Mary's little yellow cottage was an ideal spot to start our vacation. My wife, her mum, and I landed in Austin late in the evening but when the taxi delivered us to Mary's place, we instantly felt at home in her clean!, tidy house. The beds were comfortable, linens fresh and high quality, and the kitchen had everything Teri needed to cook up a Texas storm. We were hungry when we arrived and didn't realize the 24-hour HEB grocery was so close so we scooted across the street and met the excellent Javier at El Tacorrido. He and his coworker - we didn't catch her name - fixed us up with tasty Mexican food and Texan hospitality. They stayed open a few minutes later just to serve us, their last customers of the day. We had a great night's sleep and awoke the next morning, eager to investigate Austin. As we'd decided to pick up a car when leaving we were thrilled with the terrific bus service available 100 feet from Mary's door. We bought $2 all-day ride passes, an excellent value, and spent our time in Austin checking out the Capitol, the Blanton Museum, the O. Henry House, the funky shops and booteries on South Congress, Whole Foods' flagship store, the quirky G'raj Mahal (delicious Indian food), and the Austin City Limits Theater to see the Gipsy Kings. On our last morning in Austin, Teri and I walked downtown in less than an hour to the Hertz location on E. 10th and were very happy to meet Tim, who fixed us up with a nice rental car at a great rate. The people we met during our time in Austin were friendly and helpful to a person, no matter how casual our encounter. Austin is a wonderful town full of interesting, welcoming folks such as Mary, our Airbnb hostess. Mary was quick and clear in all our communication and renting her place got our vacation off on the right foot. I can't say enough good things. Thanks very much, Mary! We look forward to staying with you again some time.

Stu & Teri and Pat