MY TRAVELS IN AN 18-WHEELER: SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS

Many people often wonder what there is to do in a semi-truck but drive. Here is a photo diary of the places visited in San Antonio, Texas.

MIRA FLORES, SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS

Mira Flores is Spanish for “behold the flowers” or “flowers view.” The name is very fitting for this private flower garden. The garden was designed between 1921 and 1945 by Dr. Aureliano Urrutia.

While Mira Flores is still privately owned, it didn’t stop me from indulging in its beauty. I found a way into the garden, and spent hours in the hot sun, enjoying the concrete statues, tile benches, and, of course, flowers.

THE BAT CAVE, SAN ANTONIO

Bracken Cave is the largest collection of mammals and the largest colony of free-tailed bats in the world. The adult males remain in Mexico. The females and juveniles migrate to this cave in Texas.

Every night the hum of 15 million bats works its way from the depths and out into the night air. It is fun to watch raccoons, skunks, and snakes “hang out” waiting to catch their prey as the bats fly from the cave! The bats disperse for a night of feasting on insects and return by morning.

The land and bats are protected and conserved by BCI (Bats Conservation International). If you want to see the bats, you need to become a paid member of the conservation. Make an appointment for a guided tour of the property.

THE RIVER WALK, SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS

The San Antonio River Walk is one of the most popular attractions in San Antonio, Texas. The River Walk is ensconced in gardens, shops, and restaurants. Many outdoor activities include the river ride, folk dance, the Tower of the Americas, and the Alamo.

While I visited the Alamo, I stopped to listen to a street preacher soapbox on the corner. On the outskirts of the River Walk, I visited La Villita. La Villita was originally settled 300 years ago.

At La Villita, I shopped original art from Mexico and watched folk dancers. All this while listening to live music, and eating authentic Tex-Mex food.

SAN FERNANDO CATHEDRAL, SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS

I finished off the second night at a down-town light show in San Antonio. The show was projected onto the San Fernando Cathedral. San Fernando Cathedral is

the oldest operating cathedral in North America. A small city park is nearby for a seat and easy viewing.

This year’s show “San Antonio – The Saga” is a light show, by French artist, Xavier de Richemont’s. The show has operated yearly since 2014. It tells of the history of San Antonio throughout a 24-minute, 7,000-square-foot video.

The light show was almost 25 minutes long. It is still open to the public. My understanding is that there is a different light show each year. Due to Covid-19, it is recommended to look at San Antonio’s or the Cathedral’s website for updated show information.

While I didn’t get to see it (I missed it by hours), I stood in awe outside of a small building that held the Shroud of Turin. The building was not what captured my attention. It was the idea that the Shroud was actually inside. Only a wall away from me. I couldn’t see it, but I was happy just to be there!

---

San Antonio is a family friendly destination vacation. I would even recommend, as I did, to visit it during a business trip!