40th Anniversary

After visiting the gardens, we did a little shopping and then set out for an anniversary dinner in Riverwalk.

Still so impressed with the flowers.

We had lots of restaurants to choose from, but because it was Cinco de Mayo it was a bit crazy.  There was Coyote Ugly and Hard Rock.

Plus the other extreme Ostra's.

We selected Boudro's on the Riverwalk. Highly rated on Yelps and indoors air conditioning with a great view.

We both had prime rib, Bob's blackened and mine regular and then raspberry cobbler.

We finished the day with a walk by the river.

Of course what's an anniversary without a little Bling Ring. Love you Bob, thanks for a perfect and a wonderful 40 years.

San Antonio Botanical Gardens

Friday, Bob and I headed out early to avoid the heat, we wanted to spend some time at the San Antonio Botanical Gardens. The Bristo and the entrance to the gardens is in an old carriage house.

We loved the formal rose garden.

We had to visit the bird blind.  It was great, it had a fan.

There was a conservatory that housed the regional habitates.

Orchids in one exhibit and cacti in another.

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Waterlilies were beautiful!

On the way out more, and more flowers.

Bob and I enjoying the day. We had lunch at the Carriage House Bristo.  From this picture it looks like Bob and I could skip a few lunches.

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Institute of Texas Cultures

On Thursday we went to the Texas Cultural Museum.  We have heard a lot about the German immigrants who came to Texas and their settling in the Hill Country of Texas and we were interested in learning more.  What we found out was many cultures had influences on Texas.

The museum was divided up into the different cultures that had influenced Texas and Texans.

First we went to the toy section.  Many of these old toys both Bob and I played with, we remember these books about Davy Crockett.

We next saw the French culture who introduced the hearse to Texas.

Different woodworking skills were brought from Germany and Hungry.

Clothing from Austria and Scotland.

The African American contribution, cottage and uniform of the Buffalo Soldier Uniform.

 

Indian culture.  Things that were useful and things that used to worship.

Their bowls and tipi are example of their creativity.

Other skills brought to Texas, quilting and Swedish weaving.

The museum was terrific.  There were many school classes visiting the museum and I thought what good lessons this was teaching.

After this we went to lunch and headed to the Central Market.

Another great day.

More Riverwalk and the Alamo

Riverwalk is beautiful.

Views of a cathedral.

A mural at the convention center, depicting the integration of the Hispanic Culture and the Texas culture.

Several waterfalls along the river.  This was one.

We left Riverwalk and walked over to the Alamo.

This is the Alamo.  We went to an IMAX movie about the Alamo.  It gave us a background and reminded us of why we are admonished to "Remember the Alamo."  We  had heard the Alamo itself wasn't much, but we felt differently.  We really enjoyed our visit.
This is the gift store built in 1936 by the Daughters of the Republic.   They have done a lot of work and research to keep this history alive.

There are beautiful gardens.

Beautiful fountain.

The research library for the Daughters of the Republic is here also.

We enjoyed our day.

Mission to San Antonio Finally on the Road Again

We left Dallas and headed to Mission to pick up the motorhome.  We stayed for a week, getting things in order with the motorhome, worked on medical bills, got Pralines groomed and got her a rabies shot.  We refilled the refrigerator and pantry and head to San Antonio.  Bob and I have never been to San Antonio, but we had hear good things. We stayed outside of the city at Lake Braunig RV Resort, which was recommended by Chico and Jackie. 

We set up and the next day we headed into San Antonio, starting out with breakfast at Schilo's Deli.  This is a German Deli dating back to 1917.

  

We had a great breakfast of eggs, brats, and biscuits.  The interior of this building was keep in the original design., booths, and wood tables.  Even an old ice box.

We left Schilo's and walked down to Riverwalk.

Our first view.

We decided we'd start our tour with a barge ride.

Beautiful architecture.

This Beehive Dome Building was the former Bexar County Courthouse.

Theater

We went from here to the Alamo and then back to Cafe Ole for a late lunch or early dinner.  Food and service were excellent.

Wonderful day.  See next blog for Alamo pictures and more pictures from our river tour.