Traveling to San Antonio during the pandemic was a calculated risk. Texas had banned vaccine and mask mandates, but the ASRS meeting gave me a chance to present a talk, moderate a session, and serve as panelist. To minimize COVID risk, I was determined to avoid large gatherings and free meals, and planned a 4-day quarantine post travel. I checked into the resort on Saturday in time to catch the first poster session, then found a quiet corner at the Genentech reception for some BBQ brisket, mac n’ cheese, and sweet tea with a colleague. I spent the next day meeting with industry partners, and ended with a dip in the pool followed by gator bites and lobster tchoupitolas at Smashin Crab. I attended more of the meeting Monday, but spent the afternoon exploring the city. My first stop was the Alamo – the Franciscan mission that became the site of the resistance for Texan independence from Mexico that ended with a siege and massacre in 1836. After my audio-guide tour of the cultural icon, I embarked on my own walking tour of the city, stopping by the Menger Hotel, Buckhorn Saloon & Museum, and Majestic Theater, before strolling briefly past the river walk to the San Fernando Cathedral and Bexar County Courthouse on the way to the Historic Market Square. El Mercado is the largest Mexican market in the U.S., and gave me a chance to taste strawberry tres leches cake from Mi Tierra Cafe. After dining solo on gougeres and Duroc pork chop at Maverick, I returned to the hotel for a late-night swim and Squid Game before calling it a night. I presented on my last day, then hung out with my friend Parisa before a delayed flight and tight connection that at least let me enjoy a Smash Burger on the way back. The rest of the week was clinically busy, leaving me only time for two instant noodles and two visits to Pho Saigon over my four nights at an Airbnb guest room. I barely saw my host during the few hours I spent in the unit, but the quarantine did give me a chance to catch up with emails and grant writing in my office. I finally drove home on Saturday for virtual fellowship interviews from my home office until I got my negative COVID results. The grueling week away from my family left me longing for the COVID vaccine approval for children.