by Maxine Sommers


In the heart of one of the most fascinating cities in the United States, San Antonio, Texas, stands tall while proudly displaying the spirit of the Southwest along with its historically rich culture. Make no mistake, this city is alive and well and living the good life.

When visiting San Antonio you must visit some of the local attractions. The "Alamo" is always a must see for first time visitors. Located in the heart of the city, this spot continues to fascinate people as they are taken back in time to March 6, 1838, when one hundred and eighty-nine brave defenders died defending the Alamo after repeated attacks by Mexican General Santa Anna's army. The Chapel and the Long Barracks are all that remain of the original fort. The Long Barracks Museum and Library are near the chapel-the museum contains mementos and relics from the Republic of Texas, it also provides narration on the fall of the Alamo. Contact: www.thealamo.org.

San Antonio's River Walk is a must-see. The "Paseo del Rio" is a little over two miles in length-to add to the beauty of the area the river banks are lined with cottonwood trees and lush green foliage. The water-way passes by a string of shops, restaurants and hotels. If your feet are on strike from too much walking, jump into a River Taxi. You can board these slick little boats from various locations along the river and ride from one end to the other. Or is you would like to rent a boat for a party you can do that too-it's your choice! For information: 1-210-244-5700.

St. Joseph's Catholic Church (at 623 E. Commerce Street) is often described as the "gem" in the heart of San Antonio. It is housed in a simple but beautiful historic building which even after 139 years continues to impress visitors and local residents alike.

This place of worship was founded in 1868, by a group of German Catholics and quickly became a thriving parish. As the years went on the building began to fall into disrepair until a complete renovation was completed in 1999. The church was painted, the pews restored, new carpets were installed and an altar designed and hand-carved to blend with the ornate baroque background. The stunning beauty of the little church has returned. Today this haven continues to be a magnet for people in the downtown area who need a peaceful place for prayer and contemplation.

San Antonio in April is one long FIESTA! Make your reservation far in advance since the "Fiesta San Antonio" is a H.U.G.E. event. The celebration goes on for ten days and includes: fabulous fire works displays, carnivals, spectacular sporting events, entertainment of all kinds, marvelous ethnic feasts all of which offer foods that are absolutely fit-to-die-for, art exhibits, colorful parades with marchers strutting down the streets or gliding down the river. This fabulous celebration brings three-million participants to San Antonio from around the world-all of whom enjoy more than one hundred terrific events. Fiesta San Antonio is an experience extraordinaire ... if you are in Texas in April this is where you should be! For information: 1-210-227-5191.

Do your interests run to wine and food? Is so, consider the San Antonio New World Wine & Food Festival-November 7-11, 2007. The festival showcases a wide array of interesting restaurants along with their talented chefs. The Alamo City shines brightly as celebrity guests from across the United States and Mexico celebrate San Antonio as a cultural gateway into Mexico and South America. From the first Bloody Mary in the morning until the last after-dinner Brandy in the evening, the New World Wine and Food Festival is one spectacular extravaganza. Plan on dieting when you return home. For information: www.nwwff.org.

Further places of interest: The Tower of the Americas offers a wide-range view of the city from it's tallest point because it is perched high in the sky on top a seven hundred and fifty foot tower. Visitors take a breathtaking trip up, up, up in glass-walled elevators to dine in the revolving Eyes Over Texas restaurant. Visitors can also go up to the observation deck to look down on the bustling city or go into the lounge to enjoy a Texas drink. It's great fun to view the city from great heights but for those timid souls who like to keep their feet on the ground, a ground-level café awaits you along with a retail shop. For information: www.toweroftheamericas.com.

In the mood for a museum tour? The Witte Museum (1-210-357-900) is just a jump away from downtown. This time-honored museum features exhibits focusing on history, science and natural science and dinosaurs. One of the marvels that museum visitors can actually touch is a cast of an actual footprint left by a giant plant-eating dinosaur that is large enough for children to climb into - what fun!

Speaking of fun: the Market Square (El Mercado) is an exciting place to visit. At almost any time of day or evening it is alive with energetic visitors walking, talking and eating. El Mercado has 32 shops with 80 specialty shops in Farmers Market Plaza.

While there are a variety of restaurants at this location, Mi Tierra Café and Bakery holds its own as "the" place to dine. Always busy this establishment is open twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week as they serve their authentic hotsy-totsy Mexican food. When the restaurant is full the noise level of the patter of running feet and the twanging guitar music of the musicians are much in evidence. Conversation is difficult but diners don't complain since they are too busy enjoying their meal.

A typical breakfast selection is: Huevos Rancheros- two eggs topped with Ranchero Sauce accompanied by bacon, ham, pork chops or pork patties, refried beans, breakfast potatoes and tortillas. I enjoyed the symphony of marvelous tastes but listening carefully as I ate I'm sure I heard my arteries clog. How about lunch, you ask? Here's one of their favorites: The Monterrey Special consists of Cabrito - tender young baked Goat with guacamole, cheese enchilada, rice and refried beans. Granted you may have a problem getting past the thought of actually eating a young goat.

Finally, last but not least in this saga: a visit to San Antonio is not complete until you visit the charming Little Rhein Steak House - it provides not only wonderful meals but the building (constructed in 1847) is rich historically. The U.S. Department of Interior lists this venerable establishment in the National Registry of Historical Places. For many years this monument to survival has held a place of honor on the picturesque River Walk. The structure has been used for many things through the last one hundred and sixty years such as: a German saloon, a museum, a boarding house, and even a hangout for desperados. The food is superior and serious steak lovers will feel at home here with U.S.D.A. Prime Strip Loin, Prime Ribeye, Prime Porterhouse or a Filet Mignon awaiting your pleasure. For information: 1 (210) 225-1212.

If you require a hotel consider the Marriott Rivercenter, it offers eighty-six luxurious suites and nine hundred and fifteen guest rooms, all of which have the finest service. Food service in the hotel is excellent with the River Roast Beanery, the Atrium Café and Sozo's Latin Grill always at the ready. The hotel's Fitness Center stands by to provide an indoor/outdoor pool or a relaxing whirlpool tub. For the guests that require serious pampering the massage therapy and spa services are available. Located downtown the hotel rises above the famous River Walk and adjoins the River Center Shopping Complex which features one hundred and thirty five specialty shops. Get your credit cards out!

For hotel information call: 1 (210) 223-1000.

All of the above plus a bodacious brand of Texas hospitality will guarantee you an enjoyable San Antonio visit in this awesome bit of the old Southwest!

Split is the largest city on the coast of Croatia with an international airport and an attractive, palm-lined harbor. Ferries leave from here to all points along the coast.

Diocletian's Palace in Split dates to 245 AD and is the most imposing Roman structure in the world, comprised of more than 200 buildings. Today, the buildings house chic boutiques and cafes and more than 3,000 people are living in them.

Hvar is an old fishing village that has become a trendy resort island. The 13^th Century walled village of Hvar town is now filled with outdoor cafes and bars, but fishermen still make a living in the harbor.



Hvar town's main square is the perfect place for an afternoon cocktail.

A Napoleonic fortress looms over Hvar town, offering views of the harbor and nearby islands. Croatia has 1,185 islands.

A ferry boat pulls into the harbor of Korcula. There's no need for reservations when island-hopping in the off season. Townspeople meet each ferry and offer rooms with bath in their homes for 50 Euros. Jadrolinija offers convenient ferry service to 85 islands.



The popular island of Korcula first appears from the ferry as a dream - a walled town ringed with palm trees, topped by a sea of red tile roofs.



Dubrovnik is the jewel of the Adriatic and one of the great walled cities of the world. The town's fortified harbor now guards pleasure yachts, but in the civil war of 1991-92, the city was bombarded by 2,000 shells.


It's possible to walk the entire way around the town on the city walls, which rise as high as 82 feet and are 6,000 feet long.


There are 10 semicircular bastions guarding the walls of Dubrovnik. During the civil war of 1991-92, the townspeople used these medieval walls for protection.


The amazing fortified coastline of Dubrovnik.


A historic photo of Dubrovnik in 1992 during the bombardment. More than 2,000 shells and guided missiles damaged the roofs in 68% of the 824 buildings in the walled city.


Today the same street is filled with tourists and shoppers from around the world. The marble streets glow at night.


If the crowds from cruise ships become too much in Dubrovnik, take an hour ferry across the bay to Cavtat. Ferries leave from the fortified dock.


Cavtat is an attractive Mediterranean resort with an old stone harbor lined with outdoor cafes.


The beaches of Cavtat are stone and small pebbles, but they make up for the rough surface with the brilliant color of the Adriatic Sea and the abundant flowers that are everywhere.


The deep blue of the Adriatic Sea along the coast near Dubrovnik.


The villages of Ston and Mali Ston are known for their famous oyster beds, which can be seen in the water in the harbor.


The "Makarska Riviera" is a string of beach resorts that offer beaches as well as mountain climbing and trails to little mountain villages.


There are lovely coastal walks along the Makarska Riviera, while ferries serve the neighboring islands.


Omis was once controlled by river pirates. Today, it is resort town with mountain, river canyon and coastal walks and beaches.


Trogir is a Unesco World Heritage site, a 15^th Century walled town with a medieval castle and waterfront promenade that is lit at night.


The village of Primosten near Trogir occupies every inch of land on what was once an island, but is now connected to the mainland.

By Lloyd Carroll

Long Beach, California has never received the glamor or due which its sister Southern California shore cities have. Because of the Pacific Ocean breaker walls installed by the US Navy in the 1940s which keep big waves from coming onto its shores, it was not immortalized in the Beach Boys' 1963 tribute hit to Southern California beach paradises, "Surfin' USA." Its numerous oil derricks just offshore made its otherwise beautiful pristine sand not as visually appealing as say Santa Monica or Malibu.

Things began to turn around in Long Beach with the arrival of the transatlantic cruise ship, the Queen  Mary, in 1967. The Queen Mary had been one of the first luxury tourist vessels but after 65 years it was time for it to be retired. Today the Queen Mary serves as a hotel and home to numerous upscale restaurants. Its daily tours touting the ship's alleged haunted aspects are quite popular.

The 40-year success of the Queen Mary has had a positive ripple effect on all of Long Beach Harbor. Carnival Cruise Lines uses Long Beach as a hub for its Mexican voyages. Shoreline Village and the Rainbow Plaza at Pike are popular shopping areas which were influenced by our own South Street Seaport. The Aquarium of the Pacific showcases sea life from Alaska to Antarctica. The aquarium features a shark pool in which visitors are encouraged to touch bamboo sharks (no, they didn't bite me) and stingrays.

Sporting extravaganzas have also helped put Long Beach on the map. The annual Amgen Bicycle Tour, California's answer to the Tour de France, finishes up in Long Beach the final weekend of February. In April, the city is host to the United States' premier Formula 1 auto race, the Long Beach Grand Prix.

Blair Field is a minor league ballpark which has been featured in such recent baseball flicks as "Angels In The Outfield," "The Scout" and "Mr. Baseball." It is also part of Long Beach's municipal oasis, Recreation Park. So many successful major leaguers grew up in Long Beach and played at Blair Field that the city started a Long Beach Baseball Hall of Fame there. Among those who have plaques there are, Chase Utley, Bobby Grich, Tim Salmon, Jeff Burroughs, former Yankees manager Bob Lemon, and Tony Gwynn, who was just elected to that other baseball hall of fame in Cooperstown.

There is always plenty new at the city's two major cultural institutions, the Long Beach Art Museum and the Museum of Latin American Art since both museums devote little space to permanent collections, preferring to house temporary collections of works instead. Currently at the "Molaa" are paintings and sculptures by both Cuban emigrees and those still living on the Communist Caribbean island nation.

While it is still necessary to drive in most of Southern California, that is not the case in Long Beach as the city has a very extensive mass transit system. There are plenty of bus routes and all buses are free in the downtown part of the city. The charge outside the free zone is a mere 90 cents. It is quick, easy and inexpensive to get into Los Angeles thanks to the frequent train service of the Blue Line.

The Long Beach Municipal Airport is a tourist site in itself thanks to small airfield size and its1930s art deco atmosphere. Passengers have to enter and depart jet planes by walking on the tarmac. Waiting for your plane to take off or for your baggage to arrive is not unpleasant as you can sit on a bench and take in that Southern California sunshine. Queens' own JetBlue Airlines has frequent daily nonstop flights from JFK to Long Beach since that is their West Coast hub.

Aside from the delightful retro feel of Long Beach Municipal Airport, there are logistical advantages to flying here instead of neighboring LAX. Because there are fewer flights, planes tend to land and take off on time. There are far shorter lines at security check-in and at rental car counters. Finally after a six-hour flight, the last thing you want to do is to fight traffic on LA's congested freeways. It takes only ten minutes to get to the downtown Long Beach hotels from the city's airport. It should also be noted that Long Beach is equidistant to Disneyland and Hollywood and the hotel rates are far less expensive than either of those popular tourist destinations.

Long Beach has fine lodging properties across the rate spectrum. The Renaissance Long Beach Hotel located at the corner of Ocean Blvd and Pine Avenue (Long Beach's equivalent to Boardwalk & Park Place) offers very affordable luxury as well as a great location. It is walking distance to the city's fine restaurants while the Blue Line is a block away. You can see the Queen Mary from the outdoor Jacuzzi and pool on the third floor. The Renaissance is undergoing a renovation which should be finished by the spring so that it will resemble a chic Miami Beach hotel without the South Beach snootiness.

The Renaissance does a good job of catering to both the corporate convention business and the leisure traveler. Even though it is a warm weather destination, the Renaissance offers bargain packages during Christmas and Easter/Passover weeks when business travel tends to be slower than usual. That is the opposite of most Florida destinations when rates skyrocket during school holiday periods.

For more information contact the Long Beach Visitors Bureau at (800) 4LB-STAY or visit their website, www.visitlongbeach.com