January 16, 2026
January 11, 2026
San Antonio Texas - October 2010
Back in October of 2010 by wife and I took a trip to San Antonio Texas. We had not taken a trip since our honeymoon to Hawaii in February of 2008, and we decided to go to San Antonio since we really didn't have much money (we were still trying to pay off the wedding reception and such) and I had done some research and came up with the idea of exploring San Antonio's "mission trail" since it looked fun and ..... entrance to all the missions was free!
Keep in mind this was before the days of apps, iPhones, and Google maps. So I had a map of all the missions with some information printed out on paper. Yes, paper! Oh, it was the good old days for sure.
Here are some photos and some brief information that I have had saved on another site for quite some time, well, since 2010 anyway.
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The first night in San Antonio, after getting settled into the hotel, we made our way down to the Alamo. Since it was later at night there was hardly anyone there and it was peaceful and reflective.
The Alamo
First morning after breakfast we headed straight to the Alamo.
More than a couple of people told us not to get our hopes up with the Alamo, that we would be disappointed because it is not as big as everyone thinks. However, my wife and I were both blown away with the Alamo. It was much more interesting, enjoyable, and moving than we were expecting. We spent close to two hours just walking around and taking it all in. The Alamo alone made the whole trip worthwhile.
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After visiting the Alamo we were ready for some lunch so we headed to the Riverwalk. I wasn't as impressed with the Riverwalk as others, maybe the fact that I almost fell into the river had something to do with that.
Mission Concepcion
After lunch we headed out to explore the Mission Trail. Mission Concepcion was the first mission outside of the city. The information I had printed out said it is the oldest un-renovated mission in the United States. It was pretty impressive on the inside however due to some maintanence going on on the outside we couldn't get a very good picture of the face of the church. Oh well, we pressed on.
Mission San Jose
According to my information Mission San Jose is known as the "Queen of the Missions" and I would have to agree. This one was very well taken care of and the grounds and area around the church were huge. On the inside of the mission walls were all of these little rooms with small doors and windows were the native Americans would live while the missionaries taught them skills and such. This one was pretty impressive.
Mission San Juan
Next on the road was Mission San Juan, however the poor thing was in need of some tender loving care. It was the only Mission that seemed to be a little neglected. The grounds around the mission could have used some upkeep and maybe some flowers, and the facade of the mission seemed to be leaning in one direction almost like it wanted to fall over.. We took a couple of pictures and headed on down the road.
Mission Espada
The last mission on the trail was Mission Espada, it was small but well taken care of and had some very colorful flowers planted about. The information I had printed out said to be sure to notice the unique and decorative archway around the door, indeed.
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After visiting Mission Espada we were completely worn out. Even though the temperatures were comfortable October temps, the sun had taken its toll on us and we couldn't do much more.
We were hungry and thankfully we found the Mi Tierra cafe and bakery. Absolutely great Mexican food. And maybe next time we can visit the The Mariachi Bar right next to the Mi Tierra Cafe.
January 4, 2026
Un toro de Palha en la plaza de Madrid
Madrid, antigua plaza de toros de la carretera de Aragón. Año 1903:
El diestro Algabeño ante 'Bicalvo', un espectacular Palha que, con más voluntad que poder, tomó 8 varas por 2 caÃdas y 1 caballo para el arrastre.
I will stand in this exact spot one day
(from the Real Maestranza de Ronda Facebook page)
Desde la Real Maestranza de CaballerÃa de Ronda os invitamos a llenar vuestro dÃa de #Arte e #Historia conociendo las instalaciones y programa cultural de la institución.
Descubre el Picadero, admira la Real GuarnicionerÃa del Duque de Montpensier; conoce la historia de la institución en la sala Real Maestranza de Ronda, recorre la colección de tauromaquia y disfruta de los diferentes espacios de la plaza.
Te esperamos de lunes a domingo de 10:00 a 18:00 h
January 3, 2026
Morante's 2025 faena in Salamanca - (link to article and video on Mundotoro)
La faena antológica de Morante en Salamanca
La sección ‘El 2025, por sus protagonistas’ acaba con el nombre de este año: Morante de la Puebla. En un sinfÃn de faenas que quedarán grabadas para la historia, Mundotoro quiere recuperar la que el sevillano cuajó en la plaza de toros de Salamanca.
Una obra inconmensurable que fue premiada con las dos orejas y el rabo. Un año histórico en el que Morante de la Puebla ha llevado el rumbo del toreo hasta que aquel 12 de octubre y después de conseguir su segunda Puerta Grande de Madrid decidiera quitarse la coleta.
"Invocation" - artwork by Gladys Roland-de-Moras
(from rolandemoras.com)
Born and raised in Monterrey, Mexico, Gladys Roldan-de-Moras is known for her paintings which spotlight Spanish culture, including courageous, gallant Mexican escaramuzas daringly riding horses sidesaddle in a rodeo-style festival, romantic Flamenco señoritas clad in exuberant Andalusian dresses, and old-fashioned, delicate damsels in intimate, exquisite poses. After living in San Antonio for over 30 years, she finds great inspiration in representing her love of Spanish culture. “I try to paint the beauty around me,” saysGladys of her work, “I am inspired by turn-of-the-century Spanish painters.”
Her talent has landed her work in many private and public permanent collections, at the national and international levels. Gladys’ striking, romantic art has been cited in several publications such as Southwest Art Magazine, American Western Art Collector, Western Art and Architecture, Architectural Digest European Edition, San Antonio Express-News, Western American Literature, Art Business News, El Dictamen de Veracruz, and La Voz Latina, to name a few.
The product of a long line of artists and artisans Gladys was born in Monterrey, Mexico. She began enjoying Art at a very young age and took a circuitous route to become a fine artist. After attending Medical School she left her promising medical career to become the fine artist we know today. In 1984 she moved to Austin where she received her degree from the University of Texas.
Her paintings have been acquired by National and International private collectors, The Briscoe Western Art Museum, The University of Texas in San Antonio (UTSA), United States Air Force (USAF), Desert Caballeros Western Museum, San Antonio Art League Museum Permanent Collection, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM), Hospitals, Law Firms, On-Board Software Co. etc. Her artwork has been featured in TV programs such as "Lo Mejor de lo Nuestro (Univision)and published in Architectural Digest International Edition. She has been cited in publications such as the Southwest Art Magazine, American Western Art Collector, Western Art and Architecture, Cowboy and Indians, San Antonio Express News, Western American Literature, San Antonio Woman, Dallas Morning News,Prime Time, Tritonian, Art Business News, El Dictamen de Veracruz, and La Voz Latina.
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