Page 129 - Picturesque_Alamo_City_1

The Picturesque Alamo City.

SAN ANTONIO is the oldest, the most historic, the most beautiful, the most
cosmopolitan, and the most unique city in the Southwest. It is the me-
tropolis of Texas, having a population of nearly 100,000, and is the
leading city in commerce and other industries.
In addition to being one of the most healthful cities, it is blessed
with an unusually mild climate, which is a source of never ending
delight to the tourist from the frozen north. The temperature in winter
seldom ever reaches the freezing point and snow is almost as strange a phenomenon
here as it would be to the inhabitants of Egypt. The summer days are never exces-
sively hot, as they are cooled by the healthful and invigorating Gulf breeze. The nights
are always cool and pleasant, and refreshing sleep can always be enjoyed.
That San Antonio is one of the most cosmopolitan cities of the world, is easily
demonstrated during any afternoon spent upon its streets. Every nationality of the
world is represented.
In strolling about the city in the evening, the Mexican peon in his picturesque
blanket costume and stupendous sombrero can be seen enjoying chili con came, enchi-
ladas, tamales, frijoles and other Mexican delicacies at the open air restaurants along
the plazas; the jovial Germans with their large families can be seen spending a pleasant
evening beneath the trees of some delightful beer garden that has a touch of the beauty
of those to be found along the Rhine; in the cafés the French are enjoying their wines
and fancy dishes while their chatter can be heard and their gestures seen at a great
distance, reminding the seasoned traveler of similar scenes along the Grand Boulevards