What an adventuresome day!!! We started off with a delicious breakfast at "Sip" - one of the best breakfast sandwiches ever (a parker house roll with fried egg, applewood smoked bacon and slices of avocado with mayo) + a very good skinny vanilla/cinnamon latte. We plan to return there tomorrow
So, off we went to the river walk and wanted to go inside San Fernando Cathedral but with Fiesta going on there were many vendors with their colorful tents all over the streets so it was closed. San Fernando is the oldest cathedral in Texas and one of the oldest in the nation.
We then took a walk along the River Walk (1.8 miles) to the Perl District. What a nice leisurely stroll with beautiful landscaping, flowers, etc. We had drinks at "Supper" and sat outside the Hotel Emma - beautiful old hotel that was once a huge brewery dating back to the early 1900's.
It is sooo neat!
The Pearl (a beer) District is full of some unique shops, many restaurants in a very nice setting. We walked around, stopped at The Lorraine Bakery for some wonderful pastries,
Oh what a great little spot!!!
San Fernando Cathedral amongst the vendors
Claire and I had this wonderful drink
"My Heart Will Go On"
In front of Hotel Emma
Pat, Kathy, Claire
Tonight is the coronation of the Fiesta Queen 2018...
The candidates wear very detailed beaded, jeweled gowns along with a very long coat with train. These outfits cost $$$ paid by the family (kind of like a "coming out" or debutante party).
Several of the dresses and long trains from last year were on display in a store - oh my....
Here are 2 of them
The weather started looking threatening and we decided to skedaddle to the water taxi which was leaving at 3. Radar looked scary but out boat driver told us it was still off a bit (I thought otherwise)......we took off but the heavens opened up - thunder and lightening and a general soaking as we meandered the San Antonio river (a good 20-minute ride). We were 3 very wet rats as were the other passengers.
Got to our hotel and took warm showers and the rain continues to fall...
Later we walked to the Houston Street Bistro close to our hotel and lo and behold, there were several tables of beautifully dressed ladies and men in tuxedo (definitely more ladies. It was the big Alamo Coronation at the Majestic Theater. After our delicious dinner, we walked to the theater and stood there oohing and aahing over the lovely gowns....there were so many people walking into the theater - what a sight to see - definitely the elite of San Antonio society!
Walked around some more and also saw the Fiesta "Cornyation" going on at the Empire Theater - totally opposite the big spectacle at the Majestic.
Went to the river walk dodging the puddles and it has definitely cooled off. Went to Waxy O'Connor's Irish Pub for some hot coffee drinks (Kathy and me) and a cold beverage (green Shamrock ?) for Claire.
This blows our minds.....the Fiesta measures up as follows for economic impact and outshines the Tournament of Roses Parade, the Kentucky Derby, the Final Four, and the Masters with $340m.
Of course, we never heard of this event and it is mind boggling the revenue it generates AND all goes for charity. We are so lucky to have been a little part of this incredible 10-day event!
Fiesta has been going on since 1909.
Here's our own little queen with her tutu as her crown! Ha
Such a funny, sweet little girl!
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