Thoughts on New Year's Eve

When you think about it, New Year's Eve is just about the worst night of the year to go to bars. I live in downtown Austin and frequent the numerous bars that are within walking distance of my loft. But tonight I will studiously avoid them.

I can go to bars any night of the year. If I can arrange to meet, or just bump into, friends, I'll usually have a good time. New Year's Eve is no different except:

Bars that don't usually have a cover charge will stick you for $25 - $100 just to get in the door.
There will be many more drunk people throwing up in the streets and getting into fights.
The lines to get in the bars, and the waiting time to get drinks, will be longer than usual.
Parking (which wouldn't affect me) will be difficult to find.

I plan to go to some relatively low-key house parties instead.

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