Friday, April 24, 2009

San Antonio ! Ole!

Here we are, in beautiful San Antonio, Texas. Unbeknownst to us, we picked the week of the 'FIESTA' to be here. Ai Caramba !!! What good luck! It wasn't too crowded, as I feared, and there were so many colorful things to see and do. We had a great time. We are leaving today, so here are a few shots of our trip. 

The Alamo in the evening. It was much more interesting than I thought it would be! Once you get inside, you can go into the courtyards and gardens, too.
San Antonio is small, so you can basically walk everywhere.


This is the Arneson theatre along the Riverwalk, a MAJOR tourist attraction in San Antonio. (Most of the big hotels are right on the Riverwalk.) There is an outdoor amphitheater across the narrow river from this theatre that seats 600 people, so you view the plays across the water. Sightseeing barges cruise along even during  performances.


We took one of the narrated barge trips. $5 and worth it. Beautiful views. The overhead bridges are regular streets of San Antonio. The Riverwalk is below street level, and when you're on it, you have no clue you're in a big city at all. 


Another view of the river. Ducks float around minding their own business with their little ducklings. Sweet.


Most restaurants have tables right along the edge of the river. No railings mostly. Why more people don't end up in the drink, I don't know. Especially in the evenings when folks make their own fiestas.


The sides of the Riverwalk are loaded with many wonderful restaurants, bars and some shops.
A Ben and Jerry's and a CVS, too!!


One of the barges that cruise the San Antonio River.


A Mariachi band, straight ahead, from the barge trip we took. The horns and strings reverberate throughout the area. Very pleasant.


One of the many picturesque walkway bridges going over the river. Flowers and tropical foliage everywhere.


Walking under a street bridge on the Riverwalk.


View of the San Fernando Cathedral (oldest Cathedral in the United States, they claim) from our room on the 14th floor. (By the WAY, this is really the 13th floor...who do they think they are kidding? In the elevator, the rooms go from 12 to 14....) I just don't get superstitions.

Rooftop pool at our hotel. Two hot tubs, too. We got a free full breakfast every morning, and a happy hour every evening, with 3 free drinks per person (wine, beer and mixed drinks) with munchies. 

It was a wonderful vacation. Mucho great weather, mucho great food and mucho great times!  But we always have a good time.....

Adios, Amigos!

17 comments:

Pink Feather Paradise said...

now that is the type of post that does wonders for the tourist trade... there should be a discount for people staying if they prove they have a blog to promote their facilities and attractions on... I want to go on holiday there now! it looks fantastic... I am glad you had a lovely time and thank you for sharing!

x Alex

Teri and her Stylish Adventure Cats said...

Ahhhh, what a wonderful springtime getaway! I have never been there but everyone raves about it and this is the time of year...before it's tooo hot. Very pretty, cool and green and nice view from the hotel, too!

Carol Murdock said...

Elenka....thank you so much for the lovely tour! I wouldn't mind going there myself!
Your pictures are really good!

Debbie said...

What a beautiful place. I would so love to visit.

Anonymous said...

I remember standing near The Alamo thirty years ago - I didn't know you could go inside! Maybe we young Aussie student teachers were just pushed for time - it was near the end of a road trip right around the U.S. after prac. teaching. San Antonio was unbelievably hot. The photos of The Alamo bought it all back. Thanks so much.Looks like you had a great time.

Diary From Africa said...

Wow, looks like a stunning place - thanks for sharing the photo's with us, & congratulations on your anniversary, too !!

mary evelyn said...

wow, what gorgeous pictures! do you think you'll do a painting, or pastel out of one of them?

san antonia looks amazing. i've never been, but i'd love to go.

Elenka said...

Yes, I do plan to do some paintings.....after I, ahem, recover !

Kris said...

Elenka, Thanks for sharing the photos. I visited San Antonio about 17 years ago. It was beautiful then and I see it's still a very beautiful city. We went during thanksgiving week and believe it or not there was snow on the ground when we got there. When we left 3 days later the temp was 70+.

Can't wait to see your paintings.

Kris

Renie Burghardt said...

Hi Elenka,

Just about everyone that goes to San Antonio raves about it. Your pictures are beautiful. I enjoyed seeing them and reading about your wonderful vacation. Now I am hankering to go there, too.

Thank you so much for the visit. I hope you visit again. I will be back. You have a great blog!

Renie

Michele said...

Hi! Thanks for stopping by my blog! Your photos are beautiful! If you have any tips let me know!

Candy's daily Dandy said...

That looks like an amazing trip.

You are a better blogger than I, you blog on vacation....

Mary Ellen said...

Everyone I know who has been to San Antonio has loved it. The Riverwalk is on my list of places I must go. I've also heard much about the music, which especially calls to me. I'm so glad you got to have such a terrific vacation!

Liz Harrell said...

What a fabulous trip! I've always wanted to go there.

Balisha said...

Hi elenka,
My daughter lived there for a while. Beautiful river walk.I really enjoyed my visits. Your pictures brought back some memories. Balisha

Anonymous said...

What a great vacation!!! Love the pictures. I almost feel like I went along with you. I wish I had known you were going. My cousin lives there now. From the pictures, I can see why she doesn't want to leave and move back to New England.

Old Centennial Farmhouse said...

Oh, Gosh! I love the "tour", I've always wanted to go see Texas (GOD BLESS TEXAS!) and you've inspired me...how wonderful, the bright colors and lovely old-ness! Thanks!
XOXO
Joni