San Antonio to Houston

13.1.09

 

Had further indulged and ordered room service breakfast, absolute rip off, but to eat breakfast in bed, and BEFORE I'm dressed and teeth brushed - what a treat!!!!! Nearly missed it though, as was deep asleep when the noise interrupted my sleep. That's ok. Needed to be up to head towards check out anyway! Checked out on the dot at 11, then returned to the post office to be rid of the post box. I thought morning time there would be a queue, but not so. Straight through again. Weighed 10 pounds 2 ounces, so that's a decent load off!

 

A few beautiful theatres in San Antonio the visitor centre had suggested checking out, no photos allowed inside, but nice to look. Came across the Old St Mary's Catholic Church. Was built after Texas became the independent Republic and there was an influx of Irish and German and other immigrants. A separate church to those operating for the missions etc was built. Went inside and again, just gorgeous. Was in time for Mass, so stayed. Luckily there was no singing, just an enthusiastic and committed priest who had a lot to say. After it was over, he made a beeline for me, with a heap of women in toe, wanting to know who I was. They were all so excited to hear that I:was an Australian but seemed rather disappointed that I was just a visitor. They were lovely and wanted to know all about my trip, what I thought of San Antonio, and to wish me all the best for the rest of my trip. They sent me on my way with a hug and the order that I was to return to San Antonio again sometime.

 

Walked down towards San Fernando Cathedral and the main plaza, the official centre. The remains of The Alamo heroes are interred in the Cathedral. The City Hall, then the Spanish Governor's Palace. That was an out of place architectural structure. So different to everything else around, but fairly well preserved, with a lot of pieces from the time or similar reconstructions. Very small for a palace though. Market Square had been recommended by Lonely Planet, but I realised it was a shopping complex, so asked around, and was told that it's the biggest Mexican Market Place outside of Mexico, so definitely check it out. It was nice, not amazing, but I think that had a lot to do with it being the off season. Stopped to make a purchase in a shop and talking to the lady there, she suggested that seeing as I love San Antonio and willl come back, that April is the best time - it's fiesta time, and she said the time they stop being individuals and embrace as a city. Glad it falls in April, fingers crossed it coincides with school holidays at some point.

 

Walked back via La Villita and the Riverwalk again. La Villita contains a theatre (name I've forgotten but it's on my photos) - an open air theatre, and it's featured in Miss Congeniality. I'm going to have to rewatch it because I can't picture it. Collected my bags and on to the Greyhound station. Bailed up by a toothless person from the deep south, who was everything the stereotype is, and then some. He asked about kangaroos and crocodiles, so he definitely was talking about Australia not Austria (as Dad just suggested he may have been) when he asked me where Australia is - "is it near Russia??" What does one say to that!! ?? LOL!!!!

 

Now sitting on the bus in the pitch black with nothing to see, nearing Houston, slowly slowly. Off to the Space Centre tomorrow. Am doing the 5 hour tour, having lunch in the Astronaut's cafeteria. Oooh! So excited!!!!!