Out and About in San Antonio 2014

San Antonio is a very historic city and the home of the Alamo where Davy Crockett, Travis and many others lost their lives fighting for the Republic of Texas.  Each year the city remembers those who fought so bravely on this day (March 6).  To know more have a look at http://www.thealamo.org

The River Walk in San Antonio is a hive of activity and after a walk around the inner city it was time for a cool drink.  This the famous hurricane cocktail served at Pat O'Briens pub.

In the evening there is lots of great music.

You can even have your photo taken with a Texas long horn.

With the pretty River Walk as a back drop.

In Australia we call it Shrove / Pancake Tuesday, in Texas its called Fat Tuesday and this is a Texas shrimp cocktail Ross enjoyed on this day.

There are many fine restaurants in San Antonio and Fogo De Choa is one such place.  It is located near the River Walk and is a real dining experience.

Here is Ross enjoying a prime cut of meat.

The dessert  was most enjoyable as well.  To see more go to www.yelp.com/biz/fogo-de-chao-san-antonio-san-antonio

We also visited Saint Joseph Church downtown where the cornerstone for the church was laid in 1868.  It is a very beautiful church as you can see from the photos.

We have also had the opportunity to enjoy good times with dear friends and this evening was a dinner to celebrate 30 years of marriage of Liz and Dave.  Liz is a sister of our much loved Maureen who passed from our lives 3 years ago on 19 February but remains always in our hearts.

Liz admires the cake her sister Theresa made for her and Dave.

Over the 2 + years we have now lived in SA you would have seen photos of our work mates.  Today is Wayne's birthday and we celebrated his birthday with his family.  Best wishes for a happy year Wayne.

On 22 March we depart on ourRhine River cruise so more to follow after we return from our European adventure.

Best wishes to all,
Beverley and Ross

Halifax, NS 2014

Recently we had a quick trip back to Halifax , NS to renew our visa to allow us to stay in the USA for another 2 years.  It had been some years since we last visited this lovely city and when we arrived the snow was starting to melt.

However, within a a couple of days the snow started to fall and did it snow.

This is view from a window in the restaurant we were having lunch at.

Even the ferry was finding it difficult to navigate the rough seas.

When it is snowing in Canada many resort to visiting the indoor markets where everything is well laid out, warm and dry.

Inside they have something for everyone from woodwork to food.

The flowers are beautiful.

There is no point staying indoors all of the time and Beverley takes every opportunity to wear her rabbit lined hat which she bought in Portland Maine a few winters ago.

Doesn't this look great and we are going to really miss the snow when we finally return to Australia.

This weather lends itself to having tea in an Irish Pub.

The Atlantic provinces are known for their excellent seafood and here is an example of some perfectly cooked scallops.

Halifax is a the largest city in the Atlantic Provinces and the home of Sir Samuel Cunard who founded the Cunard Line.

Halifax also has a proud history of immigration and in excess of 1 million immigrants to Canada transited through this city between 1928 and 1971.

For those of you who have never had the opportunity to visit Halifax it is a city well worth the time. It is a historic and pretty city with friendly people and good food.

Best wishes to all,
Beverley and Ross