Why San Antonio?

Ted. We heard this question a lot after we announced our travel plans for this spring. The short answer is “Why not San Antonio?” The reality is that we were looking for a way to return to the American West. We quickly settled on the Southwest because it would be a bit warmer. We lived in Arizona back in the 80’s but neither of us had spent much time in Texas. We have heard great things about San Antonio from folks who had visited and knew a couple of people who lived in Texas and that pretty well settled the matter.

We are two weeks into our 5-week Texas adventure and I must say that I am pleased with our choice. Frankly, the only negative so far has been the weather. We’ve had some nice days but there have been a lot of cold, rainy days. As all travelers know, weather does affect one’s impression of a place. The outlook is for sunny skies and warming temperatures so I think the worst is behind us.

So what do we like so far?

People – With the exception of one grumpy Uber driver, folks have been uniformly friendly. That includes people at our church, bus drivers, my barber, Jesse and folks we pass in the street. I was surprised by the fact that I have rarely heard that harsh (to my ear) Texas twang. Nearly everyone we meet, which includes many locals, speak in a very neutral manner. Some people we’ve met have relocated from elsewhere in the country but many were born here.

Enjoying brunch with Servas hosts Brad & Gaby

Jesse's barber shop (most heads remain unclipped)

Christ Episcopal Church is quite large but filled with lots of open, friendly members. I attend a morning men’s group, Judy goes to a knitters group and we both volunteer at the Saturday morning outreach project. This is a weekly combination food bank, clothes bank and taco breakfast serving 75 –150 needy individuals and families from the surrounding neighborhoods. Yes, I’m back in the kitchen!

This Sunday was the annual jazz mass, which was followed by a gumbo dinner - a little bit of mardi gras right here in San Antonio.

A family of Dr Seuss fans at the rodeo

"Mutton busters" at the rodeo with nervous steeds in the background

VIA Metropolitan Transit – We are carless, which is easy to do here. Yes, we do walk a lot but, as seniors, we were able to get passes for unlimited bus rides for a month for only $19. The bus system is great! The buses are neat, clean and prompt with friendly drivers.  There have only been one or two occasions where we had to take Uber. Unfortunately, we rarely see more than six people on the bus but that is typical of transit systems around this country. As the old saying goes, “it doesn’t matter how good the dog food is, if the dogs won’t eat it.” Americans just don’t like buses! 

Our home - We have a cozy, 2-bedroom duplex in a funky, gentrifying part of town. The owner is great and we’re just a five minute walk to a YMCA which is always our go-to place for workouts (me) and yoga (Judy). Plus, the barking dog next door brings back fond memories of Oaxaca.

History & Culture – Founded in 1718, there is a lot of interesting history here (remember the Alamo?). There also appears to be a lot of old money so the arts are well supported. Last night we attended a free concert at San Fernando Cathedral and tomorrow night we’ll visit the Briscoe Western Art Museum (free on Tuesday nights).

We’ve still got two more weeks here and have lots of things we want to do. We probably won’t see everything though because, as we are finding, it’s also nice just to live in San Antonio.

Memorial to the 400 families from the Canary Islands who first settled Texas