Weekend At The San Antonio River Walk.

Earlier this month I had an opportunity to spend a weekend in one of my favorite places, San Antonio, Texas, for an event involving a member of our family. I have been visiting the Alamo City since I was a child and never tire of going.

Due to the short notice of the trip we were unable to book a hotel room on the River Walk as we usually do so we stayed about twenty minutes from downtown, at the Hilton Homewood Suites on the north side of town.

Comfortable and clean

As a HHonors member I had a few free nights available. Though the hotel is neither upscale nor resort class as we prefer, it was more than adequate for what we needed. The hotel and room were clean and the hotel was close to shopping and restaurants, though we dined on the River Walk. Free hot breakfast was provided as well. Employee service was okay though the front desk seemed understaffed. That said, the hotel served its purpose for us.

Of course the jewel of the city is the River Walk. The river was dyed green for St. Patrick's Day. The choices of places to eat and shop on the River Walk are numerous and varied. It's hard to make a bad choice.

Green for St. Patrick's Day!

We chose Mexican food at Casa Rio. Our party of eleven was seated in about 45 minutes, which was fine given it is was a tourist location on a Saturday night. The food was not bad and the atmosphere was festive. If you are looking for quick service and a quiet place to eat however, this is not the place for you. Our server was a joy.

We met many wonderful vendors, true small business men and women. Our favorite was the booth with soy air fresheners and candles.

After dinner we took a stroll both on the River Walk and at street level downtown. It is a lively place. and we felt quite safe the entire time. Plenty of taverns, shops, and other establishments to see and check out. Downtown is relatively pedestrian friendly though you should expect to pay for parking in one of the available garages or lots if you're not staying at a downtown hotel.

Horse drawn carriage- Downtown.

Despite several prior trips, I saw so many places I have yet to try on the Riverwalk and cannot wait to return.

On a side note, this was the first time I had been to San Antonio in March. The bright sunshine and cool breeze was wonderful. With daytime temperatures in the 70's and nighttime seeing the 50's it was a pleasant departure from the mid summer heat and humidity I usually encounter.

San Antonio has much to offer in the way of shopping, dining, and history. If you are ever in Central Texas it is well worth the time to give downtown San Antonio a try.

The thoughts and opinions presented here are mine. Pictures are also mine.

More thoughts and ramblings on twitter @MattBellWrites

Observations Of An Individual Investor.

After more than three decades of investing I have made a few observations along the way. Beginning with my earliest experience of purchasing stock as a teenager these observations have helped guide me as I sought to achieve financial independence.

Sometimes I had to learn the hard way. Other times I benefited by learning from the successes and mistakes of others.

I have noticed these observations apply not only to my investing thought process but have applications in other areas of my life.
To get started, you have to start! Today is better than tomorrow. Too many tomorrows turn into yesterdays with no action taken.

It’s never too late to start. Ten years from now will you regret not having started ten years ago?

A loss is not reason to quit just as a win is not reason to rest.

Keep a level head and try to stay on an even keel.

Consistency is key. Do something to move forward no matter how small of a move it may be.

Keep the long term goal in mind but enjoy the journey.

The crowd is not always right. Trust your judgment.

In investing, as in life, try not to complicate things. Simple often works best. And if it is working stick with it.

More thoughts and ramblings on twitter @MattBellWrites