San Antonio: A bootscootin' Christmas

Christmas 2016 was spent in San Antonio, Texas.  I was quite excited as I have never been to Texas and was looking forward to the trip and spending time with my family.

WHERE TO STAY:

Mom found an amazing place:  Greystone Manor.  It was located approximately 30 miles from downtown San Antonio.  Mom chose "the enchanted cottage"  and it was amazing!  The room was quite large and filled with antique furniture.  From our room we walked out and in a stone walled enclave was a 2 person hot tub. We continued walking and met paradise in a large pool surrounded by plants, ceramics and metal butterflies.  The surrounding area was peaceful and perfect.  I could definitely stay here again.  Maybe next time a romantic weekend with a bae?  Listen up Universe haha

PLACES TO VISIT:

Pearl Brewery (http://www.atpearl.com/):  I loved this area!  The brewery was built in 1881 and today is now a quaint neighborhood filled with restaurants, apartments and retailers.  It reminded me of my favorite Arlington, VA neighborhood - Shirlington.  Mom and I returned twice to enjoy meals at restaurants located inside Pearl Brewery.

Pearl Brewery at night

The Riverwalk (https://www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com/):  If you are in San Antonio one of the things I recommend is finding a way to enjoy the San Antonio Riverwalk!  The day after Christmas Mom and I bought tickets for the riverboat tour (https://www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com/directory/category/river-boats/).  It is $10 and I would highly recommend it!  It is approximately 30-40 minutes.  You will see many landmarks as well as hear about the history of San Antonio and the Riverwalk.  Additionally, they offer dinner cruises - something I would love to enjoy the next time I am in San Antonio!

Mom and I posing on "Selena's Bridge" where Selena posed
in the height of her fame.  

After the riverboat tour Mom and I needed to make a decision:  walk to the Alamo or sit at a restaurant on the Riverwalk, enjoy a drink and people watch.  Hmm Mom and I decided to do both! We stopped at Rita's on the River (http://ritasontheriver.com/) for margaritas, chips, dips and to people watch.  What we really liked about the menu is you choose your tequila and then the margarita flavor. We chose the "Rio Margarita" which was made with Patron Citronge, fresh lime and orange liquor. We ordered a pitcher and requested it be made as a swirl with blend of lime and strawberry. Deliciosa!

The Alamo (http://www.thealamo.org/):  You kinda have to visit The Alamo when you are in San Antonio.  So after margaritas Mom and I walked a short distance to the historical landmark. The tour is free but you can also book a private battlefield tour.  The Alamo closes at 5:30pm but I think it is breathtaking to see at night!

All About Me Spa (http://allaboutme-dayspa.com/):  Of course Mom and I booked spa time! Mom and I chose the "Relax Me" package.  It was a 3.5 hour experience complete with 60 minute massage, facial and spa pedicure (cost $135). In between services and while we enjoying pedicures they served us chocolate dipped strawberries, Belgian chocolates, water and our choice of wine (red, white or rose).  It was a relaxing afternoon and I would definitely return if I am ever in San Antonio again!

Sweet spa break

PLACES TO EAT:

Our first night in San Antonio Mom and I were on a mission to find a juicy steak! And mission was accomplished!  My friend, Camellia, drove from Austin to meet us for a wonderful dinner at The Broiler House (http://www.boilerhousesa.com/menu/).  This was the place we decided we would really spoil ourselves and we did!  We enjoyed 2 bottles of wine, appetizers, filet mignon and scallops.  Everything was really good!  The meal is a la carte so we also ordered brussel sprouts and whipped potatoes.  They accidentally served us lobster mac n cheese.  Skip it.  It was salty and tasted 'fishy' which let us know imitation lobster was used. I would definitely recommend this restaurant!

Texas whiskey bacon caramel kettle corn.
Make this happen for yourself.  You will not
regret the calories!

Buffalo meatballs.  These were amazing!

8oz filet mignon -- yes yes yes

The spread.  Worth every cent!

Camellia, Mom and me

I was also lucky enough to be visited by my friend from university, Niki and her gorgeous sisters! Mom and I met them at The Westin.  On the Riverwalk level is a cute Italian restaurant, Zocca (http://www.zoccariverwalk.com/).  It was a bit of a breezy day so we enjoyed our lunch inside, however, many people were outside enjoying their food riverside.  The company was great, the food was ok.

Located inside The Westin

Mom had the spaghetti and meatball

Niki and I shared a pizza

"Reunited and it feels so good!"  Ladies on the Riverwalk

Looking for a great place to have lunch?  Mom and I enjoyed lunch at Bakery Lorraine (http://www.bakerylorraine.com/) located inside The Pearl Brewery.  Not only are the pastries and macarons delicious but they make really good sandwiches as well!  I enjoyed a cuban while Mom enjoyed ham/cheese and fresh tomato soup. Needless to say, Mom and I were presently surprised at how delicious everything was at Bakery Lorraine.  I would definitely return for the sweet goodies and yummy cuban sandwich!

I still dream about this cuban lol

At the airport Mom and I enjoyed a filling, boozy breakfast at La Gloria (http://chefjohnnyhernandez.com/lagloria/menu.php)! There is a restaurant in The Pearl Brewery but when we could not find it, we chose to eat at Bakery Lorraine.  Look at GOD! haha  We sat down and ordered water, sangria and breakfast.  I ordered chorizo and cheese tacos.  Mom ordered "ranchero plate" complete with eggs, chorizo, beans and potatoes.  Woah was everything delicious!  Please do yourself un favor and eat at La Gloria if you are in San Antonio!

Gracias a Dios por la Sangria La Gloira!

A NEED TO RETURN

San Antonio did NOT disappoint!  We spent time together as a family, I was able to see my friends as well as enjoy San Antonio!  Many have asked me, "Did you buy any cowboy boots?"  My response, "Yup..." haha

Tall shotglass

Do I need to return to San Antonio?  Yes!  I would also love to see other cities in Texas -- visit Camellia and a childhood friend in Austin and of course visit Niki in Houston!  We ate good, we laughed, we explored, we sipped, we had a #bootscootin Christmas in San Antonio!

WE ARE FAMILY

My brother and I 

Mom and I on Christmas day

AK III on Christmas day

My niece looking too cute 

My Mom enjoying her granddaughters on Christmas day

My brother feeding his baby girl

Want to experience my next adventure with me?  Follow me on snapchat at pmkenney79!

Cheers to San Antonio!

Sunsets: Safari in South Luangwa Park

My father died suddenly October 8, 2015.  A year without him went by so fast.  The most painful days are his birthday, Thanksgiving, Christmas .. any holiday .. but those who advised that the pain will always be there but so will the memories, the smiles with the tears ... they are right.

I originally wanted to spend October 8, 2016 in my bed, in my memories, in my mourning.  A year without him went by too fast.  But my mother was having NONE of that! She threw a Remembrance Party, inviting family and friends and encouraged me to get out of town.  Find moments to smile about as I remember my Daddy.  I decided to spend the weekend in South Luangwa on safari.  After some high praises I made my reservation for Lion Camp (http://www.lioncamp.com/).

Lion Camp is quite far into South Luangwa National Park.  They pick you up in a safari vehicle and tell you to prepare yourself for a 2 hour ride to the lodge.  They also provide a cold bottle of water which is a pretty cool souvenir! On the way to Lion Camp it was HOT.  And by HOT I mean I am sure the devil was breathing on us (I immediately understood why we were greeted with the cold water) haha but you do get to see wildlife roaming throughout the park on your way to the lodge which was pretty cool!

Staying at Lion Camp is quite expensive (see rates here: http://www.lioncamp.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/2016-Lion-Camp-Rack-Rates-International.pdf) but is such a great experience and for this particular weekend I was willing to spend the money.

A typical day at Lion Camp:
5:15 am:  Wake Up
6:00 am:  Leave for morning safari
10:00 am:  Return back to the camp
11:15 am:  Brunch

After brunch enjoy a cool cocktail in or by the pool as you watch zebras, elephants, giraffes, etc. walk up to the creek, near the lodge, for viewing pleasure.

A view from my chalet

3:30 pm:  Afternoon Tea
4:00 pm:  Leave for evening safari
8:00 pm:  Return back to the camp
8:15 pm:  Dinner

After dinner everyone is usually exhausted!  But maybe one more cocktail by the pool before going to bed early in an effort to be ready for another early morning!

The food was pretty good!  And of course an open bar is always a guest favorite! My only 'complaint' is that there is no air condition in the very hot rooms ha ... a safari guide said this is because they want you to truly feel like you are in the bush! haha oh and I truly felt in the hot ass bush!  But it was cool enough at night to enjoy a full night of sleep.  I would just encourage you to sit by the pool with a refreshing cocktail in the afternoon versus trying to get in an afternoon nap.

If you know me, you know I was more of a fan of the evening safari - I am not a morning person! But my last morning there I did venture out and go on the morning safari.  I will not present falsehoods to you.  I spent most of that safari asleep, only waking up when I felt the vehicle stop.  I oohhed and awwed, took a photo or two and went back to sleep!  This being said, please enjoy the photos taken of amazing wildlife during my safari weekend!

DID YOU KNOW:  Elephants have the largest brain in the animal kingdom!

 

 DID YOU KNOW:  A lion's roar can be heard up to 5 miles away!

DID YOU KNOW:  Leopards are strong and skilled climbers!  After hunting, they usually carry their heavy meal far up a tree to ensure it is not stolen (usually by hyenas)!  

DID YOU KNOW:  Giraffe spots are like human fingerprints - no two giraffes will have exactly the same pattern!

DID YOU KNOW:  Hippos are quite aggressive!  Don't let their stocky bodies fool you.  On land they can run up to 30km/18 miles per hour!

DID YOU KNOW:  African buffaloes are known to kill more hunters than any other animal in Africa!  On our safari we watched a herd run away a lion attempting to prey upon one of them at the back of the herd!

Shout out:  thanks for the laughs Bethany and Marita!

To close this blog, one of my favorite things about the evening safari were the gin/tonics with lime cordial while enjoying these sunsets!  But every sunset provided me with a moment of silence, another moment to think about my Daddy. Sunsets represent not only a completion but also the promise of a new beginning. Yes, there is a moment of darkness, but after those dark moments, the sun - hope, newness, life - rises again.

Sundowner during evening safari.

Sunrise.  The promise.

The weekend was everything I needed.  I had my moments of down time to be in thought and in my memories.  I cried, I giggled, I missed my Daddy.  But as you can see, I also had a great time!  If you are ever in Zambia, find your way to South Luangwa Park - you will not regret it!

**UPDATE:  Lion Camp will unfortunately be closed until the season in 2018.  They are closing to renovate the main areas and the chalets.  If you are interested in doing safari in South Luangwa next season, I have heard great things about Flatdogs (http://www.flatdogscamp.com/)**

Me on safari!  Next time, follow me on snapchat to see my
memories as they are created:  pmkenney79