Ole'

Nope ... we're not on the Autobahn in Germany.  This 85mph highway (I-130) here in south central Texas is this nation's highest legal speed limit interstate.  Running roughly north/south in parallel with traffic choked I35 between Waco and San Antonio, this toll road was all but empty of traffic.  I've taken the highway several times because I think it's just plain safer than I35.  I think the old TrailBlazer would still do 85mph but not under my watch.  Both the car and driver are far more comfortable at 75mph. So if you're ever travelling north/south through Texas and have a few extra buck for the toll charge, enjoying driving without bumper to bumper traffic, give it a try.  You'll bypass most of Austin, all of San Marcos and New Braunfels, and enter San Antonio when you connect to west bound I-10.

Go baby ... go

Our day trip today was San Antonio.  Though not quite as big as Austin, it sure seems as if it is.  With a freeway system that resembles a bowl of spaghetti, getting around the sprawling city keeps your hands on the wheel and eyes not gawking around.  Therefore it's a nightmare for me.  I like to look around and see the sights but not a good thing to do here.  After a little shopping on the west side of town we decided to head downtown to the big city market.  With Mexican knick knacks of all descriptions and neat things like the pottery below, it's fun to see what other cultures make for us tourists.

Hand Painted Pottery R Us

Knick-Nack Patty-Wack ... Something for all

Located across the street from the market was a place we last visited when our kids flew down here about five years ago. Mi Tierra Cafe and Bakery (www.mitierracafe.com))... a combination Mariachi bar, restaurant, and bakery ... virtual wall-to-wall eye candy.  Bright colors, spinning shiny mobiles suspended from the tin covered ceiling, a Mariachi guitar player warming up with an old George Benson jazz tune, crystal white table clothes on Spanish style tables, and ... and a long glassed-in case filled with some of very special goodies.

My bride ready for some south-of-the-border goodies 

Here's what you're greeted with when you walk through the door.  How could you not like this place?

The place where smiles are born.

Colors, textures, nuts, fruits ... I could on and on.  Pralines of all types and colors.

Mexican bakeries know how to tempt you.

So another day trip is in the log.  Other than the intense traffic on the west side of San Antonio, it was another rewarding and beautiful clear day in Texas.

Still livin' the dream in Central Texas ... but not for long as we're hitting the road again soon.

Phil