San Antonio Missions

 

A trip to San Antonio is not complete until you visit the trail of Missions that were established in the early 18th century. There was a series of 5 Missions built along the San Antonio river leading to what is now the downtown area. Our first stop was at the Mission Espada.

This part of the Mission is still an active living quarters for Franciscans. We didn't know that till after we took this picture, so hopefully none of the Monks were thinking, "hey! get off our lawn!"

I love the Spanish architecture it was all so beautiful.

Mission San Juan. This Mission was a regional supplier of agricultural and other products including iron, wood, cloth, and leather goods produced by the community in its workshops.

I was most impressed by this giant cacti garden surrounding the cross.

Wouldn't want to fall into that, ouch!

 Mission San José

This Mission had many of its walls still standing. Behind each door was a little tiny living quarter no more the size of a large closet. Johanna had fun walking across the cold stone walls.

 Mission Concepción, still an active Parish with its very only mariachi band... wouldn't fall asleep during that service!

 The Alamo, most known for being the focal point of the Battle of the Alamo fought 100 years after it was built.

We didn't visit the Alamo on the same day as the rest of the Missions since it was located in the heart of downtown and we knew Jeff would want to visit as well. So on Friday we headed down to the Riverwalk with everyone to visit the Alamo and grab dinner and drinks along the river.

Texas has these huge live oak trees that are absolutely beautiful. The branches spread out so far and wide while you stood under them you felt like you were under a giant tree umbrella.

After our day at the Missions we had lunch at a Mexican restaurant and had a great lunch. They made fresh tortillas that were to die for and delicious tamales and enchiladas...mmm makes me want some more right now even at 6 in the morning!