San Fernando Cathedral in San Antonio, Texas

San Fernando Cathedral was
founded in 1731 & is the
the oldest continuously
functioning Catholic
community in Texas.

The cornerstone of the original church was laid in 1738.  Construction was completed in 1750.  The church was expanded in the 1860s to meet the needs of its growing parish.  The architectural style of the cathedral is Gothic Revival.  The cathedral's Sanctuary is the walls of the original church.

The remains of Alamo heroes are entombed here.  The Cathedral is open....

Santo Toribio Romo was shot

in the back in the rectory of

his church in Agua Caliente,

Jalisco, Mexico.

A Crucifix hangs on the
wall above displays of
Votive Candles.











I think the photos above the candles are people for whom prayers are being said.

The Cathedral's doors

slide on a track.

This is the first time I've seen this type of door used in a religious building.

Eric & I arrived
during Mass.

This plaque commemorates
Pope John Paul II's visit

in September 1987.

San Fernando Cathedral is in the Main and Military Plaza Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

A Late Lunch @ Mi Tierra Cafe & Bakery in San Antonio, Texas

A volunteer at the Alamo

recommended Mi Tierra

Cafe & Bakery for lunch.

Eric and I always follow locals' recommendations.  We haven't been steered wrong yet.  

Homemade Tamales

YUM!!!!

Mi Tierra is "dressed up"

for the Holidays.

Eric admires the Papel Picado
hanging from the ceiling.

This shrine has a portrait of

a singer, the Virgin Mary

& many photos.

This room has a
golden hue

I love all the small

green lights.

The Bar has a beautiful
carved Eagle sculpture.

Mi Tierra's Christmas Tree

Eric browses the menu.

Our Jumbo Margaritas

look good.

Chicken Fajitas for Two

with Guacamole,

Beans & Rice

Lunch is soooo good!  The Guacamole is very fresh and flavorful.  The Chicken, Peppers and Onions are perfectly cooked.  The spicy  Beans, with pieces of Pork were balanced by the Rice.  Dessert was offered, and we had to say, "No thank you."

A fellow diner takes this

photo of Eric & me with

Mariachi serenading us.

Waiters & Waitresses gather 

around a table to sing

Happy Birthday in Spanish.

Eric & I find another
shrine as we waddle
toward the door.











I'm glad to continue our walk around downtown San Antonio.  I need the exercise. 

Historic Market Place in San Antonio, Texas

Historic Market Square

The pedestrian walkway is

lined with shops.

Vendors sell their goods

beneath free standing

tents.

Colorful Papel Picado hang

above the vendors in 

Market Square.

A local band entertains

the shoppers.

Take a break from shopping at

one of the food vendors...

Gorditas, Mini Taquitos &

Agua Frescas & Fruit Cups

Hispanic Elvis entertains

the crowd.

The Market Square Shops are
in a mall in the next block.

Eric & I admire the Lion Pride

Mural by Jesse Trevino.

It's time for a late lunch at Mi Tierra.

A Boat Ride Along the River Walk in San Antonio with Tour Guide, Alfred S.

Alfred S. is dressed

for the Holidays.

Eric takes videos of the Boat Ride.

Barriba Cantina is the upper
level restaurant.

These sun shades look like....

Brown Potato Chips

with edging... 

US & Texas flags are on
display at Cafe Ole.

Royalty Coins is located

in this unique 1893

buildingl

Outdoor seating beneath
a bridge...

Everyone eats al fresco
along this waterway.

Hotels loom above

the River Walk.

A peek at the Hemisfair '68

mural.

Alfred slows down for

a Police Speed Trap.

Park Police patrol River Walk by boat, on bike and on foot.

Eric takes in the view from

our tour boat

 The Convergence of Civilizations Mosaic Mural graces the Lila Cockrell Theatre.

San Antonio was named for

Saint Anthony.

I like this picture of a bridge
above River Walk.

The Christmas Tree at the

Rivercenter

Margarittaville

Mariachi serenade

River Walk diners 

The Hilton Placido Del Rio
is San Antonio's modular
hotel.











Completed rooms were stacked one on top of the other, in the middle of San Antonio.  The entire hotel was completed in 202 work days.

The Bexar County Courthouse

was built in the late 1890s.

An audience sits in the
open air at River Walk.

The Arneson River Theater

Stage sits across the water.

This is a uniquely beautiful setting.

Coming Home to the Briscoe
depicts three Longhorn Steer
thundering up the banks of the
San Antonio River, driven by
a Vaquero.

The Tower Life Building is

a beautiful landmark.

Reminders that the River
Walk is part of the City's
flood control system.

Locks of Love are padlocks

left on bridges to declare

 one's love for another.

The waterway beckons us
as Alfred S. shares the
River Walk's treasures.

This tree is growing out of

the side of  Bella on
the River.

Alfred S. docks near the 

Thirsty Aztec & we all

thank him for the

wonderful tour.

It's time to head to Historic Market Square.  Everyone we've talked to recommends visiting Mi Tierra.