We headed into the heart of the San Antonio, TX without a firm plan other than a place to park. The Visitor's information center had given Joani directions making it relatively painless to get there. Construction, one-way streets, and limited information on Google Maps created just a little bit of confusion. It was probably no worse than any trip I have made inside the perimeter in Atlanta. The parking garage was very close to everything we wanted to visit and signs everywhere made walking pretty easy. Of course, we could have just followed the crowds - spring break meant there were a lot of visitors in downtown San Antonio.
We started with the most famous, or at least one of the most famous, Texas landmarks of all, the Alamo. The city has been built up on all sides of the old mission, but its character can still be seen from the right angles.
Joani immediately noticed a squirrel stuffing his little face while ignoring the throng of visitors parading by his perch.
The squirrel was feasting on the fruit of the Thornless Prickly Pear Cactus.
The Alamo grounds were beautiful and easily made one forget they were in the middle of a thriving Texas city of nearly 1.5 million people.
Walter Whall started San Antonio's first tree moving company. This Live Oak was approximately forty years old when Whall brought it to the Alamo around 1912.
The early history of the area was neatly encapsulated on a few boards outside the gift shop. Inside were some of the best dioramas I have ever seen depicting the chaos of battle on the morning of March 6, 1836 (unfortunately, the photos did not do them justice).
The Tower of the Americas is a 750 ft. tall tower with a revolving restaurant built for the 1968 World's Fair.
I remember thinking, in Utah, that a flag salesman must have struck it rich there, judging by the number of American flags displayed in front of so many businesses and homes. In Texas, the same can be said, except that everyone flies the Texas state flag. That clearly said something about the Texans' feelings of independence.
Beautiful architecture and artwork were evident everywhere, as we ambled through the streets of San Antonio.
Historic Houston street had some very wonderful old buildings.
We tried to slip into the Majestic Theatre to look around, but it was not to be. This was the best I could do through the locked door.
The River Walk was unique in our experience. I was surprised that there were some narrow parts of the walk with no railings to keep one from falling into the river. Joani said if I fell in I could just stand up since it was only a few feet deep. I'm not really sure that made me feel less vulnerable, but the River Walk was truly a fantastic addition to this wonderful city.
I loved the River Walk! San Antonio deserves a return visit in the future.
Spring is in the air! What a busy Mallard mamma!
With the water taxis and the arched bridges, I suspect the planners might have drawn a bit of inspiration for the project from Venice, Italy.
La Villita Historic Arts Village was full of unrealized potential - cute, but not very lively.
Little Church at La Villita was built in 1879.
The Arneson River Theatre was built in 1939-1941 and can seat 800 on the grass terraces.
I think that stone masons have a wonderful sense of humor.
Everything was fine...
...and then she goosed him!
"Goggles! I don't need no stinking goggles!"
The view from the parking garage did not disappoint.
This massive copper cornice had such a patina. How is this not dripping green down the sandstone!
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