March 16, San Antonio TX, Day 16, Palm Sunday, at a Comfort Inn three blocks from Riverwalk

Did I mention two days ago at LBJ’s Ranch it was 93 degrees.

We were 30 miles from downtown and the Alamo. We found parking lots a block from the Alamo and off we go. The line to get in was wrapped around the block as it was early. Across the street was the trolley. It is an hour tour of the city highlights. If one has never been there before take it if you have been here and to the missions don’t bother. The guide mentioned that the cattle drives went from here up the Chisholm Trail, now I-35, up to Kansas City. This area still produces more cattle than any other state.

So it is time to eat again. We were right next to the Menger Hotel on the Alamo Plaza built 1857 so we decided to eat there. It turned out to be a buffet; I think I ate my weight in boiled shrimp, Shirleen three desserts. If your there on a Sunday take it in and what good coffee. http://mengerhotel.com/

From here we went to the San Fernando Catherdral for the Palm Sunday service at 2 pm. What a nice 1.5 hour service church was built in 1758. The paintings and murals were good enough to visit again. While walking around the church after the service, I noticed a plaque which designated that spot, center of alter area, as the center of San Antonio, declared by the city father's. They sang the Passion, had an Oboe accompany the choir. Makes one think, we are thanking an individual wh sacraficed his life for us, we should think about honoring those who serve us in all capacities.

Lady with a woven palm, there were many items for sale around the Cathedral.

We then went through the Alamo. Another old thick walled building, 187 Texans killed, women and children lived through it. A nice shrine for the event, much like the USS Arizona in Hawaii. a 138 year old live oak in the center of the compound with large twisted branches, one was supported by two 3 inch pipes.

Now off to find a hotel. We found one in our Choice Hotels book and we asked for directions from OnStar, a mile away. This hotel is a converted jail, five stories high neat idea and blocks from the river walk.

Off to the River Walk for dinner. If you have never walked this, it is worth the time. We strolled down the walk. People of all types, many baby strollers, teens texting, people attending conventions, like the time we were there. We looked for a restaurant that had Mexican and American foods, Zuni Grill met the menu. We were seated outside for people watching, took about an hour to eat, Shirleen a filet presented on a mound of mash potatoes and grilled vegetables and a cabernet. I a Shrimp Quesadilla – see Abbigale, it had shrimp inside with cheese and five grilled large shrimp, black beans, Mexican rice and tomatoes with cilantro, just delicious and accompanied with two Margaritas one a blue one a regular. They actually dye the river green the weekend and day of St. Patrick.

After this we walked down the walk and found the off steps to Houston street and back to the hotel. jerr