San Antonio - and done!

San Antonio seems a city of contradictions. It is old in a way that is not common to many western cities. There are contemporary buildings built in the 70's right next to buildings that are hundreds of years old. Parts of the city reminded me of the French Quarter in New Orleans, other parts of the city are more reminiscent of Cincinnati, or some other eastern/midwestern town. The Alamo was not on my list of places to visit this time. But, I did drive right by it, that probably does not count.

Our goal was Soho Wine and Martini Bar. I am never one to turn down a martini (Gin, dirty), or a nice glass of wine.

It is situated in an old bank. They built their bar up around this massive vault. Despite its age, the Soho Bar has the feel of a lounge, with comfy couches, oversized armchairs, and post modern chandeliers strewn about the ceiling.

The Soho Bar is just above the Riverwalk. One of my partners on this adventure insisted on having a draft Guinness. We decided that between the weather and the need for Irish beer we would explore only a small part of the Riverwalk.

The Riverwalk is a strip of shops and stores along a path that is next to a channeled river running through San Antonio. It is below street level for a good distance.

(I took this picture from the street above).

(Walking down from the main streets to the Riverwalk).

We ended up at the classic "Irish" bar. Lots of "old country" stuff on the walls, and lots of dark wood paneling. There was an actual Irish guy playing the guitar. I cannot decide whether he was really good or if I just liked his song choices. It seems that the music bug radiates from Austin. Everywhere I go down here people are playing, or listening, to really great music. Whether it is contemporary latino music (big down here, and very good), or real country songs (heard a Dwight Yoakam album in full the other day at this hipster coffee shop, very contradictory), or new bands making cool sounds (KUT, the local NPR affliate down here, just plays awesome music all day long) there is just awesome music happening all the time.

I have not been playing music as much as I would like. I am hoping next week to get to some open mic nights. Haven't heard about the 2nd round auditions since last week. Either it is not going to happen, or they already chose someone. Oh well either way.

:)