Deep In the Heart of Texas

It seems like every big town has a Market Square.  San Antonio is no different and it has one that is a three-block outdoor plaza lined with restaurants, shops and produce stands near San Antonio's city center.  It is the largest Mexican market in the U.S. and one of America's top -ten outdoor markets.  The square has many artists, musicians and dancers to entertain the shoppers.  Needless to say that’s what we read about it and we had to be off to check it out.  We think we were there about 30 years ago but I’ll tell you if either of us could remember where we had shopped that long ago, we’d really be doing good.

Off came the kayaks from the top of the Jeep.  We didn’t know where we’d be parking and certainly didn’t think we’d do well if we had to go into a parking garage.  Then, we headed to city center.  Since it was a Sunday, the place was packed.  There were quite a few parking lots around the El Mercado but they had big signs advertising $20 to park in their lot!  Wow!  Perhaps, it was just Sunday but we figured we’d try again on a weekday.  Next stop was the Riverwalk.

Riverwalk

  

Again, there were quite a few parking lots within a short distance of the Alamo and the Riverwalk.  Actually, the Riverwalk winds around the center of town for about 5 miles so we had lots of places to choose from.  We pulled into one lot just a couple blocks from the Alamo.  Price to park was $7.  We were okay with that one but not the $20 fee. 

The little restaurants were packed.  Everyone in San Antonio it seemed had picked this day to eat lunch by the river.  However, it didn’t take long and soon we were sitting on the edge of the water too.  We had a few guests stop by asking for a handout.  These guests were used to the people and the handouts. Look how close this one got.  No fear there!

We didn’t take a boat ride but we’ll be back.  This is such a festive area and we love it here but I’m sure we’d like it more with a lot less people.  Next stop was the Alamo.  We had no intention of going inside this time.  The line was long and we’ll hold that tour off until Sandi gets here next week.

Sunday was a little breezy but it was also a beautiful warm day.  Maybe we’ve got that cold stuff behind us.  We’re hoping that we have at least. When it's warm we aren't stuck inside.  We can sit outside and enjoy things a bit more.

Tuesday morning we made a trip to the San Antonio airport.  Terry needed to get back to Portland for a doctor’s appointment.  I had no trouble entertaining myself for the rest of the day. I started wtih Hobby Lobby since it was on the way back from the airport.  Then, it was a little bike ride and a book to finish.  Duchess and I sure enjoyed soaking up the sunshine.  I also got out the barbecue and put a steak on.  Before I knew it, the day was over.   Now I just have to figure out what I want to do on Wednesday.  We’ve done a lot of stuff here in the past but that doesn’t mean I don’t want to do it again.  What shall I do  --  maybe visit a mission or maybe just sit outside in the gorgeous sunshine and read another book?

‘Tis life on the road.

They say that love is more important than money, but have you ever tried to pay for your RV site with a hug?