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Back from our cruise
Our vacation is over, back to the grind (!!!!) in our motor home. We flew to Barcelona, visited some famous sites, then went on a 3 week cruise that ended in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Amazingly, we only gained a few pounds after 2 weeks of intensive eating. We had a great time, and the best way to share it is through pictures. I’ve put a few on this page, but this link will take you to the photo albums:
Here is a beginning, ending, and middle of the cruise picture:
Sagrada Familia, in Barcelona
On the way
Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro
Toyota Tundra manufacturing plant
In 2006, Toyota opened a new plant to build Tundra pickup trucks just south of San Antonio, TX. In 2010 they added the Tacoma to the production line. They provide free tours, as well as a visitor center with additional displays about the history of the company, production techniques and statistics. However, no photos allowed so I only added a stock photo to this blog.
This plant has 2,200,00 sq. ft. of space, it is huge! It employs 6,000 people in 2 shifts, and trucks roll off the assembly line about 1 a minute – usually close to 1,000 trucks a day! That is one big number! Fortunately the whole tour was done on a tram otherwise it would have been too far to walk. If you have a chance, take the tour, it’s free and interesting.
San Antonio River
While the Riverwalk has made downtown San Antonio River, it is easy to overlook the importance of the San Antonio River itself. It really is the backbone of the city, and the city is responding with a major renovation of the river and its banks. Here you will find additional walkways, residential areas, and influential businesses.
We walked the river south from downtown. Immediately apparent is the various flood control projects, which lowers the rive some 12 feet after downtown. Then, you pass the HEB grocery store headquarters, with their own unique history. Originally a US Army Arsenal, HEB bought the closed facility in 1981 and moved their headquarters there. All renovation was done with an eye to maintaining buildings of historical significance.
A little further is what is now Pioneer Mills, a flour and baking goods provider with history to the mid 1800’s, when Carl Guenther opened a flour mill on the San Antonio River. Over the years it has grown to the current size, and the original Guenther house is a much visited museum, store, and restaurant.
Flood control gates just south of downtown
HEB HQ viewed from the river walk
River walk - pleasant, shady, and scenic
Pioneer Flour Mills, on the river
On the way back to downtown
San Jose Mission, Texas
The misions in Texas were actually villages that were enclosed by a wall for protection. The main feature was a church, hence the name “mission”. The most famous was the Alamo, of historical fame. But there were five others along the San Antonio river, all with a unique history. The largest of these is the San Jose mission, about 5 miles south of the Alamo.
As part of the Recovery Act of 1933, much of these sites were rebuilt and restored. They are now part of the rich history of Texas in particular, and the USA in general. The various sites are now part of the National Park Service, which provides historical tours. We enjoyed our visit to the San Jose mission.
A view of the wall and watch tower
Inside the wall, looking towards the church
A view of the church. Notice the Moorish influence in the dome...
One of the arched walkways and gathering areas
An elaborate door archway
Inside the hall used for grain and food storage
An archway showing definitive European influence
Decoration showing Mexican/Indian heritage
International Accordion Festival
Wow, International Accordion Festival — does that sound corny or what? In reality, it was a lot of fun. This was the tenth Festival, played on the Arneson stage in San Antonio. Every hour a new band, each with their own musical style (and origin), made for a large variety. Be it Zydeco, Latino or Polka, there was something for everyone.
Even people on the river cruises had something to enjoy
Dueling accordions
Riders in the Sky were fabulous
A driving beat from South America
Riverwalk
San Antonio is justifiably famous for its river walk. Scenic, lots of restaurants, tourists, and margaritas. We had a beautiful day today, enjoying mild, sunny weather, and some good food.
Just think… a few decades ago this was a dumping ground for the businesses at street level. Great reclamation job!
Looking upriver
Romola and Ida on one of the foot bridges across the river
Whatever this is, it's colorful
Still a little early for margaritas....
A colorful restaurant on the river
San Antonio, Texas
We arrived at the RV park in San Antonio, TX. Nice place, trees, pool.etc. and a bus stop right outside the door. Easy travel to and from Downtown, including the Alamo and the Riverwalk. We’ll be here a week before we head back to the lake. Fun, lots of places to get a margarita!
The view from our window.....
New neighbors
The RV park we are in is near San Antonio, on a lake, quiet, and peaceful. So much, that the local population includes a very large deer contingent. Here are some of our new neighbors.
The husband.....
.... and one of his wives.
Kerrville wrapup
Our rally ended in Kerrville, and we had a great time. Here are some of the events we attended:
Some classic pieces at the Museum of Western Art; a great retro-concert at the Rockbox Theater, a very well done (and sobering) Pacific war re-enactment (part of the Nimitz Museum), and OktoberFest in Fredericksburg.
Statue at the Museum of Modern Art
Also on display some beautiful paintings
The Beatles? No, Rockbox theater. Great!
War in the Pacific re-enactment (Nimitz Museum)
Romola and Ida ata giant stein at OktoberFest
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