Puedo Ir Al Bano?

           San Antonio is filled with so many different cultures! Obviously, one of the main languages here is Spanish, and I have already had several Spanish speaking families and patients that I have cared for at my new job. Since I haven’t really brushed up on my Spanish since my one mission trip years ago to Mexico, and prior to that my Spanish classes in high school, I think it’s about time I learn a little more than hola, me llamo Katy. Quieres agua? Que es la hora? Yo tengo mucho hambre! Chicle en la basura. And, Puedo ir al bano? I mean, when am I going to ask my patient’s Spanish speaking mother if I can go to the bathroom? And why would I be telling someone to throw their gum in the trash can? The only reason I remember that is from my 8^th grade Spanish teacher repeatedly yelling this at kids like Steven McDowell.

            So to start off on the right foot, I frantically researched events going on this weekend since I have 5 nights off, and after a couple hours of Googling Mike and I were off to embrace the diverse cultural heritage in our new city! Here’s a few pictures of each event to help you share our experiences with us. 

Friday night: Lebanese Festival

Me drinking some Lebanese coffee out of my dainty little cup

Yum! Baclowa!

Watching Lebanese folk dancing called Dabke

Capturing a little "Texan Lebanese" culture :)

 Saturday afternoon: Primaro Sabado en El Marcado

Mexican dance performers at El Mercado. Lovin' the Mariachi!

Inside the market - tons of fun stuff!

The shirt says it all :)

Mike's dream of becoming Nacho Libre is almost complete

We saw a bunch of Quinceineras on Saturday! So cute!

Saturday evening/night: Diwali Festival of Lights

When we got to the event, people were still preparing for the upcoming performances. Here, an Indaian woman is drawing a mandala in front of the "stage".

For the performances they had groups representing each state in India and showed how they dress and their dance styles. This woman was one of our favorites. She is representing Orissa.

Another group representing Maharashtra. They were amazing!

Floating my diya into the fountain.

A picture of the floating diyas.  I'm not sure if this is 100% accurate, but what they taught us is that Diwali (The Festival of Lights) is a holiday where they celebrate the triumph of good over evil, and lighting the diya's is a way to honor knowledge over ignorance, or to bring light where there is darkness. They say this is to bring hope and prosperity to all mankind.

Here you can see all of the lit diyas around the edge of the fountain.

Mike floating his diya

Sunday: Mission Trail

Mission Concepcion - built in 1740 and apparently the oldest stone church in the US. There are 5 missions total along the trail. The Alamo is one of them, and we decided to bike to two of the other 4 on Sunday.

Inside the sanctuary at Mission Concepcion. They still hold masses in this church.

Mission San Jose. My favorite so far! It was huge and had some awesome architecture.  For anyone who read Pillars of the Earth, you felt like you were there with Tom the builder :)

Cool little view through a few doorway arches at San Jose.

Watch out for the cactus roof!

Mike being nice and carrying my camelbak :)

The main doors leading into the sanctuary.

Getting ready to ride back to the beginning of the trail!