MY ADENTURES N SAN ANTONIO, BANDERA, STONEWALL TEXAS & OTHER ASSORTED SILLINESS TRIP REPORT; NOV '16

[knewton64]

Howdy & Hello to all -

(a good book I have begun to read)



It's that time again for me to get a going on my travel blogs -
This adventure brings me to getting just a wee bit re-educated on all things Texas.


Courtesy of Collette Vacations.com




Gotta a few pics to post & will as the weeks go on by -
Gonna boogy on back to my current travel adventures -



See ya in a few more weeks as yes, this adventure will be officially underway.


For those of you who are not logged in, below are my previous travel blogs.



ENJOY -





T.T.F.N.
&
CHEERS Y'ALL




"MY VERY 1ST TRIP 2 WDW / DISNEY WONDER" 01-07-09 to 01-15-09 (w/pics & video)www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2062857
MY ADVENTURES by Disney "Spirit of America" Sept 2009 trip report ...
www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2201584 - Cached
MY "GETTING SPOOKED @ WDW" - MNSSHP TRIP REPORT; Oct 28th -Nov 4th 2010(w/pics & video)
http://www.disboards.com/showthread....0&referrerid=0
My "ADVENTURES N IRELAND" - TRIP REPORT; JUNE 2011 (w/pics & video) -http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2203028&referrerid=0
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2625762&referrerid=0
MY "ADVENTURES N HAWAII" -October 2011 trip report (w/pics & video)- http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2625762&referrerid=0
My "IT'S 5 O'CLOCK SOMEWHERE N KEY WEST, COZUMEL & G CAYMAN DCL TRIP REPORT; JAN'12 (w/pics & video)http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2686953&referrerid=0
MY "ADVENTURES N NEW YORK CITY" TRIP REPORT; SEPT '12 (w/pics & video)http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2765761&referrerid=0
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2875727&referrerid=0
MY "ADVENTURES N SAN FRAN, ROSE BOWL, ROSE BOWL PARADE & COASTAL CALIFORNIA" TRIP REPORT (w/pics & video)- DEC '13
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2875727&referrerid=0
MY "ADVENTURES N ENGLAND, SCOTLAND & WALES" TRIP REPORT - August '14 (w/pics & video)
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3112285&referrerid=208040
MY "ADVENTURES N DISNEYLAND, CATALINA ISLAND & OTHER ASSORTED SO CAL STUFF" TRIP REPORT; SEPT 2015 (w/pics & video)
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3112286&referrerid=208040
MY ADVENTURES N WALT DISNEY WORLD, UNIVERSAL STUDIOS & OTHER ASSORTED SILLINESS TRIP REPRT; APRL '16
MY ADENTURES N SAN ANTONIO, BANDERA, STONEWALL TEXAS & OTHER ASSORTED SILLINESS TRIP REPORT; NOV '16
http://www.disboards.com/posts/55360595/
MY ADVENTURES N NEW ORLEANS & OTHER ASSOERTED SILLINES TRIP REPORT; NOV '17
http://www.disboards.com/posts/56498543/
MY ADVENTURES N AMERICAN HISTORY & OTHER ASSORTED SILLINESS TRIP REPORT; SEPT '18
https://www.disboards.com/posts/58044097/

 

[knewton64]

Just got back in from an amazing adventure n Walt Disney World & Universal Studios Florida -

and now finally have the time to begin focusing in on this adventure.
Hello Everyone -


My name is Kris & well -

(I've named this pic, "I'm such a backstabber")


I am an avid fan of all things DISney and have the bug to travel.


Been raised in and around the fine state of Texas "99.99%" of my life, yet I am finding out that I seen to need a weeeeee bit of a refresher course in "all things Texas 101" so why not scamper off to the Central Texas region for a bit , get schooled where applicable - & have some fun at the same time -


SO, with the help of Collette Vacations.com, Yours Truely is now set for an adventure n2 the Alamo area while enjoying what I do anticipate to be a very relaxing time.


Here is an idea of what to expect:

Pre-day......will be spent doing last minute things up here in DFW - **T.B.D.**


Day 1 San Antonio, Texas - Tour Begins
It’s easy to see why San Antonio is often referred to as the “American Venice.” Historic missions, River Walk restaurants, Spanish architecture and a beautiful river centerpiece make this a truly remarkable city. The sights and sounds of the holiday celebrations are sure to immerse you in the spirit of the season as you stroll along the San Antonio River, illuminated by festive decorations. This evening get to know your fellow travelers at a welcome reception.

Day 2 San Antonio
Your day begins with a fascinating tour of San Antonio with a local guide. History and culture abound with a visit to the Mission San Jose, the second mission established by Fray Antonio Margil de Jesus in 1720. This is followed by a visit to the Alamo, which played a critical role in the Texas Revolution. People worldwide continue to remember the Alamo as a heroic struggle against impossible odds – a place where men made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom. Next, browse for one-of-a-kind goods at El Mercado, the Mexican Marketplace. This afternoon the choice is yours: you may choose to visit the South Texas Heritage Center, an interactive museum dedicated to sharing the stories of San Antonio’s people and the land that has shaped their lives; or, perhaps you would prefer to explore the 33-acre grounds of the San Antonio Botanical Gardens with expansive rose gardens, conservatory with tropical vegetation and the Texas Native Trail showcasing ecosystems from the diverse regions of the state. This evening, it’s Diner’s Choice...your dinner is included and you’ll chose the perfect spot from a “menu” of San Antonio's popular locations. (Breakfast & Dinner)

Day 3 San Antonio - Stonewall - Fredericksburg - San Antonio
Journey to Stonewall and enjoy a visit to the LBJ Ranch, birthplace of the 36th President of the United States, Lyndon B. Johnson. On your tour of the ranch you will view the “Texas White House” and learn about living in the Texas Hill Country. Continue to the heart of the rural Hill Country and the German settlement of Fredericksburg.

The holiday season is a fabulous time to visit with its seasonal festivities and decorations flavored by German heritage. Enjoy the evening at leisure to explore San Antonio’s beautiful River Walk. (Breakfast)

Day 4 San Antonio
This morning, be surrounded by holiday cheer during a riverboat ride on the Paseo del Rio. Relax as the narrated cruise takes you along the San Antonio River Walk and admire the many holiday decorations. Your afternoon is at leisure to discover San Antonio as you choose.


This evening, visit the picturesque Sandy Oaks Olive Orchard. Enjoy a tour of the orchard complete with a wine and olive oil tasting and learn about its history before indulging in a spectacular Texas-inspired farewell dinner. (Breakfast & Dinner)

Now, where the fun contimues is my
"DAY 5"
as I have planned a post day of boogying on up to the Fredericksburg area for a 7 hour wine tastings of sorts -(Courtesy of Viator.com)-
followed by a spa retreat


back at the Omni Hotel (always love to do spa retreats while on vacation).

OR......
have a relaxing evening out on the Riverwalk AND THEN
have the spa retreat at the Hotel on my departure day. Should know more on this in about 3 weeks or so.



My DAY 6? Late departure of course as I head em on back to the DFW area.


MY DAY 7 - POST DAY SPEND CHILLIN' OUT BACK IN DFW *** T.B.D.***




Here is some Texas music to keep ya n the mood until we meet up again n a few weeks.

But all is not lost until then ya know!
Be on the lookout for me to get tuned up for this by visiting the 6th Floor Museum, go out to a Texas Rangers Basball game, check out Joe T Garcias Mexican restaurant
a visit to the Ft. Worth Stockyards & possibly even a visit to the Russel Stover chocolate factory,

etc in and around the Labor Day weekend area.
** Pic and video when & where I can I promise**



T-MINUS 214 MORE DAYS & THIS ADVENTURE BEGINS



T.T.F.N.
&
CHEERS Y'ALL

 

[Kirby]

I'm going to follow your adventure! I'm a Texas native and while I have already done quite a few things that you are going to do, its always fun to see things through another person's eyes and maybe get some ideas for a road trip with my husband or maybe some of my girl friends.

 

[knewton64]

I'm going to follow your adventure! I'm a Texas native and while I have already done quite a few things that you are going to do, its always fun to see things through another person's eyes and maybe get some ideas for a road trip with my husband or maybe some of my girl friends.

Welcome aboard to this "DAYTRIPPER" kind of an adventure.
(oops!!! I think I just may have dropped one of my FAV PBS tv shows!! (w/Chet Garner). heheheheeeee....


ANYWHO -
Of course, with any vacation I go on, I wanna look nice, so yessssss........
Starting Tuesday, I am out now to lose weight.
(wanna lose 20-30 lbs so yes, look for me to begin a weigh loss journey blog of sorts on this TR)


Besides, dem 'ritas and Enchiladas
are NOT zero calories!!


and -
I plan on a checkin' out a lot of those places while on this adventure
More to come -






T.T.F.N.
&
CHEERS Y'ALL

 

[macraven]

i'm coming along for the ride too!

 

[Planogirl]

Count me in! I've been to many of the places you mention and I'd love to read about your adventures!

 

[schumigirl]

Looking forward to reading along with this one too Knewton......

Texas is somewhere I may never go to, but would love to see your pictures! My only knowledge of Texas is through the TV show Dallas and Man Vs Food.........so nothing at all really..........

Should be fun!

 

[knewton64]

I'm going to follow your adventure! I'm a Texas native and while I have already done quite a few things that you are going to do, its always fun to see things through another person's eyes and maybe get some ideas for a road trip with my husband or maybe some of my girl friends.

Welcome aboard - and besides.....ya never know what kind of silliness I just might wind up getting n2 while down visiting Central Texas.....



ANYWHO -
**THE POWER OF DISBOARDS**


Thank you all for choosing to come along as this is EXACTLY what I like as it now gives me the boost to take a serious look now at my date of departure -
Gonna now look at possbile road trip to San Antonio's Botanical gardens or somthing like that

- b4 I gotta head back to the airport & DFW.


Got my Pooh hat on and thinkin' like Pooh on this -
need a few days to come up with an answer.



**UPDATE **-
After spending the day wine tasting at Fredericksburg (My DAY 5),
Mokara Spa (at the Omni Hotel) just confirmed December 5th 6pm to 7:50pm a Thai massage & Reflexology afterwards for me which just rocked my world. I love Thai massages -

Quick background funny on this subject-
While at Fishermans Wharf at San Fran (see below Trip report, "My adventures n San Fran") - via the "Royal Thai Massage," this petite Asian lady massage therapist jumped up on my back, cupped her hands underneath each of my arms and whispered sultry into my left ear, "You Do Scrunchie?"

Now of course, dummy me said, "YES."

and OH MY WORD!!
SHe proceeded to turn my whole dang body n2 a human pretzel!!
She literally had my body forming the letter U n nothing flat -
then she quickly flipped me on my side and forced one of my legs over the other as if in a scissors kick.
and -

after about 10 seconds of getting over the ititial shock of what was happening, I have totally fallen n love with that massage! Your whole body wakes up and feels so dang refreshed......
IMHO, better than the "Hot rocks" or the "Sweddish massage."


So we are just down now to a nice restaurant for later on that evening - possibly on the Riverwalk.


ALl righteeeeee - got one more day of living it up as if I am still at WDW food wise, then starting Tuesday, its Lean Cuisine and cardio/core w/Ladybug as my trusty sidekick and motivator........
LADYBUG
DON"T LET THAT FACE FOOL YA!!


Her unofficial nickname by me is "Jillian" as in

Jillian Michaels cuz she is widely known by me to literally get n my face and have an attitiude of ," I am taking YOU out for a walk!" and she means it.

And while out at Duck Creek Park, she of course goes nuts behaving like a typical coon-dog (she is a Blue-tick Beagle) so imagine if ya will my arm

(holding the end of the extendo leash) perfectly extended out horizontaly to the ground and the only way to stop that is to slow jog or fast walk , you take your pick.

So its a win-win for both of us in the weight loss journey.



Don't know when I will blog next (be w/i 4 weeks) , plan on stepping on that dang weigh scale starting next Tuesday and plan on doing it daily (my way of not having to buy a Body Bugger) - but oh yes, rest assured - you will see me very soon on this as blogging to me is a fun way to electronically record all you happy vacation adventures.



T.T.F.N.
&
CHEERS Y'ALL

 

[knewton64]

Count me in! I've been to many of the places you mention and I'd love to read about your adventures!

Glad to meet cha!



Love it - It's just me and Subway food this am while watching, "The weapons of the Alamo" on dvd.
(my dream Texas vacation is to travel to Bracetville, see the Alamo village while staying at a local B&B)





T.T.F.N.
&
CHEERS Y'ALL

 

[knewton64]

Looking forward to reading along with this one too Knewton......

Texas is somewhere I may never go to, but would love to see your pictures! My only knowledge of Texas is through the TV show Dallas and Man Vs Food.........so nothing at all really..........

Should be fun!

BACKGROUND ON WHY THIS VACATION -

My view of the Alamo as a kid (courtesy of my Mother & Father) was its just a small chapel and after 5 minutes of looking at it, you see other things


Well,
this clip from an old school movie summarizes my FORMER feelings about seeing such a wonderful thing like the Alamo -

and well -
that to me is wrong
and I wanna correct that attitide that for some reason my Mother and Dad felt about the Alamo while at the same time trying to instill in us some Texas History.

So, now that I am a wee bit older, I wanna see Central Texas from a much different point of view, learn and have fun at the same time.


And besides, having you here also makes it even more 'funner' (the word of the day) as I get to introduce to ya some of my State to you.





T.T.F.N.
&
CHEERS Y'ALL

 

[knewton64]

Ok, so this caught my eye the other day...

Here is a link to more information on it -
Battle for Texas: The Experience's video.


What has me curious about this is all things Texas that people collect and to see all these things now in one place in relation to the Alamo- now that oughta be pretty nice to see as a good warmup to then when done seeing this, walk a bit and viola! You are right smack dab in the middle of the REAL Alamo.

And with that, looks like now my "DAY 1" will be spent arriving at the Hotel around 11am, then zipping off the Mi Terra restaurant (courtsey of the local "Hop off/ Hop On trolley system)......

.....for some much needed FOOD /DRINK....
oops!! Meant to say and Margaritas......'heavy on the "Mar."'
(okokokokokokkkk.....for all you T.A.B.C. fans going, "huh?" - that means an extra shot of whisky)


then meandering my way on back to the 'Battle for Texas' exhibit followed by meeting all my fellow travelers back at the hotel later on for a group reception of sorts.
(I am thinking of headin' out to the Hardrock Cafe afterwards for dinner) -

BUT......
BUT.........
BUT...........


the REAL treat I am looking forward to as a way to put a nice ending to a wonderful day is an evening riverwalk cruise as I have never seen the San Antonio Riverwalk at Christmas time .

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(The River cruise at night, Hop off/Hop on & 'the Battle for Texas' exhibit is not part of my Collette Vacations adventure - fyi - I just recently purchased it seperately from Viator.com)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



ANYWHO -
So with this now settled, I am off now working on my departure day.

Kinda different thinking about Christmas in MAY but oh well. Just put in 1/4 cup Texas music and ya r n the mood for some Hot cocoa and Gingerbread cookies while floating lazily down the San Antonio Riverwalk -

and with that, I am off now a working on my departure day -




UP NEXT:
A list of Texas music to lisen to in yer car (to getcha n the mood) and just what in the H am I up to n Sept n preperation 4 this adventure.




- T-minus 196 more days & this adventure begins -




T.T.F.N.
&
CHEERS Y'ALL

 

[knewton64]

**A LITTLE COUNTRY DITTY 2 KEEP YA N THE MOOD UNTIL NEXT TIME **

T.T.F.N.
&
CHEERS Y'ALL

 

[macraven]

i'm glad you are back!
i was about to send the dogs out to look for you.....

 

[knewton64]

i'm glad you are back!
i was about to send the dogs out to look for you.....

OH OH!!!! looks like 'dem dawgs r hot on my trail!!


Speakin of that,
I had been recently looking at adopting a a yr old female Beagle named Hazle from the local animal Shelter but......
couldn't quite pull it off. Still looking at her - will keep ya posted if I do follow thru.



ANYWHO -
Did tho finalize my Sept 19th-23rd warmup to all this Texas fun - will broadcast shortly so no worries.....
(complete with $1 hotdawg nght out at a Texas Rangers baseball game)


but all of this just wouldn't be complete without making a stop on over at the local DISney store to of course kick off my My Adventures n DISneyland Paris, Fountainbleu, Paris & Other assorted Silliness Trip Report Aug '17" trip report.......


Never knew I would be such a Maurice Chevalier fan....
(So I can learn more basic French thru his songs for my trip to DLP)





Yes, weight loss totals and more coming up so until next time, got a little bit of some old school Texas music to keep ya n the mood -

- 192 more days & this adventure begins -
(or 4,608 more hours but hey...whose countin?)




T.T.F.N.
&
CHeers Y'all

 

[knewton64]

**UPDATES & MORE UPDATES**

(the videos you are seeing on this TR are just to name a few of the songs I listen to in my car to and from work to keep me in the Texas mood)



GOOD GRIEF!!!
Been a rather crazy / buzy last few weeks as I am very very very glad it is starting to calm down -


Only negative part is I haven't had the ability to lose any freakin weight!!
RRRRRRR!!


Doing my best to get back to that quest as I really wanna have fun down in the land of the Alamo.




And speaking of that, can't wait to see the Cannon Ball they have out on display (from the seige of the Alamo). Go figure but hey, the things we Human Beings collect....



All rightee ---- I am off do some mini celebrating of sorts....
IT'S OFFICIAL......


My DIsneyland Paris adventure has now been booked!!
(see below trip report below in my signature for those of you who are interested)





ANYWHO -
**T-MINUS 3,672 MORE HOURS AND THIS ADVENTURE BEGINS**





T.T.F.N.
&
CHEERS Y'ALL

 

[macraven]

Woot !

Another trip report soon

 

[knewton64]

Woot !

Another trip report soon

***


WORK IN PROGRESS - WILL FINISH LATER... I PROMISE

 

[macraven]

pinkie swear??

 

[knewton64]

pinkie swear??

YES! Because......
I swear that I am positively up to no good!!


Been keeping the internet wires a buzzing these last few days as -
On Aug 9th or 10th, I am heading out to a local place called "Cafe De France" (Bakery & Bistro) to celebrate a small milestone of sorts as between Jennifer (MEI Travel) and I, we are crafting one incredible adventure for DISneyland Paris, Paris and other places.......slated for May '17


and......
wait for it................

I am also currently speaking w/Rusty Wallace Honda in regards to the same vacation as well
Hmmmmmm......wonder what I am up to......


HINT: It has to to with my last day over there and my Departure Day......




Hmmmmm......



Can't say a whole lot just yet but will promise to "spill the beans" - (on my DISneyland Paris trip report you see in my below listed signature) - once it breaks which should be w/i 7-10 days.






ANYWHO -
can't forget about this adventure as well.




Learning a lot about the Alamo (3 acres in total all the way around she was in her prime) the grounds, etc.
Nice now to invision what she looked like back then and now I know who got killed and where on that fatefull day.



just wondering if I can get away with having a Margarita with my breakfast while at Mi Tierra Restaurant......

T.T.F.N.
&
CHEERS Y'ALL

 

[macraven]

have that margarita and one for me too.