We hopped on the Mission Trail at the San Antonio Missions National Historic Park, beginning with a tour of the San Jose Mission. San Jose is one of 5 missions that were established by the Franciscans in the 1700s to Christianize the native people and make them Spanish citizens. Such beauty surrounded us – billowing bushes of flowers growing next to sprawling mesquite trees near the remarkable ancient structures built almost 300 years ago. The kids each earned another Junior Ranger badge. We all toured the museum and learned that with the arrival of the Europeans, the native populations of Indian tribes were decimated. Our next stop was the Alamo. We toured the grounds and went into the main building where we looked at artifacts which belonged to the soldiers who fought to gain Texas' freedom (including several used by David Crockett). By 1:00, we were all feeling a bit peckish, so we headed for the River Walk located downtown. River Walk was built in 1929. It incorporates and expands upon the San Antonio River which flows through the city. Today it is a beautiful area to shop, dine or just stop and have a drink while enjoying the architecture (there are little bridges that cross the water here and there) and lush greenery. We settled in to Casa Rio for a tremendous Mexican feast – quesadillas, tamales, tacos, enchiladas and so much more. Delicious, generous portions at decent prices – perfect! After Casa Rio, we took a river boat tour of the district. We took a rest and a relaxing swim back at the hotel before heading out for a night on the town, sans children ;). Following the recommendation of our good friend Paulette, we went to Howl at the Moon, a dueling piano bar located down along the River Walk. Not sure what to have, I ordered the Pama-Rita – 1800 Silver Tequila, PAMA Pomegranate Liquor and Cranberry juice all mixed up in my very own 24 oz., foot-tall drinking glass. When I ordered, the barmaid remarked how they had these great new drinks on the menu but were not given the recipes, then proceeded to hoist the bottles skyward for what seemed like an eternity. Pama-Rita=tasty. Music and entertainment at Howl at the Moon=fantastic. At times the pianists, who sang along to tunes requested by the crowd were joined by a bass guitarist, drummer, saxophonist and electric guitarist. These guys were talented (hopping around from instrument to instrument and playing each equally well) and funny (jokes too naughty to write here) and had both James and I singing along (is that a good thing or a bad thing?). Anyway, by the time we left Howl at the Moon, James and I had decided San Antonio was one fun city with a lot more for us to see – perhaps without the children next time…. After collapsing back at the hotel, I began to drift off to sleep, but so many questions were running through my head. Why are we driving Mexican people out of the country when they inhabited this land before us? How did 200 men defend themselves against thousands of Mexican troops in order to gain ‘Texian’ freedom? How did I manage to choke down all those tortilla chips, salsa, tamales, enchiladas, beans and rice without getting sick? Why didn’t the city planners in Boston have the foresight to make a River Walk out of the Charles? Will I ever learn to play the piano so well that I can jam to any tune I please like the guys at Howl at the Moon? Is Ruby who works down at the front desk a man or a woman? I digress. It really makes no difference to me…. Got to get to sleep now. Long drive to Carlsbad tomorrow.
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