other things at South By 2012 that I would like to share.

1. You can bring a dog on a bus. All you have to do is say it's a service dog. Even if it's a quivering, tiny, yet fat, chihuahua. It's illegal to ask for proof that they are a service dog, and nobody's business.

2. Be very cautious of the "friends" you make on the Night Owl. They could hunt you down, find and stalk you at every event you attend the next day.

3. Be overly prepared and have a solid plan when riding the Night Owl alone. In an unfamiliar city. You may still walk several miles after the bus doesn't go by where you think it is supposed to. Or maybe it did.

4. When going 3 blocks to catch the last Night Owl on St. Patrick's day on 6th Street after SXSW, give yourself way more time than you would think.

5. When you miss the last Night Owl, asking a stranger to drive you home may or may not be a good idea.

6. When walking down 6th Street on St. Patrick's day, make sure all of your belongings are safely and securely zipped inside your purse held close to your body.

7. Who knew there was such things as spicy pickles!?

8. When learning of an "official" event at Guero's Tacos advertising free tequila and tacos from 6-9, do not take the bus to south 6th Street for the event. It is "false advertising, drinks are full price." Promptly go to another restaurant and pay full price for tequila and tacos. Spread the word to never go to Guero's Tacos to anyone who will listen.

9. When faced with having to pay full price for a pitcher of fine beer, push in and take the seats that are slated for several band members. The bar tender will then offer you the pitcher for free if you will just get out of the chairs. That was a win.

10. Wait, the bus doesn't give you change for a $20?

11. When you find the bestest shirt in the world and convince your friend to trade him, he may love that shirt more than the prospect of boobs. I know right!?

Notable bands we saw. I'm sure I'm forgetting some.

• Atash
• The Shins
• We Were Promised Jetpacks
• Blitzen Trapper (x2)
• Dan Deacon
• Dan Mangan
• Tenacious D
• The Belle Brigade
• Jimmy Cliff
• Of Monsters and Men
• The Heavy (x2)
• Bright Light Social Hour
• Shiny Toy Guns
• Train
• The Cult
• Lilly Trullie
• GIVERS
• 50 Cent, Jay-Z and Lil Wayne. Just kidding, but they were there.
• A bunch of other bands that I didn't know.