5/31/2010

For Memorial Day, Michael and I went to San Antonio. We've been trying to do a little more traveling around the area (see: the trip to NOLA at the beginning of the month and various Houston jaunts) instead of sitting at home every weekend. This was a perfect time to visit San An as it was a long weekend. We left Friday after work and got in rather late . . . as in 11:00 pm late. I drove since my car has the better gas mileage (go Isabela!) but that was pushing the limits of my bedtime! Fortunately, Michael had to take a rest break, so I was able to take a little nap then. ;-P

Anyway, we spent Saturday doing a walking tour of downtown SA. After the great experience we had with Frommer's French Quarter tour, we downloaded their SA tour. I was less impressed with it. Maybe we were spoiled with the French Quarter, because there is so much packed in such a small area, but this one wasn't as exciting. Of course, I'm sure it didn't help that it was hotter and we were sweating up a storm . . . anyway, here are a few pictures from walking around.

We started off at the Alamo. Michael is standing next to a monument to the men from Gonzalez who came to help defend it.

This is me in front of the famous facade . . . which actually is anachronistic. It was added by the US Army during an 1850's restoration, long after the 1836 battle.

St. Joseph's Catholic Church

It may be hard to see, but the Stations of the Cross are in English and German. That's because this church was started in the late 1860s as a ministry to the German population in the area.

Then we may it onto the River Walk. So pretty . . . and the less commercialized areas were quite peaceful and a great place to rest for a little bit.

This little guy was just hanging out on the river's edge. He didn't even budge when we came close to take pictures.

The Spanish Governor's Palace from the back.

There was no AC in Spanish Governor's Palace. And while this gave us a good feeling for what life was like back in the day, it sure made us appreciate modern technology and the invention of AC! Fortunately, the back patio was shaded and had a little bit of a breeze, so we could cool down a bit.

Spanish Governor's Palace from the front. I'm digging the historically accurate orange cone.

We finished our walk with lunch at Mi Tierra, which is a fairly famous cafe and bakery in Market Square.
There were strolling musicians (los trovadores) that came and serenaded us.

Michael doesn't look too excited. Of course, maybe this is after we realized we'd have to pay los trovadores. I expected to, but I think he was caught unawares. Oh well, it gave me an opportunity to spread some marked bills for my mother and brother.

I'm super-excited to get my meal: chicken mole. I had never had mole before, and boy was it delicious!

After lunch we headed back to the hotel for some pool time. I do love being out in the sun and in the water. Too bad the sun doesn't like me! Fortunately, through judicious application of sunscreen and wise placement of our pool chairs (in the shade) we managed to escape with no sunburns. That evening we headed back out to the River Walk for dinner. We got to eat right on the river's edge, which was fun.

Sunday, after attending a (ahem) very liberal Episcopalian church, we headed to SeaWorld. I didn't take my camera as we didn't want to fuss with carrying it and keeping it dry, so you'll just have to take my word that it was great. We managed to see all the shows. Azul was by far the best. Almost like Cirque du Soleil with animals. We like it so much we actually went to see it twice. We also got to feed the lorikeets, which was probably Michael's favorite activity, and the dolphins, which was probably mine.

Monday we went back to the Alamo since the line to get into the actual church/shrine was too long on Saturday. After checking it all out, we hopped in the car and started the long drive home. We had a lovely time, and certainly plan to go back. Maybe we'll wait until it's a little cooler, though!

5/3/2010

This past weekend, Michael and I drove to LA to go to the NOLA Jazz Fest with Liz. We left after work on Thursday and drove to their place in Baton Rouge. Friday morning, we got up early to head to New Orleans and spend some time in the French Quarter. By dint of Frommer's guidance, we were able to spend several enjoyable hours strolling the town. The best part was that it was overcast, which kept it cool, but no rain!

All the streets had these signs with their Spanish names. Any one care to hazard a guess what this street is called today?

Gardens at the Beauregard-Keyes house. Wonder if I can convince their gardener to come do my lawn?

Some random pretty house. Wouldn't a porch like that be fun?

Liz looking pretty, as always.

In front of St. Louis Cathedral

Ceiling of St. Louis Cathedral

Andrew Jackson Memorial. I thought this was kind of strange, but it just goes to show my lacking historical knowledge. Jackson was the hero of the Battle of New Orleans, defending NOLA during the War of 1812.

Jackson Brewery. Hmm, wonder who that's named for.

Stella! This was Tennessee Williams' residence. And yes, there did used to be a streetcar route named "Desire" in New Orleans.

Right near the Williams' residence was a hat shop. Michael and I both picked up straw hats, but Liz and I couldn't resist a picture with some of the more outrageous ones.

Rollin', rollin' on the river . . .

After stopping at our hotel to freshen up (which, thanks to Hotwire, we got for 75% off!) we headed out to Boucherie for dinner. This is a restaurant in the Garden District whose chef and owner is the son of Michael's father's friend. Did you follow all that? Anyway, the food was delicious, particularly the bacon brownie that Liz and I shared. I know, it sounds weird, but it was delicious! After all, doesn't bacon make everything better?!

The streetcar we took to and from the restaurant. Quite fun! And cheap!

Saturday was Jazz Fest day. We were able to get discounted tickets by virtue of Shell being the presenting sponsor. Score! Plus, we got plenty of other perks, including free transportation to the festival grounds and a tent where we could cool down, get food and use restrooms that were not available to the hoi polloi. Quite nice. ;-P Anyway, we had a pretty good time, although we were somewhat disappointed in the headliner, Pearl Jam. I guess they were playing a bunch of stuff off their newer albums, which none of us knew and didn't really like. Plus, everyone around us was smoking pot. Ugh! But, nonetheless, we had fun, checking out all the different acts and, more importantly, people watching!

View of the stage. As you can see, we were super-close. ;-P

Michael is terribly interested in the music.

But not as much as Liz!

The best part of Jazz Fest: watching all the crazy people. Sorry, I don't know how to turn it.

After we'd had enough we headed back to Baton Rouge and finished out the weekend by finding a local Episcopal church for Sunday worship before heading back to SETX. Overall, a very enjoyable weekend. Especially because I got to see Liz. Hope Shell keeps sponsoring so we do it ll again next year!