Heading East out of Tucson, we cross through lower New Mexico and enter Texas at El Paso. This area runs right along the Mexico border and there are Border Patrol Checkpoints all along the highway. El Paso is a densely populated urban setting that pops up out of a vast expanse of southwestern desert.
Continuing eastward toward San Antonio we pass through Texas Hill Country. As we drive through the hills a landscape unfolds in front of us. The ground is sandy and sparse, much like the rugged desert look we have come to expect from the Southwest but now the land is littered with boulders, almost as if they had rained down from the sky. They are not mountain outcroppings or carved canyons, just massive boulders sitting randomly on the desert surface below. It is an odd and unusual site.
San Antonio is a significant city with a variety of cultural appeal. We have come here to do what all first time tourists do, see the Alamo and walk along the Riverwalk. The Alamo is a fascinating look back at Texas history. The area is well preserved and the historical presentations are well designed to give a feel for the struggles that took place here.
The Riverwalk is just a block away from the Alamo and creates a leisurely oasis from the downtown activity. We jump on the gondola ride that takes us on a guided tour of the canals that make up the Riverwalk area. The shoreline on both sides is lined with Hotels, Restaurants and Gift Shops and the whole area gives off a relaxed, upscale, casual vibe. We enjoy lunch at one of the themed Bistros and then continue on our journey.
There are many other cultural things to do here in San Antonio, but it is just a short stopover for us and it is time to head toward Houston.
Continuing eastward toward San Antonio we pass through Texas Hill Country. As we drive through the hills a landscape unfolds in front of us. The ground is sandy and sparse, much like the rugged desert look we have come to expect from the Southwest but now the land is littered with boulders, almost as if they had rained down from the sky. They are not mountain outcroppings or carved canyons, just massive boulders sitting randomly on the desert surface below. It is an odd and unusual site.
San Antonio is a significant city with a variety of cultural appeal. We have come here to do what all first time tourists do, see the Alamo and walk along the Riverwalk. The Alamo is a fascinating look back at Texas history. The area is well preserved and the historical presentations are well designed to give a feel for the struggles that took place here.
The Riverwalk is just a block away from the Alamo and creates a leisurely oasis from the downtown activity. We jump on the gondola ride that takes us on a guided tour of the canals that make up the Riverwalk area. The shoreline on both sides is lined with Hotels, Restaurants and Gift Shops and the whole area gives off a relaxed, upscale, casual vibe. We enjoy lunch at one of the themed Bistros and then continue on our journey.
There are many other cultural things to do here in San Antonio, but it is just a short stopover for us and it is time to head toward Houston.
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