Tejas

Although Tabs is much improved, Pip seems to be holding on to the dredges of the bug. She vomited again last night in the middle of the night and she has been ill since last Tuesday! None the less, we managed to have a great day exploring Texas anyway. We went on an African safari at a wild life ranch. We drove around the ranch while the animal came right up to the van. The girls were allowed to feed them. They were quite fun: Zebras, antelope, water buffalo, buffalo, elk, deer, goats,tons of African antelope type creatures and ostriches. The ostriches terrified Pip. She got hysterical. They popped their heads through the windows to look for food and when we shut the windows they continuously pecked at the glass. They were huge! The zebras were very friendly and stuck their heads in the windows to be fed as well. The ranch land outside of San Antonio is fascinating: dry grass, tons of cacti and shrub like juniper trees. This entire area–all the way to Austin lies on top of a huge limestone wall. There is no soil underneath the shallow top layer–just solid limestone. I have no idea how the ranchers find a place to drill for water. There are juniper covered rolling hills and dry valleys just outside of San A.–Very beautiful.
We went back to the river walk for a Mexican lunch(desperate to get some more befor we leave, despite our stomachs)and then to the Spanish Governor’s palace for a tour. It was built in 1730. It was the only (European built)building in the entire ‘Tejas’ area. San Fernando Cathedral was then built very near the palace as the area eventually started to be settled by Canary Islanders. Anyway, the cathedral was closed for reno’s but is one of the most famous cathedral’s in the world. I am not sure why that is.
Despite all we have been through and continue to battle (Pip not quite better yet) I want to stay in Texas. It is so fun and interesting. I love the desert, the Mexican and Spanish history. I don’t want to move here permanently but I’d love to stay and explore some more.
And the San Cantera Westin Resort is wonderful. So relaxing.