So after the debacle last year, we decided not to go to Scarborough for our anniversary this year. San Antonio has been on our List for quite a while now, and we hadn't yet been, so we drove down there Friday afternoon. We chose the Menger Hotel because
The hotel was beautiful! It's huge – covering the entire block. It was built and added on to and renovated at different times so the whole thing is quite a warren of halls and steps and ramps. There's a beautiful garden courtyard with tables and rocking chairs where you can eat, or just sit and enjoy the beauty.
Inside is quite beautiful too. It's loaded with antiques and artwork, most have been in the hotel for over a hundred years.
This leaded glass skylight was added in 1909.
The riverwalk was incredible. Hard to believe it's in the middle of a city – eighth largest in the US, I was told. It's incredibly lush and beautiful – and peaceful despite the throngs of people.
This is one of the many arched foot bridges over the river.
I was amazed by this tree. It's so huge! One interesting thing is that when the river flooded in the past, little trees would be caught in the branches of bigger trees and would grow there. Makes for a very interesting canopy over the river. Unfortunately, my camera was being cranky when we were on the boat tour and I didn't get a shot of it. Very strange looking – this root ball and tree growing in the overhead branches of a completely different tree.
Up the steps, over the river, down the steps. Up the steps, over the river, down the steps. Up the steps, over the river, down the steps. Up the steps to the street, wander a ways, down the steps to the river. Up the steps, over the river, down the steps. I have no idea how many steps we climbed, nor do I really want to know. This trip might actually have been good for me, if it were not for breakfasts and dinners… yum.
San Antonio is named after St. Anthony, the patron saint of… a lot of things, apparently, but “the poor” is what the tour guide said.
I don't remember what this building was, but it had gargoyles and “grotesques” adorning the building. I couldn't get a good shot of the gargoyles because they were extremely high up.
The riverwalk is a man-made U shaped loop attached to the San Antonio river, designed to control flooding. It's also home to much bird life. Here's a family of ducks we saw when we took the boat tour. The tour guide stopped the boat to allow the little family to cross the river. It's crooked because I was leaning over the side to get the shot.
Part of the riverwalk actually goes into Rivercenter Mall. I have to tell you, that is truly an awesome mall.
Saturday, we went to the Alamo. The grounds were very beautiful and peaceful. I enjoyed just wandering around reading the historical plaques and absorbing the atmosphere. We couldn't get around to the front of the Alamo because they were setting up for some benefit concert that was to be held on Monday.
The weekend was relatively sprog-free. Well, sort of. Ok, not really, but I was more amused than not. Two annoying incidents: At the restaurant Friday night, some “father” was of course overstimulating his daughter – she was probably 6 or 7 years old. Note to parents: If you must bring your child to a $25-30/entree restaurant, don't tickle them until they shriek. kthxbye.
Also, if you must park your SUV stroller while trying to figure out where you're going, don't do it crossways across the entire sidewalk, especially right next to the crosswalk. Idiot.
But the amusing incident that made the others less annoying was at the Alamo. As I was watching the koi, a family wandered into the vicinity. Mom, Dad, at least two school age kids. One, probably 9 or 10 (way too old to be acting that way) was crying whining about not wanting to be there. The mom very calmly and quite correctly told him to knock it off now, or else. As they walked off, the kid was still crying and complaining and I just burst into laughter. Bed, made, lie babe. I'm enjoying my tour of historical sites, staying as long as I please, and going where I like. Best part is, I never have to deal with a bratty child.
Saturday's dinner was fantastic. We discovered that there's a Pat O' Brien in San Antonio. This was happy news for
They had an appetizer of battered and fried alligator chunks – they were delicious.
There was a fountain.
They set it on fire.
Fire. Water. Two of my favorite things!
The patio was really nice. And the weather the entire weekend was just about perfect!
There's a real pretty gazebo in Alamo Plaza, right in front of our hotel. Apparently, someone feeds the pigeons frequently because they have no fear whatsoever. At one point there was a guy feeding the pigeons from his hand – they were landing on his arm to take the bread. That was later though; earlier we got these shots.
I love this shot. This little girl looked so awestruck as the pigeons were crowding around her to get the Frito chips (which, apparently, were invented in San Antonio).
And last, but not least, an actual good pic of
And, because I don't completely hate this picture, here's one with me in it. Too bad
We got back Sunday afternoon, brought the brats home from boarding today, and it's back to the working world tomorrow.
For now, bed. I'm gonna try to catch up with you guys this week, and hopefully I'll get my sick laptop back soon.
Wow…unexpectedly beautiful! The river walk reminds me of many places in Europe.
You’re right – those Koi would definitely give the kookaburras a run for their money! I thought of getting some, but prefer the look of goldfish.
Awesome photos – too many to comment on individually. But it looks like a lovely weekend, and I really enjoyed my glimpse of it. Thanks for sharing.
Awesome!
I know quite a few people that go to San Antonio for vacation, but your pictures really made an impression on me. Everything looked wonderful! I should save my coins and go there one weekend. :-)