Dinner on the River Walk with Visiting Friends - Monday, Oct. 26, 2015

When we lived in Aurora, Oregon, I worked at the local Wilsonville Spokesman newspaper. Curt Kipp was the editor. Over the years he and and his wife, Lexi, became good friends. We attended their wedding 13 years ago.

Curt is now Director of Publications and Communications for the Oregon Association of Nurseries (OAN). His work includes being editor, production manager, photographer and staff writer for Digger magazine, and editor of the Member Update. He oversees member communications and many in-house graphic design or special editorial projects, including the print edition of the OAN Nursery Guide. He has also been President of the Wilsonville Rotary Club. Way to go Curt.

After we moved from Oregon, we kept in touch when I went back to visit my family. Curt and Lexi came to San Antonio for a short visit. We met them on the River Walk to share dinner and drinks at "The Republic of Texas" restaurant, and a walk around downtown at night.

We chatted and enjoyed watching the parade of people go by on the River Walk. Curt's drink of choice was a Dos-a-Rita (Dos Equis served upside down in a margarita).

Curt and Lexi at The Republic of Texas restaurant

Me and Bob (I had excellent peach sangria to drink)

My favorite dish at The Republic of Texas is Cilantro Chicken. It's a chicken breast served on a bed of pecan wild rice, topped with a light cilantro sauce, and surrounded by steamed vegetables. The best food I've had on the River Walk yet.

Cilantro Chicken over pecan wild rice

Bob chose Enchiladas Verde Plate

After our meal, we walked on Houston Street in downtown San Antonio which was originally the main street. There's the old Kress Building, and many other historic sites. About every two blocks are historic markers describing what used to be on Houston Street.

The old Kress Building

Close-up of art deco Kress Building

Many horse-drawn carriages for hire

One of the few original remaining Walgreen Drugs signs

Most people see San Antonio during the day, but it becomes magical at night, especially during the holidays. Tomorrow night the holiday lights will be lit on the trees along the river and will be on until New Year's Eve. In addition, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, 6,000 luminarias will line the downtown River Walk paths.

If you haven't been to San Antonio in December, be sure to come and see the twinkling lights draped in the huge Cypress trees along the River Walk. Even the river barges are decorated with Christmas lights. Here's a photo from 2012's December light display.

Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas. Enjoy all the holidays have to offer.

Travel Bug out.