I know this town is busy, but i live on private street.

Serene, friendly, and fresh those are just a couple of words that describe the neighborhood in which I live. It’s been two years since I moved to that neighborhood and I am pleased that I did. It was very welcoming since we moved there and it continues to be. Although, I am not one of those neighbors that go over for tea occasionally, I do give a friendly hello when I see my neighbors outside enjoying their day or coming home from their outings.

I live on Aragon Drive, located on the south side of San Antonio in between Algo Dulce Dr. and Twining Dr.The main highways located by my house would be Loop 410 and s IH 35. Jourdanton Fwy is also very close by. I would say that my house is located somewhere in between the whole street. In the beginning of Aragon Drive a funeral home occupies the first space of the drive and toward the end is a turn around loop, I live in a light blue house somewhere in the middle of Aragon Drive. My house is a one story house and very spacious. It is a three bedroom, one restroom, large kitchen, and an even larger living room home. The front lawn is adorned by wild flowers that are ready to bloom by the arrival of spring and roses that are eager to burst from the buds. Our garden is one of the most acclaimed on the street and a sense of pride is noted. The backyard is ample and a tool shed occupies a small portion of the lawn. Garden furniture is neatly placed in the middle of the lawn that consists of a bench, wooden chairs and table and even a pink hammock hanging by an oak tree.

I am part of the middle class economic status. The houses that surround me are very well maintained. They are pretty and decorative homes. Some have toys laying down the yard or tall grass but the houses are cared for nonetheless. Some of the homes have been established for quite some time but others are newly built with only five years under their belt. The neighborhood is mostly inhibited by Hispanic families and very few Anglo families. Both young families and the elderly live on my street but I would have to say that my next door and across the street neighbors consists of young families, bachelors and bachelorettes. Children can be seen playing ball outside during the evenings while the elderly tend to water and care for their lawns during the early day. Some of the major features about my neighborhood include being close to a few schools and a library; Cortez Library and Bob Hope Elementary, Palo Alto Heights, and Palo Alto College. Palo Alto Terrace Park and Palo Alto Park are fairly close to my house. This is a convenience for many families with children. Another feature is the fact that new food businesses are being open near-by including Starbucks, Whataburger, and Domino’s. Construction of more houses is being continued down the street and on the street behind us (Algo Dulce Dr.) It is expanding toward the new horizons and with that new development, new business and facilities are due to follow. Aragon Drive is only getting bigger and better. I believe this will deeply benefit the community making it superior and more commercial.

My neighborhood is a simple but contemporary place. The atmosphere is calm and quiet with the occasional dogs barking and either the joy or screams of children playing outside.The people are amicable and over all good natured. It is a nice place to live and I enjoy living there for the most part. Although, I do like my neighborhood and my community there are a few aspects that can be improved. My neighborhood is not as close to any HEB or Target as I would like it to be, sure it only takes about 10 minutes to get there from my house but I would enjoy it being closer. The same applies to the bank and to the post office per se, there are many facilities that are not close to my neighborhood and it can be a hassle having to drive a few miles to get there.

Work would be one of those places. It takes me about 16-20 minutes to get to work and that is not counting traffic or if I am running late. I work downtown so you can just imagine what it is to drive there. I work at a hotel downtown on Houston Street by the Majestic theatre. It gets really crowded especially on the weekends. The upside to living in my neighborhood would definitely be school. I live about 5 minutes away and that is a major convenience for me. It gives me time to go grab a bite or finish up some unfinished project.

I usually “play” in the downtown area or in the quarry market. I enjoy going to First Friday which is located on Alamo St. downtown on the first Friday of every month. I practically live at the White Rabbit, it is one of my favorite venues and that’s located N St. Mary’s. I also enjoy the Ruta Maya for live music and coffee drinks which is located on East Martin St. I often hang at the Limelight when I get the chance which is 2718 North Saint Mary’s. All of these places are an estimate of about 30 minutes or less away from where I live. The Quarry Market and the Palladium Imax are my favorite movie theaters and when I decide to go to the movies I head to either of those theaters. The Quarry is about 22 minutes away and the Palladium is 34 minutes. I usually go shopping at Ingram Park Mall and that takes about 23 minutes. My closest friends live about 20 minutes away from my house. It is not a big stretch but traffic is taken into effect at times.

My neighborhood is a tranquil and composed place and I really fancy my time there. I am a busy person and I do admit that I sometimes do not spend as much time as I would love to there but the time that I do spend is enjoyable. Over all I do like my neighborhood and my ever-growing community. I find it peaceful and keen all on its own. I do plan to venture out as I grow older and become successful and established. As of today I can say that I am very happy here and will continue to experience the time that I have living in my blue house on Aragon Drive.

A walk of Remembrance.

When I first arrived to Mission San Juan Capistrano that early morning, the wind was chilly but the sun was still shining bright. It was a pleasant day to be out and about enjoying the day. I had never been to Mission San Juan Capistrano before so I was excited about starting my adventure. After my visit, I realized that I was really missing out on the natural beauty and scenery surrounding Mission San Juan and the Yanaguana trail. Mission San Juan Capistrano is so serene and has a peaceful atmosphere surrounding it. The chapel is beautiful & the large cross surrounded by cactus in the middle of the field is a magnificent display. The Virgin Mary statue outside the chapel was decorated by fresh and vibrant flowers.
As we made our way to the Yanaguana Trail, I took a second to really try to capture the essence of the place and what it meant for those who once lived and survive
in Mission San Juan. The Yanaguana Trail is about 1/3 of a mile and it is part of the San Antonio River. The word “Yanaguna” was giving by the Coahuiltecan people and it translates to refreshing waters. The trail was an important form of survival to both the Indians and the Spaniards. It was a constant supply of water for them and it was essential to their survival.

As we began our little journey along the Yanaguana trail, I felt tranquility and serenity all over. The wind was cool and fresh. We were the only ones walking the trail and that was helpful in giving us more time to admire the beauty of the Yanaguana trail. We devoted our entire attention to the Yanaguana trail and to the wonders it possess. The river flowed strong and the current made a low crushing sound. The birds were singing their natural tune but were scarcely seen with all the branches that adorned the Yanaguana trail. The branches made a crackling noise and flowed along with the movement of the wind. The trees stood strong and firm as they once had when life in the missions existed.

The Yanaguana Trail is surrounded by trees, plants, and flowers that were alive when the Indians and the Spaniards lived in the Mission San Juan. Several animals once
roamed along the trail but are not seen anymore. The only animals that might be visible include birds, snakes, fish and insects.

The Yanaguana trail had a feeling of gentleness that made me wonder about the people that lived at the Mission San Juan and about what a normal day in their life consisted of. The trees along the Yanaguana trail were covered in cold, white branches that were in much need of the spring season. Everywhere you turned, branches claimed the Yanaguana trail. I would like to revisit the Yanaguana trail in the spring time to see the flowers in full bloom and the colored leaves decorate the trees along the Yanaguana trial. I am sure it would be a sight to admire.

Mission San Juan Capistrano is a pleasant place to enjoy the scenery and to learn about the history of our town. It provides a look into the past of our ancestors and how they lived. It provides one with a sense of pride and empathy toward the people that lived and build the Missions.

The Yanaguana trail is a place where one can enjoy a walk through time. It supplies one with the beauty of nature. It is a place where one can learn and admire the way of survival for the people that inhibited Mission San Juan Capistrano.

San Francisco De Espada.

Mission San Francisco de Espada was the first mission established. It was first founded as San Francisco de los Tejas in 1960 in East Texas and was later re-established in March 1731 to its current location to the San Antonio river area. With the hard work of the Native Americans that inhibited Mission Espada, it became more elaborate and prospered for a long time.

Mission Espada is a fascinating place. It is serene and full of wonder and mystery. I remember going there when I was younger with my family but I never took notice nor appreciated the significant of its being.

The Church was completed by 1756. The inside of the church is small and easeful. It has a tranquil and beautiful feeling, especially on Sunday mornings during mass. The church is admirable to this day, with its unique designs and hidden uncertainties. Mission Espada has a three bell tower on the church. The door of the church is quite narrow. What stood out to me was the arch of the doorway and how the two lower stones are different then the rest. They have a contrasting structure and it weakens the arch on the door.

Mission Espada was built near the bank of the San Antonio River and water was carried by the Acequia system. The Acequia determined the amount of water used for irrigation and for other necessities. To this day, residents living near the land receive the water from the Acequia.

My experience at Mission Espada was insightful and amusing. It allowed me to acquire new and forgotten knowledge.