Image via CrunchBase

As you know – I’m usually the one in the driver’s seat and glad to be behind the wheel. Today – this was not the case and I couldn’t be happier! Have you ever wondered “who’s that” when you see an entourage with camera crew meeting and greeting someone at the airport? Well – today it was ME!

I had had no sleep and (ack no makeup!) as I arrived at the Airport in Austin for the SXSW conference. I checked in to Gowalla as I was leaving the plane. I was excited to see that I’d been randomly selected to get a ride from Chevy and Gowalla to my hotel. With thoughts of a queue of people lined up for a ride – I hurried along to the baggage claim to find out there was no queue – it was just me.

That’s right – as I was coming down the escalator there stood a group of people, one with my name on a sign, another with a camera and the third with some papers.

A little flustered, travel weary but excited I embarked with my entourage and our driver Scott to my hotel. Along the way I got to chat with Brad Mays of Fleishman Hillard, Josh Williams, Austin native, CEO and Co-Founder of Gowalla and Miker Stovall – listen in to our conversation :

The ride in the 2010 Chevy Tahoe was smooth and comfortable and I got to see some local color including a few motorcycle shops – sweet!- before arriving at my hotel where Josh Williams graciously allowed me to interview him about Gowalla and SXSW before carrying my bags into the hotel for me.

I felt like such a rockstar! It was a truly special experience and I enjoyed every minute of it. Thank you so much Gowalla and Chevrolet – it was a delightful surprise.

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