Remember the Alamo! — Patti Part Two

Hello San Antonio! I spent a few days there last week at a work meeting - but not our usual work meeting. The usual meeting doesn't include free time to sightsee - but thanks to my great manager Roger we had a productive meeting AND had a bit of free time for fun!

Keeley and I spent a long weekend in San Antonio about 4 years ago and we had a blast. If anything - it has gotten even better. The River Walk area is really the main attraction, but the downtown area around it is really expanding and lots of boutique shops and local restaurants are popping up.

Our hotel wasn't right on the River Walk but it was close - only about two blocks away. When we were checking in we were greeted by this.......

They had a peacock family roaming around the property! That's the male. They warned us not to approach the female and her babies so we steered clear but definitely saw them.

We had some time before heading to dinner so Traci and I walked over to the River Walk. It was quiet but I love all the waterfalls, bridges, cool restaurants and shops.

Beautiful landscaping everywhere you look.

Dinner that night was at Rosario's - a very traditional Mexican cafe. Not right on the River Walk but in the downtown area and just a short walk from the hotel. Not everyone attending the meeting arrived in time to go but we had a fun group.

Day Two we wrapped up the meeting in time for some of us to walk over to The Alamo. Sometimes I am shocked at how little history I either know or remember, but to actually be there makes it so much more real to me and I am fascinated now to learn about it all. The Alamo dates back to 1718 and started as a mission. In fact I learned that San Antonio was part of Mexico until the battle in 1836! Then it was part of the Republic of Texas until Texas became part of the United States in 1845. And Davy Crockett died there.

The original complex was much larger then the existing area but what is remaining is very interesting. The tall building in the lower right corner was originally a hospital. It reminded me a little of Notre Dame in Paris as it has gargoyle's all aro… — The original complex was much larger then the existing area but what is remaining is very interesting. The tall building in the lower right corner was originally a hospital. It reminded me a little of Notre Dame in Paris as it has gargoyle's all around the top.

Next up - dinner on the River Walk. We met the rest of the group at a very nice restaurant called Boudros. The guacamole was prepared right at your table and was fantastic! They had a great selection of steaks, seafood and upscale Mexican options.

Kim is toasting with the signature cocktail - the Prickly Pear Margarita. Salmon for me and then we shared some delicious desserts!

You can't visit San Antonio and not do a River Boat Tour so that's where we headed. The boats are more like barges and seat about 30 or so people. The driver narrates the history of the river and the various buildings as you drive through the canals. Last time I did it during the day so it was fun to see it at night with the lights on. Both are good - just different.

The last day we wrapped up the meeting about 11 AM so people could head to the airport. Since our flight back to KC wasn't until mid-afternoon we had time for one more area - The Pearl. If you like beer you might be familiar with Pearl Beer - so it's the area where the Pearl Brewery is located. It's on the river but not by the River Walk. It's a really cool area. In addition to the brewery there is a wonderful hotel called Hotel Emma. There are boutiques and amazing restaurants.

I wish we had more time there! Definitely need to get back.

We had a great fun lunch at La Gloria. They call it Mexican street food but I am certainly not an expert. The menu is reasonably priced and mostly small plates to share. So we just ordered a bunch of different things and tried them all. Beef tacos, Mexican pizza, roasted corn, and something called Molcajetes which came in a large bowl and was skirt steak in chile Padilla sauce. It came with warm flour tortillas and was delicious. They also had quite a few fresh homemade juices. No margarita's since it was lunch!

A new teammate - the sombrero needs to go!!

Back to KC! Heading out again this Saturday - check back for another fun adventure!!! Going somewhere I haven't been before but it's been on my list. Pat Conroy is one of my favorite authors so that's a clue.

"Who lives sees much, who travels sees more." Arabian Proverb

Make it a great week!!