Author's note: It is Wednesday afternoon and I am recapping my Tuesday experience. If this entry seems a little off it's because I am standing in the Waterloo Records parking lot writing this on my iPhone while listening to the worst metal band ever. At least Fun. is up next.
I don't understand lines. I mean, I understand line dancing, but not lines like I saw yesterday. Ok, in the spirit of full disclosure I really don't understand line dancing. I was just trying to be cool. At any rate, apparently this year is all about standing in lines: wristband lines, free party lines, bar lines...
My girlfriend and I thought it would be a good idea to get a jump on things and pick up our music wristbands early this year. We get downtown around 11:30am and to no surprise, if you read yesterday's entry, couldn't find parking. Brilliant idea: valet at Moonshine for $10. Don't judge me just yet Judgey McJudgerson, we did end up eating at Moonshine so we didn't just use it for it's valet services. Anyway, we arrived at the Austin Convention Center and were pleasantly greeted by a short line. Five minutes in line tops. Since the Convention Center is only slightly smaller than the Death Star it took 15 minutes to walk through the convention center, but it was worth it. By far the best SXSW wristband line I have ever waited in. I didn't have time to complain or anything. They really had their stuff together so I have to commend them on that. I don't commend often so, uh, you're welcome Convention Center. I only wish that you had been in charge of the line at the Hype Hotel presented by Taco Bell.
The Hype Hotel line was a different story all together. You would think that after 100+ days of 100 degree weather last year that my armpits and back would be acclimated to heat. Not the case. Wearing work clothes while waiting an hour and a half in balmy, humid 80 degree weather? I felt like a swamp thing of some kind. I did notice one thing while looking at the line. There is a major difference between a long "badge" line and a long "free party" line. The people, the attitude...everything is just a little different. and by a little, I mean a lot. People who RSVP for free shows feel entitled. Like the Wayne Wright commercials, "they deserve respect and justice so they demand it." At least that's their mentality. And rightfully so. I mean, they ARE getting in for free. Anyway, slowly the line moved and we received our wristband and "hotel" key. Would it be worth it? Would Oberhofer, Miniature Tigers, Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. and Delta Spirit deliver? Would it live up to the "Hype?" I wouldn't find out until later.
Fast forward to later. We arrive at the Hype Hotel at 6:40pm and (spoiler alert) wait in line. We wait for an hour and a half. So for those of you keeping score at home, that is 3 hours and 5 minutes (can't forget the music wristband line) of waiting in line. I'm sure those of you at home find this line waiting silly and I couldn't agree more. There has to be a more productive use of our time. And they say humans are evolved. Once inside the Hype Hotel (which is the converted Coppertank) we are handed drink tickets. Note to self: if someone hands you drink tickets when you walk into a venue they are doing so as an apology for making you wait. Remember, nothing is free. Just saying. The bar lines move quickly since the options (vodka and beer) were pretty much limited.
Me: "I'll have a Forty Creek and Coke."
Bartender: "Yeah, we don't have that."
Me: "Ok, I'll have a Crown and Coke."
Bartender: "Me too! but, we don't have that."
Me: "Well, what do you have?"
Bartender (handing me a vodka): "This."
No options=fast lines. If only more places had limited options this world would be a much faster place. Overall the evening was perfect. Great music, "free" drinks, and Dorito tacos presented by Taco Bell. Ok, the night was almost perfect...
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