Since our daughter and family were staying in a small town some 20 miles south of us it was convenient that our coach's repair was taking place almost across the street from where they were. We had to stay in the coach while it was parked in the service area for two days but it made it easy to get into San Antonio with the kids.
Leigh and Scott had been to the River Walk on a previous business trip so we had expert tour guides. The grand kids, Austin and Allison, were excited to see all the new sights as well, constantly tugging us in whatever direction that enticed them. For those who haven't been to San Antonio the first things that will hit you is the size. Apparently the 8th largest city in the U.S. it certainly is busy. High speed interstates intersect the city at every angle but once you reach the inner city and the River Walk, most of the Nascar-like atmosphere disappears. A gentle river winds around and through the heart of the city creating an oasis of bright colors, restaurants, and shops of all kinds to hook the tourist and city worker alike. Our first luncheon stop, Cafe Ole', was an old favorite of Leigh and Scott so we settled in for tacos and the like. The cafe attracts many different kinds of visitors and this one didn't eat much... or tip much for that matter.
Sharon and I took off for the Alamo while the kids headed for the Ripley's wax museum. Each of these attractions were only one block for the River Walk.
The Alamo is a well kept historic shrine that most Texans revere. It's the site of an epic battle that formed the state's strong regional presence. Names like David Crockett and Jim Bowie became legends in their own right, giving their lives in defense of this little church and fort.
We'd all worked up an appetite so it was back to the River to find a spot to eat. I got to pick this time so I picked a place called Saltgrass. A steakhouse that did a superb job. We ate out on the patio overlooking the river. Our real goal was to celebrate our daughters birthday. It was really special for us to have her here to enjoy the day. It cooled off quite a bit so our waiter had a large heater brought over to keep us toasty. The river was all decorated for Christmas and it was a sight to see.
It was getting late and we still had a 45 minute drive but Leigh wanted to show us a Mexican bakery nearby. We hopped into the cars and within a few blocks we arrived.
Upon entering we discovered a 100 foot long display case with south of the border baked goods of all types and sizes. Most we had never seen and all looked delicious.
The adjoining rooms were a very ornately decorated restaurant with no less than three Mariachi bands playing. If it hadn't been late and we were already full, we could have easily spent a couple of hours there enjoying the food and music. A great day but with a bittersweet ending. Leigh, Scott, Allison and Austin were leaving the next morning to return to Michigan. Sharon and I really enjoyed them here and the time went way too quickly.
3 comments:
Holy Poop - That was a great little summary and love the photos!
Clyde Z.
San Antonio was spectacular. As Dad mentioned before, Scott and i had visited here last year, so we knew of a good mexican spot and a few good watering holes. We wanted to take the folks and the kids to Cafe Ole' our favorite restaraunt on the River Walk (last year we ate there 4 times).It's home to the 64oz margarita, Scott's favorite and the BEST salsa in Texas! We all had my bithday lunch and continued on on sightseeing. We skipped Coyote Ugly since the kids were with us, but I'm sure that Dad and Scott would have dropped in had we let them. We took the boat tour along the river and our tour guide Paul, was a riot. Bad jokes, but a great personality. Both the kids were pretty impressed and it was such a nice day to be out. Later that afternoon we visited the Alamo. Austin really liked it even though we didn't win the battle. That kinda bummed him out temporarily until he spotted the arcade across the street. We trekked over the Wax museum and the Ripleys Believe It Or Not museum to spend 1 glorious hour of my life I'll never get back. Thankfully, we got a military discount, so our wallets weren't in too much agony. We met back up with Mom and Dad for a terrific steak dinner. We all ate too much and still had one more stop. We headed over to Mi Terra's mexican bakery and cafe for a smorgasborg of mexican pasteries. Scott and I had loved them so much that I bought a dozen to take home with us back to Michigan. You gotta love a 24 hour bakery!!!!!! As the night winded down, I couldn't help thinking about our flight the next day. It was so great to see my parents and to share this time with them. Even at the age of 36 it's still so hard to say goodbye to the two people who mean so much to me. We made some great memories and had alot of laughs along the way. We all had the BEST time!!!! Thanks for everything Mom and Dad, we love you!!!! Merry Christmas!!!!
Merry Christmas. I am so happy that you got to see San Antonio. It is a great and safe city. Remember, as former motor home owners have said, the best 2 days in the life of a motor home owner are the days you bought it and the day that you sell it. I hope the electrical problem was no more than a loose fan belt.
I love reading your blog.
Mary
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