Autumn Break Adventures: My First F1 Experience in Austin!

🏎️✨There’s something truly special about spending your fall break like a true American college student — especially when it involves roaring engines, cheering crowds, and the thrill of Formula 1! This year, I was lucky enough to attend the F1 United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, thanks to a kind friend who gifted me a ticket. 🎫💖 We drove from Houston to Austin, cruising through the scenic Texan landscapes 🚗💨, and arrived at the Circuit of the Americas buzzing with excitement. The atmosphere was absolutely electric — grandstands packed with fans from all over the world, the deafening roar of engines, and that distinct smell of burnt rubber filling the air. It was a sensory overload in the best way possible! 🔥👂 That said, I learned a valuable lesson: not all tickets are created equal. We had general admission (aka grass passes), which meant we only caught fleeting glimpses of the cars as they zoomed past — a few seconds of thrill followed by long waits. The small screens didn’t help much either. Next time, I’m saving up for seats with a better view! 😅 But even so, being there live, feeling the track vibrate, and sharing the energy with fellow racing fans made it an unforgettable experience. A quick tip for future race-goers: even if it’s not super hot, the Texas sun is no joke! ☀️ Don’t forget to lather on that sunscreen, wear a hat, and stay hydrated. Trust me, your skin will thank you later. 🍗 Houston Pit Stops: Food & Vibes Before heading to Austin, we explored Houston — and let me tell you, its Chinatown did NOT disappoint! We tried the white cut chicken at Le Lai, and as a Cantonese food lover, I can confidently say: it was LEGIT. Tender, flavorful, and so authentic — it totally put Pittsburgh’s versions to shame. 🙌🍚 We also braved the lines at Truth BBQ — and oh, was it worth it! The brisket was smoky and juicy, the ribs fell right off the bone, and the sausage had just the right amount of spice. 🍖🔥 Pro tip: come early unless you want to wait for hours! 🎓 Rice University Visit We made a stop at Rice University, and wow — the campus was stunning. Lush green spaces, beautiful architecture, and such a peaceful, scholarly vibe. As a CMU student, I couldn’t help but feel a little envious… 😭🍃 The energy was so calm and inspiring — definitely a great place to study (and take aesthetic photos!). 🏙️ Final Thoughts on Houston Houston may not be packed with tourist attractions, but it’s got a comfortable, livable vibe. Friendly people, incredible food (especially from Asian and BBQ scenes), and a relaxed pace of life. I could totally see myself coming back — maybe for another F1 trip or just to eat my way through the city again! 👋🥰 📸✨ Swipe to see track moments + foodie highlights! #US #Texas#Austin