Spanish Missions

Today we explored the history of San Antonio.  We discovered that the National Park Service manages several missions here.  The first mission built in San Antonio in 1718 is the most famous, popularly known as the Alamo. The Alamo is managed by the Daughters of the Republic of Texas. The National Park Service manages the four other missions, including Mission San Jose' which we visited.

We enjoyed a National Park Service Ranger guided tour of the mission grounds.  The Spaniard's primary New World task was to expand Spanish culture to whatever lands the crown claimed.  They aimed to teach the Native Americans to speak spanish, to become catholics, and learn the skills necessary for self-sufficiency. The Mission San Jose' could house up to 400 people on it's 21 acre walled in site.  

 Later we visited the north end of the Riverwalk district in San Antonio.  We were surprised to learn the Riverwalk district encompasses 15 miles of the river!  Below is a view of the river from the restaurant we ate lunch.

We carefully decided to try an authentic mexican restaurant called La Gloria Ice House.  It was a wonderful meal.  Everything we ate was carefully selected and not spicy as we wanted.  Regretfully, Linda ventured to carefully "taste" the small bowl of brown liquid placed in the middle of our table.