Skip to main content

2023 Travels -- El Paso, Texas - Passport, Stanton House, Taft Diaz Bar and Savage Goods Coffee

Travel

Passport Rush in El Paso

A quick trip recap — Dallas to El Paso for same-day renewal

7:30 AM
Appointment Time
6 hrs
Total Duration
Same-Day
Renewal
Table of Contents
① Passport Appointment
② Night Before — Taft Diaz Bar
③ Hotel Stay — Stanton House
④ Morning — Savage Goods Coffee
⑤ Exploring El Paso
⑥ Lunch at Sabor
 
Overview

The Mission

I recently found myself in a bit of a bind with an expired passport that needed urgent renewal. I managed to secure a same-day appointment at the Passport Office in El Paso, making the trip from Dallas. While the journey had its share of turbulence, the trip was smooth overall.

Section I

Passport Appointment Details

Detail Info
Appointment Time 7:30 AM
Interview Called 9:00 AM
Passport Ready ~1:00 PM (called early)
Office Closes 3:00 PM

I arrived at the office, was called for my interview at 9 AM, and observed that others who arrived before me also got their appointments around 1 PM. They mentioned they would call if my passport was ready early, which they did.

The office closes at 3 PM — it's beneficial to stay nearby with a hotel reservation so you can return quickly if called early.
Section II

Night Before — Taft Diaz Bar

On the evening before my appointment, I relaxed at the Taft Diaz Bar in the hotel:

  • → Suntory Toki Old Fashioned — $16 (preferred over the regular version)
  • → Al Pastor Tacos — $5 each (delicious!)
 
Section III

Hotel Stay — Stanton House

I chose to stay at the Stanton House, which was conveniently located near the Passport Office. It was a nice, slightly upscale hotel for what I needed.

A few pics nearby the Passport Office El Paso in the Anson Mills building.

   

Section IV

Morning — Savage Goods Coffee

After my appointment, I headed to Savage Goods Coffee for breakfast:

  • → Cortado — $4 (excellent)
  • → Cappuccino — $4 (better than most in Dallas)
  • → Breakfast Burrito — $6 (delicious!)
 
Section V

Exploring El Paso

With some time to spare after breakfast, I wandered around the open-air shopping district in downtown El Paso:

  • → Shopping — A few blocks of inexpensive clothing boutiques.
  • → Art Museum — Free admission. Small but modern — a nice place to cool off.
 
Section VI

Lunch at Sabor

For lunch, I chose Sabor at the Hotel Paso Del Norte, which was across the plaza from the Passport Office. Though pricier than Stanton House, it was a nice option:

 

  • → Carne Asada Tacos — Good but average for El Paso.
  • → IPA — Paired with the tacos.
Departure from El Paso

Once I had my passport in hand and confirmed everything was in order, I headed to the El Paso Airport (ELP) to fly home. The city was clean and felt safe, and I was satisfied with how everything turned out for this quick trip.

 

El Paso Passport Office · same-day renewal · Stanton House · ELP departure


Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Sony MDR-ZX100 vs ZX-110 vs ZX-310 Series Headphones

Gear Review Budget Audio Face-off: Sony ZX Series Review Comparing the ZX-100, ZX-110, and ZX-310 for your everyday carry ~3 Models ~$10–$20 Price 2.5+ Years Longevity Table of Contents ① Build Quality ② Cost Comparison ③ Sound Quality ④ Overall Value ⑤ Upgrade Path Section I Build Quality The Sony ZX series headphones primarily feature a durable plastic construction. My ZX-100 has lasted over 2½ years, enduring countless tosses into my backpack and car without any issues. However, the lower-end ZX-100 and ZX-110 models have a significant downside: poor-quality earpads.   The Earpad Problem Over time, the earpads on the ZX-100 and ZX-110 disintegrate, leaving vinyl flakes that stick to your hair and ears. The ZX-310 comes with upgraded earpads that don't suffer from this problem — a clear win in the build department. Tip: If your earpads start to flake, it is a sign of material degradation; consider replacing the cushions or upgrading to a model with more durable synthetic lea...
9 comments
Read more

Casio G-Shock 5600 vs 6900 vs 9000

Gear Review Finding the Perfect Fit: My G-Shock Journey A deep dive into balancing form, function, and wrist presence. 4 Models Tested 2 Favorite Series 1 Non-negotiable Feature Table of Contents ① The Quest for Size ② Best Compromise: G9000 Mudman Series ③ Feature Needs: G/GW vs DW ④ The Lineup: Models at a Glance ⑤ Final Verdict: 5600 Wins Section I The Quest for Size After trying out several G-Shock models, I've developed a better sense of the specific features and design elements I appreciate most. While features are always a plus, my main priority is size. Here's how some of the models I've tried stack up. 5600 Series For overall size, the 5600 series stands out as a favorite due to its compact, comfortable form. It's slim, lightweight, and fits well on my wrist without being too bulky. Although the 6900 series provides the benefit of a well-placed front illumination button, the 5600 remains the ideal size for everyday wear.   Section II Best Compromise: G900...
Post a Comment
Read more

Casio MTD 1010 the $30 Submariner Homage

Diver-Style Watches  ·  Budget Horology Casio MTD-1010 Oyster Quartz  ·  Ref. MTD-1010-1AV The Best Budget Submariner Homage $30 eBay Price 41.5mm Case Size 10 ATM Water Resistance 20mm Lug Width If you're on the hunt for an affordable watch that channels the classic diver aesthetic of the Submariner, look no further than the Casio MTD-1010. Priced at around $30 on eBay, this model offers incredible value for anyone who loves a good deal.   Table of Contents ① Affordable Elegance ② Function Over Frills ③ Best Bang for Your Buck ④ Specs & Practical Tips Section I Affordable Elegance The MTD-1010 strikes a bala...
3 comments
Read more