Shifting Lenses

*Warning* This is a very biased post.  I move a lot, but San Antonio is my home city.  My summers and holidays are spent here and I know this city perhaps better than any place on earth.  As a young kid, it was a dream.  Theme parks, water parks, museums, the zoo, caverns, the best tacos, and the 5X NBA Champion San Antonio Spurs.  As I have gotten older, I have realized the cities charms go well beyond those classic fun elements.

San Antonio has a rich history, beginning in 1718 as a Spanish mission and colonial outpost. By 1731, it had become into the first chartered civil settlement in Texas. Also known as “Military City, USA,” it proudly hosts a significant defense presence. Yet, perhaps its most defining characteristic is its vibrant cultural identity, with 64% of residents identifying as Hispanic. In a testament to its rich culinary landscape, San Antonio was recognized as a Creative City of Gastronomy by UNESCO in 2017, a nod to its Mexican, Tejano, and German influences.

This blend of cultures creates an atmosphere that makes one feel transported far beyond the typical American city. On any given weekend, you could hear a mariachi band, Texas country, or even polka. This open and proud display of diverse ancestries—be it Mexican or German—sets San Antonio apart. Unlike many “concrete jungles” across the United States, San Antonio maintains a distinct pride in its heritage and diversity that is constantly on display. San Antonio is a cultural gem.