Monday December 14, 2009
Last night was a magical evening as we traveled the waters of the San Antonio River, dining on wonderful cuisine from Boudro's and viewing the art installations of the Museum Reach section by night.
San Antonio, wisely, has extended their River Walk and area traveled by boat up to the museum area and, we heard, will eventually create another "reach" to the area of their beautiful missions.
As we traveled the new Museum Reach we went through gravity-controlled locks to navigate a 9-foot change in elevation. Riders can hop on and off any of the 18 barge landings along the new section during the day to visit the art and the museums.
But last night as we traveled the brightly lighted waterways, through colorful locks to the art of Museum Reach we felt especially glad to be in warm San Antonio during holiday time.
Photo Credit: Elizabeth R. Rose - Colorful River Locks at Night
Saturday December 12, 2009
What a day of contrasts. We started out with a fund-raiser at the San Antonio Museum of Art - Bazaar Sabado, an international collection of textiles, pottery and gifts.
We spent some time with Latino culture at Museo Alameda, shopped the adjacent El Mercado area and headed out to see something new and amazing - The JW Marriott Hill Country Resort which opens in January. With views of the rolling Hill Country, the new JW Marriott Resort has some amazing ideas to attract families, groups and couples. Imagine state of the art water slides and pools, spacious grounds, first class golf courses and a spa. But what I enjoyed hearing about were the high tech touches... sports bar with access to all the games, touch screen info centers throughout and a vacation photo center located within a large coffee table like flat screen. It sounds very futuristic, very large (well, it is in Texas) and very exciting.
Photo Credit: Elizabeth R. Rose - New JW Marriott Resort High Tech Sports Bar
Saturday December 12, 2009
It's just a short flight from Albuquerque to San Antonio, Texas. But we're in a whole new world of Christmas. After checking in to the beautiful Hyatt Regency Hill Country, we dined at Mi Tierra, a multi-generational family run restaurant and panaderia in the Market section of San Antonio. Mi Tierra is decorated with Mexican folk art at it's best. With pinatas and papel picado hanging from the ceiling, Mariachi suits framed in the Mariachi bar, and lights everywhere, you'll just love Mi Tierra for a warm and festive Tex-Mex meal. They're open 24 hours!
Today we'll be finding more Christmas cheer in San Antonio at the famed Bazaar Sabado. We'll be in line enjoying hot chocolate and empanadas before feasting our eyes on the international gifts for sale at the bazaar.
Christmas in the Southwest is a season to be savored.
Photo Credit: Elizabeth R. Rose - Steak special at Mi Tierra
Thursday December 10, 2009
After watching the snow begin to melt we decided to venture out to the New Mexico countryside on the Fiber Arts Trail. We stopped at Ortega's and Centinela Traditional Arts as well as the Fiber Arts Center in Espanola. It's always a pleasure to see the creative weavings and visit with the artisans, many of whom are from generations of weavers. All of these shops have marvelous hand woven items for sale and the Christmas shopping opportunities were unlimited.
As we traveled the area toward Chimayo, we found that Rancho de Chimayo was newly remodeled and open. We had a great lunch and then traveled to the village of Chimayo to see a new treasure. Uruguayan artist, Fernando Bimonte put two years of dedication into restoring this small chapel about a block from the Santuario de Chimayo. It is a children's chapel, the Santo Niņo Chapel. The woodworking, painting and tinwork is fantastic. This newly restored chapel is a must-see. Entry is free. Donations would be appreciated, I am sure.
When you visit Santa Fe, be sure and venture north into the countryside for a unique experience enjoying the spirituality, the history and the crafts of the area.
Photo Credit: Elizabeth R. Rose - Santo Nino Chapel at Chimayo
