Tower of the Americas - 5/29/14

The 750' Tower of the Americas was built in 1968 for San Antonio's World's, a year-long celebration of San Antonio's 250th anniversary.  At the top is a restaurant/lounge and a 2-level observation deck. Informative historical exhibits surround the interior observation deck as well as maps of the city that indicate the buildings seen from the view at the top.

Entryway to the Tower of the Americas.

Tickets are $10.95/adults and $9.95/seniors. We had $2/per discount coupon that you can find in many brochures of the city.  Admission includes access to the observation decks and/or restaurant for the entire day. It also includes a 4-D,15-minute movie experience about the many aspects of Texas.

View from the observation deck.

Alamadome in lower right of photo.

Stopped in for a drink and snack at the lounge. Very enjoyable and comfortable ambiance.

Photo taken from the elevator (access to the observation deck is via elevators with glass walls).

Gardens and fountain at the base of the tower - added in 1988.

Quack. Quack.

View from below.

One more...

The Institute of Texas Cultures is nearby (walking distance), but we did not have the time to check it ut. Enjoyed this final tourist stop in San Antonio before we depart for Amarillo on the 5/31.

Quote - RIP Maya

"I've learned that people will forget what you said; people will forget what you did; but people will never forget how they made you feel."
-Maya Angelou

San Antonio Museum of Art - 5/27/14

Wow!! This museum had so much more beautiful and unique artwork than we expected. It is an absolutely amazing art museum with fascinating pieces from ancient to contemporary times.  Don't miss it.

Egyptian artifacts

Grecian urns and jars

Gold diadem (adornment worn by a woman around her head)

Gold wreath of leaves and acorns (300 BC); also worn on the head

Roman - Statue of MarcusAurelius

Athena - goddess of wisdom

Sarcophagus

Roman - Deer Hunters Sarcophagus

Indian - Buddha

Buddhist shrine for a residence 

Chinese screens

Palaquin - wheel-less carriage used to transport VIPs; 4-6 individuals carried it

John would not have fit into one of those little things!

Tomb guardians - Sui and T'ang Dynasty - intended to keep the souls from wandering

T'ang Dynastic horse - earthenware with sancai glaze - characteristic of tomb ceramics

Japanese jar

Japanese kimono

Chinese jar- Yuan Dynasty

Chinese Jar - Ming Dynasty

Chinese Jar - Qing Dynasty

Qing Dynasty - One-hundred deer vase

Chinese woman's bedroom - usually the furniture was her dowry with the bed being the most important item as it represented her role as the sexual partner and bearer of sons. She also embroidered, sewed, and received her female guests while sitting on her bed.

Iranian painted door

Papua New Guinea artifacts

Basketry of a wild hog

Hawaiian bowls

Male figure - Caroline Islands, Micronesia

Masks and figural staffs connected to secret societies - New Britain, Melanesia

Amazing collection of silver crafted in Dublin, Ireland

Commissioned by Queen Victoria

Contemporary Works - 

Tapestry

Fish

Dragon Lady

Admission was $10/adults and $7/seniors over 65. Free admission Tuesdays after 4 pm.  Amazing collections presented in exquisite displays.