The third level of the Convention Center. Heard of it. Knew it was there. Saw the signs. But how the hell to get there? I heard there was a magic escalator but couldn’t find it. Found an elevator the size of a small closet that moves at the speed of ice melting. I’m harried. WiFi was down and I hadn’t checked e-mail and that always puts me on edge during SXSW. They turned me away at the Press room even though I showed them I worked for the Austin Chronicle. Nothing like feeling like the bastard child. Oh, the room police were just doing their job. It’s the first day and you have to expect these kinds of things.

So, finally found the Brigadoon level of the Convention Center otherwise known as level three. WiFi works here. Sort of. At least it’s quiet here.

Someone waiting for the elevator said they heard the mystery staircase was actually outside the building (!!). Every nodded like they believed that could be true.

This article appears in March 9 • 2007.

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