The Charm of San Antonio

We left Corpus Christi overjoyed that we were able to do some windsurfing and headed north to San Antonio. We left early enough so that we would get there in the afternoon which would give us time to set up our site and be able to go to the famous Riverwalk to enjoy a light meal. We had little trouble getting there by three and quickly set up our site under a lovely shaded spot. We then hit the pool as it was 103 degrees and the cool pool felt fabulous. It was crystal clear and long enough to swim laps. We then made plans to catch a local bus that would take us into town.

The bus trip was an adventure in itself as we waited at the bus stop challenging ourselves doing triceps dips and push-ups. When bus #24 rolled around we were ready to hop on. We enjoyed watching all sorts of people get on and off the bus and it made the ride interesting. There were several families that got on and off the bus with their groceries, teen-agers with their IPods staring into space, and a wheel chair lady. When the bus driver spotted, her he motioned us to move across the aisle, so we hoped over. The fold out ramp automatically went down and the wheel chair went up and got situated where we were sitting after the bus driver folded the seats up. He then secured the back of her wheel chair and the front with cable ratchets. During this process, neither the lady nor the bus driver said a word. It was all so mechanical, yet I would have thought some recognition by either one would have been nice. Soon we arrived at our destination near the Hilton where we were to catch the same bus on the return trip.

We stepped off the bus and joined the many tourists who were disappearing down the stairs to the river walk below. We were amazed to see so many people in what looked like a cave setting with a river running between the shores filled with restaurants and boats like gondolas moving swiftly with tourist eating or just listening to the guide as he explained about the many interesting sights to be seen. It was certainly a different world as we walked enjoying the music and the wide variety of eateries. We decided to go to The Pisano, an Italian restaurant. We ordered a light salad and an appetizer of jumbo shrimp. The restaurant was doing such great business that they had a waiting line and this was for tables inside and out by the patio. We were amazed at the great business this little river was bringing in. At once the riverbed was a dried river bed. Ten they build a dam that held all the water letting a bit at a time to get the river flowing again and with it the economy.

We found an old fashion creamery and went in to get some ice cream cones. We sat in the patio and watched the boats go by on the river with people laughing and having a great time. Below us a Mariachi band was playing and across the river a small combo played jazz. It was hard to leave the sight, but we had to head up stairs and catch our bus by the Hilton. We waited for the correct bus #24 as many other busses sped by. A young student just got off work and was waiting for his bus. He was envious of our adventure.  He played baseball for his high school team and was hoping for a scholarship. He had a lot of hope for his future and just like so many kids he had to work as well as go to school. He was enthusiastic about everything and had a great outlook on life. It was clear he had no room for pessimism. We saw our bus round the corner and flagged him down and jumped on and headed for camp refreshed and happy!

San Antonio's Riverwalk