What to do at NI Week

Martin Rowe- August 5, 2012

If you're going to NI Week, then you must see that bats.You've probably seen or heard of the bats that live under the Congress St. bridge. But, you've probably heard that you should see them at twilight as they head out for the evening feast on the local insect population. If you really want an experience, you must go in the morning when they return.

One year, I had a breakfast meeting at 7:00 at a hotel on the other side of the bridge from the Austin Convention Center. As I was walking across, I suddenly realized it was raining...bats.

In the evening, the bats leave in waves, so many of them that it really looks like a series of waves emanating from the bridge. But, they don't return like that. Instead, they fly high over the bridge, fold their wings, and drop. Then just before smashing into the bridge, the open their wings and swoop under the bridge for the day. It's quite scary at first, seeing the bats falling from the sky, but they never get close enough to hit you. People walk across that bridge every morning and don't even look up because they know they're safe.

Oh yes, don't forget to check out the music scene. If you still buy music CDs, then check out Waterloo Records on the corner of 6th and Lamar.

Say hello to the bats for me.