February 2017, the open road stretched out before us, beckoning us on a sibling adventure. My brother was in New York, my sister in Texas, and I was working away in Virginia. Despite the distance, our bond stayed strong, fueled by a shared love of exploration, adventure and togetherness.
Our upbringing was filled with cherished family adventures, each journey a trove of precious memories. From the earliest days, our mother instilled in us the importance of unity and the thrill of exploration. While she couldn’t join us on this journey, her spirit of wanderlust infused every step we took. We carried with us the certainty that more adventures awaited us, with her by our side as she had always been—the intrepid explorer who traversed the globe with each of us, leaving footprints of love and adventure wherever we went.
I was in the midst of applying for universities, eyeing McCombs in Austin, Texas, when a scholarship competition caught my eye. What better way to combine practicality with pleasure than to embark on a road trip to Texas with my brother and sister?
Our rendezvous point was Dallas, a city brimming with excitement and energy. We wandered its streets, hopped on the DART rail to soak in the city’s vibe, and even found a moment to visit the serene Main Street Garden Park before our time slipped away.

With a rental car, we set off towards Austin, the familiar melodies of our favorite songs filling the air. With each passing mile, we found ourselves reminiscing about past adventures as siblings. We stopped for food along the way, relishing in the simple joys of shared meals and sibling banter.
Upon arriving in Austin, the streets buzzed with life, filled with students sharing laughter, food, and good times. Despite being newcomers, we instantly connected with the youthful crowd, feeling right at home amidst the lively atmosphere.

Driven by our appetites, we sought out a local spot near Texas A&M University, eager to satisfy our cravings with Indian street food. Though it was a long time back, I remember grabbing a bite and sitting outside on a few benches and just enjoying each other’s company.
After my presentation at McCombs, we strolled around the university, soaking in the atmosphere of academia. Visiting universities had become a tradition for us whenever we explored a new city, and adding McCombs to our list felt like a meaningful addition. Though I didn’t win the prize I had hoped for, the memories we made together were priceless, marking this visit as one for the books.

We embarked on a journey to the Texas State Capitol, immersing ourselves in its captivating architecture and delving into its rich history.

And a visit to the Zilker Botanical Garden provided the perfect backdrop for a memorable picnic, surrounded by the beauty of nature. The Zilker Botanical Garden was truly a gem nestled within the city, offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle.

As we bid farewell at the airport, a bittersweet feeling washed over us, knowing our journey had reached its end. However, the anticipation of future adventures lingered in the air, fueled by the countless surprises life had in store for us.
In the seven years since our last trip, our bond had only grown stronger, marked by numerous excursions. Our families had expanded during this time, adding new dimensions to our shared experiences. Though we are still miles apart, we eagerly awaited the chance to reunite once again, eager to create new memories and share our cherished bond with the next generation and our partners.


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