San Antonio, Texas - Proud USAF Mom - Part 1

   

     San Antonio is a major city in south-central Texas with a rich colonial heritage. My first visit was January, 2012 when my oldest son Jesse was graduating from USAF Basic Training at Lackland Air Force Base. My daughter Tiffany, my youngest son Dakota and I met my mom at the airport and we did a little sight-seeing the first day since we weren't able to see my son until the next day. We walked through HemisFair Park, built in 1968 in honor of the city's 250th anniversary. It's a large park with water gardens, a kid-designed wood and sand playground, and plenty of places to sit and picnic. The highlight is the 750-foot tall Tower of the Americas, offering a terrific view of the city.

     There is a lot to see all within walking distance from this location where we parked the car. Next stop was the River Walk. The Paseo Del Rio is San Antonio's favorite attraction located 20 feet below street level with stone pathways connecting shops, restaurants, hotels, and museums. You can enjoy the culture walking the pathways or while taking a River Walk Cruise, listening to the Mariachis serenading diners on the outdoor patios of the many delicious Tex-Mex restaurants. The blend of historic and modern architecture resonates the depth of this centuries-old metropolis (visitsanantonio.com).

     The next day I got to see my son on Lackland's Air Force Base for the Airman's Run and the Coin Ceremony which signifies the transformation of civilians into world-class warrior-Airmen who are ready to serve in the word's greatest Air Force. We spent the day with my son on the base eating at the BX (a mini-mall on base), bowling at Skylark Bowling Alley, and just enjoying his company after not seeing him for 7 weeks.

     

     The following day was graduation day. The Patriotism, the comradery of the "military family", and the pride a parent feels seeing their child become a respectable adult and be honored for it is just an unforgettable moment! The graduates are permitted to leave the base for the day and become tourists with their families for a few hours.

     

   

     Of course we had to visit The Alamo, one of the south's most iconic destinations, the turning point of the Texas Revolution and a Spanish Mission established nearly 300 years ago. There is a beautiful garden outside with Cactus trees and a fish pond with some very large fish swimming around.

Nearby is the Plaza Wax Museum and Ripley's Believe It Or Not which has some interesting exhibits, although some have probably changed since we were there. There are many shops and eateries all within walking distance of these attractions.

      If you're interested in finding a restaurant that serves vegan or gluten-free food, Viva Vegeria (1422 Nogalitos Street) is San Antonio's only 100% Vegan and Gluten-free restaurant serving and preserving Tex-Mex and Spanish culture with plant-based cuisine. You can also try Green Vegetarian Cuisine (10003 NW Military Hwy). They will substitute any cheese for non-dairy Daiya cheese and make any meal vegan off of their non-breakfast menus.

     Jesse was pretty excited about going to the River Walk and finally have a variety of food to chose from. We stopped at Cafe Ole and had some great Mexican food and Margaritas, and got serenaded by the Mariachi Band while we ate. I ordered vegetable fajitas with guacamole and salsa (hold the cheese and sour cream). After walking off our meals, browsing in and out of the shops, we stopped by the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park and walked around before taking him back to Lackland Air Force Base.

      In February, 2015 we were back to San Antonio to see my younger son Dakota graduate from USAF Basic Training. FYI...it does get very cold in this part of Texas in January and February, so check the forecast before packing your shorts and sandals. We wore gloves and hats in the morning and were still cold!

         
      On graduation day we found a place to eat called The Guenther House, home of C. H. Guenther who established Pioneer Flour Mills on the San Antonio River.

The house has been turned into a restaurant and museum with the Parlor dating back to 1860 reflecting the late Victorian influence of the period. "Ballroom Style" seating has been chosen for the restaurant, however, there is an outdoor area that we chose to be seated at, although it was still a bit cold outside, it was covered in a heated tent. I especially loved the gift shop which has all sorts of cook books, baking supplies, spices and things I'd love to have if I had my own Bed and Breakfast. I don't recall there being many vegan options, but I was able to get a spinach salad with avocado that was good.

     Back to the River Walk we went, and one of Dakota's first requests was for ice cream! We stumbled on Mr Ice Cream, right along the River Walk, and somehow, with all of those choices, he decided on a cup with two different flavors.

It was probably a good thing that they didn't have non-dairy ice cream at the time since I had already been doing a lot of eating and no working out. As if there wasn't enough shops, cafes, bars, restaurants, etc...we came across the Shops At Rivercenter, a mall on the River Walk that includes San Antonio's first Lord & Taylor, an IMAX theater, and is anchored by Macy's,  H & M and a 38-story Marriott Hotel. There's an outside area to sit and eat, drink, and listen to musicians perform while people-watching.

     

     

     The day before we were leaving was a beautiful, sunny day so we decided to visit the San Antonio Botanical Garden (555 Funston Pl.). There are indoor and outdoor gardens and displays, a conservatory, many different classes and programs for adults and children, and a gift shop where I bought a hat and some other souvenirs.

     Our last stop was at Rosario's for dinner (they have two locations) which had traditional Tex/Mex food, cocktails, and a friendly atmosphere. Being the only vegan in the whole group, I did not get to try any of the vegan restaurants, but I found that all of the restaurants we visited were very accommodating and would make something to my liking.

     There are so many things to see in the area to satisfy the whole family. If you're looking for an amusement park for the kids, there's Six Flags Fiesta Texas. For those more interested in Art and History there is La Villita Historic Arts Village (418 Villita St.), a square-block enclave of art galleries and shops, the Witte Museum (3801 Broad St), or the Buckhorn Saloon and Museum (318 E Houston St) all in San Antonio. One week from today I will see my daughter Tiffany graduating from USAF Basic Training as her brothers have done before her. I am so proud of her and cannot wait to see her! Since the first trip to Texas, my daughter is now vegetarian and my one son tries eating mostly a plant-based diet, so maybe we'll get to check out one of these other restaurants I just wrote about. To be continued...

Three Cold Days in London

   

     I've been thinking for the last few weeks about which travel destination I'd like to write my next blog about, so when photos popped up on my "Facebook Memories" from my trip 7 years ago this week, I took this as a sign from the universe to write about London, England. I went on this trip as a guest of someone who was hired by the New York Bakery Company to promote NYC style bagels in London. By the way, I just checked and the website says these bagels are suitable for vegans :)

      It was three very cold January days hopping in and out of a cab to different locations around London to photograph  and promote these bagels. I am grateful to have gone to a new destination (all expenses paid) and to have been taken to many famous tourist attractions. I was only in each location long enough to take some photos, hear a brief history of the place, and then move on to the next destination, but I will share what I can remember. Most of the meals were on the run and not memorable,  so I've done a little research for any of you "foodies" planning on going in the near future.
     When I read my journal from this trip, I had written that I was about 95% vegan at the time of this trip in 2011. I know the first year after reading the book Skinny Bitch (by Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin) was very difficult for me to find food that wasn't from an animal or animal by-products,  that had protein in it, and wasn't a lot of starchy calories. I believe I started my journey of veganism about a year before going to London. I was happy when the taxi driver who brought us from the airport to the hotel said that there were a lot of vegetarian options due to a high Indian population at that time in that area.
     One of the first destinations was to Trafalgar Square to admire the fountains and architecture. It is a public square in the city of Westminster, Central London, built around the area formerly known as Charing Cross. It is both a tourist attraction and site for political demonstrations. "Every December, Norway donates a Marvelous Christmas Tree to thank Britain for liberation from the Nazis" (tripsavvy.com).
    There are many places to eat nearby. Leicester Square Kitchen received 4.5 stars (tripadvisor.com) for their Mexican and Peruvian menu that also has vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free options. Some other places near by rated highly are Portrait Restaurant with a rooftop view of Westminster, MOD Pizza, The George On The Strand for a traditional pub, or Afternoon Tea at The Savoy for a classic London experience (all have vegetarian/vegan options).
     Next was Piccadilly Circus, a road junction and public space in London's West End in the city of Westminster built in 1819 to connect Regent Street with Piccadilly. The Circus (round open space at a street junction) is a busy meeting place and tourist attraction near shopping and entertainment and is particularly known for it's video display and neon signs mounted on the corner building on the northern side as well as the Shaftesbury memorial fountain and statue (Wikipedia).
   
     After crossing the Millennium Bridge (the London Millennium Footbridge), a steel suspension bridge for pedestrians to cross the River Thames, we stopped at Starbucks at South Bank for a well-needed caffeine boost. I was so glad to find a place to have coffee that actually served soy milk! Off to take photos with Big Ben and the London Eye which technically is not a Ferris wheel, but the worlds tallest cantilevered observation wheel. Apparently, on a clear day, you can see 40 kilometers in all directions (as far as Windsor Castle).

     I finally got a chance to stop and shop for souvenirs for my kids at Jubilee Market located in Jubilee Hall in Covent Garden, London. Saturdays and Sundays are devoted to arts and crafts with over 200 artisans. Mondays are for the antique lovers, and Tuesday through Friday the Market sells household goods, clothing, food and gifts. There are several places here to get vegetarian and vegan options such as Sagar, by Chloe, and Pho Vietnamese Restaurant.
     I was staying in Jury's Inn Hotel, although I don't remember the exact location. One night while out walking searching for food I saw a sign on the sidewalk that read "TAI Vegan Buffet". I don't know the last time I was so excited about food! I had been only eating very boring vegan food that I was able to find in a supermarket or cook for myself. This was the first time in a year that I was trying to be vegan that I actually went into a vegan restaurant. This was not just any restaurant...it was a vegan BUFFET!!! I couldn't believe that all of the options displayed that looked like a regular (non-vegan) buffet were made "cruelty-free" with NO animal products! I probably ate more during that one meal than I did the 3 days I was there, but I felt a sense of reassurance that I CAN DO THIS!!!
     I'm sure there are so many more monuments, tourist attractions, shopping centers, and eateries in London to visit...not to mention the theater district that I did not see much off, but this is what I can remember from my 3 cold days in London 7 years ago.

Witches, Goblins, and Halloween Treats in Salem, Massachusetts

     With Halloween right around the corner and decorations in stores and on homes, I was reminded of a trip I took with my kids years ago to Salem, Massachusetts.  Salem is on the north coast above Boston and famous for it's 1692 witch trials, during which several locals were executed for practicing witchcraft. There are several landmarks there to visit to make Halloween extra spooky! The Witch House, was the home of Judge Jonathan Corwin who investigated claims of diabolical activity when a surge of witchcraft accusations arose. This house is the only structure still standing with direct ties to the Salem Witch Trials of 1692 (photo from Wikipedia).

     1n 1692 14 men and 6 women were accused of being witches, were tried, convicted and executed. The Witch Trails Memorial consists of 20 granite benches inscribed with the names of the accused and the means and date of execution.

It is located in an area surrounding the old burying point (photo from www.salemweb.com).  If you want to get that creepy, Halloween feeling then you should visit the Salem Witch Museum.  I can't tell you how cool the exhibits were on the inside because my younger son was only about 5 years old and was too freaked out to go anywhere past the gift shop!
     There are many historic sites, landmarks and museums to see in Salem and most are within walking distance. If you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle, then stroll down to the Derby Wharf Light Station which has aided navigation in Salem since it was first lit in 1871 (photo from www.nps.gov).

     After all of the walking around you are definitely going to need some food to refuel for more sightseeing! At the time of my visit 15 years ago, I wasn't vegan and don't remember where I stopped to eat, but I always search for healthy/vegan options now when I travel.  You can stop by Adea's Mediterranean Kitchen on Lafayette Street for a good fast food/take-out lunch. They are vegan-friendly, with Israeli, Kosher, and American choices. Looking for a slice of pizza? Try the Flying Saucer Pizza Company on Washington Street in Salem. It has a unique Alien/Sci-fi decor with vegetarian and vegan options as well.
     Salem Willows Arcade and Park is an oceanfront destination with plenty of games,  kiddie rides, tennis/basketball courts, and beaches with a view of the Salem Harbor and North Shore Coast. It was established in 1858 and named for it's abundance of majestic White Willow Trees planted in 1801 to form a shaded walk for the patients at a nearby smallpox hospital. Salem Willows has a history of Jazz since Duke Ellington played there as well as Count Basie and Louis Armstrong at the old Charleshurst Ballroom, now known as the Willows Casino Arcade. Although there is plenty of food available to purchase, you might want to pack your own food if you're following a plant-based diet or have any food restrictions and take advantage of the picnic area.
     It seems strange that I was unable to locate any of my own photos from this trip, but even if I found them, I'm sure the quality wouldn't be very good. I'll be sure to photograph and share some other cool places during my next trip to Salem. Feel free to comment if you have a favorite place there to explore!

My Birthday Getaway Part 1 - High Falls and Rosendale New York

   

     Two years ago I attended the NYC Vegetarian Festival in New York City for the first time. It was amazing to see so many tables set up selling vegan/vegetarian food, cosmetics, clothing, and other organic and cruelty-free products that do not test on animals in their production. Many of the vendors give free samples to help promote their business.
     One of the pamphlets I took was from the Woodstock Farm Sanctuary which was in the process of moving their location to a larger piece of property in High Falls, NY. They offer tours on weekends during the warmer months and are always looking for volunteers, which I knew I'd want to sign up for! You can go to their website for more information about visiting, volunteering and donating to help support their efforts at http://woodstocksanctuary.org/.

     I had been living a vegan lifestyle for about 8 years at that time because of the cruelty that goes on in the slaughter houses. My birthday is September 15, as well as my first son who had returned from being in Germany for 2 years with the US Air Force. I decided that for my birthday I wanted my kids and boyfriend (none who where vegan at that time) to come with me to visit this farm that had many different farm animals that had been rescued from some kind of cruel treatment and even those which survived what many animal rights activists call an "animal holocaust" (http://ethicalvegan.net/read/animal-holocaust).
     I was so excited for all of us to be going and really hoped it would make some sort of impact on my family and make them think twice before wanting to eat cows and pigs anymore. We brought fruit and vegetables to donate for the animals to snack on. Although we missed the tour, we walked around and heard some of the stories of how one little pig escaped a slaughterhouse and was brought in by a nearby resident that only owned horses. My heart broke when I saw a young cow wearing prosthetic boots on her front legs. I found out that she was born onto a concrete slab in a slaughterhouse, injured her legs, and didn't get proper medical treatment. Somehow she was rescued by someone who cared enough to give her a better life and brought her to Woodstock Farm Sanctuary. Now Fawn is living a happy life on a farm for the remaining of her years on earth.

     When we got to the goats' barn I saw one standing on 3 legs eating some hay. One of his front legs was sticking out to the side, clearly not the way it was supposed to be. Apparently his shoulder was broken from mistreatment wherever he previously was and it was never set properly, but instead just left to be in pain and eventually disfigured for the rest of his life.

When we visited Woodstock Farm we were told that at that point he was not in pain and functioning fine the way he was. There are so many animals with a sad story from the chickens with frostbitten toes from traveling in trucks in freezing temperatures, to the turkeys with their beaks cut so they wouldn't peck at each other while in too close of quarters, to Puddles the duck who was raised as a domestic house duck and then given away like one of the millions of cats in animal shelters around the world.
     I'm pretty sure my family enjoyed the visit and looked at farm animals a little bit differently since then. My older son has been mostly vegan for a couple of years, my daughter has been vegetarian for several years, and my other other is not quite there but only has vegan/vegetarian options when he is home.

I feel that for every bit of effort each person makes to eat less animal products, that's more animals living a happier life. It's all about supply and demand.

       After walking around the property and visiting all of the different types of animals, we asked the volunteers for suggestions of places we could go to eat that I could get a vegan meal. We took their suggestion and went to The Rosendale Cafe on Main Street in Rosendale, NY. Although it was a Saturday afternoon and their was nothing going on at the time, I could tell by looking at the place that it had a lot to offer besides good food with vegan/vegetarian options. I ordered an eggplant sandwich with basil pesto, roasted red peppers, lettuce, tomato and onion with nondairy cheese on a baguette...so yummy!

     Tuesday nights is Singer-Songwriter night from 8-10 pm with performers playing 15-minute sets. Thursdays are Salsa nights with lessons 7:30-8:30 for $10 and dancing until 10 pm. This Sunday, Sept. 24th will be free Celtic music at 4:30 with Sarah Underhill and Ian Worpole starting their 12th season of Sunday afternoon Celtic song & tune. You can check out www.rosedalecafe.com for more a full menu an upcoming events.

     

    I'm so excited that the New Jersey Vegfest will be in my home town of Secaucus, NJ at the Meadowlands Convention Center October 7th & 8th from 10 am to 5:30 pm (njvegfest.com) with several very interesting speakers -Saturday, October 7 Keynote Speakers: T. Colin Campbell & Gene Baur and October 8 Keynote Speaker Dr. Joel Furhman.

I've met Gene Baur, co-founder and president of Farm Sanctuary, when I volunteered at the NYC Walk For Farm Animals a few years ago in Central Park, NY.  Gene was one of the pioneers in undercover investigations and was instrumental in passing the first US laws banning inhumane factory farming practices. I found his book Farm Sanctuary to be very heartfelt and inspiring.

     Since visiting the farm on my birthday two years ago, my daughter and I have gone several times to volunteer, including last weekend for my birthday again. We stay over night and make a mini vacation out of it, which I'll be writing about in Part 2 of my "My Birthday Getaway" blog...

Be The Person You Were Born To Be!

     There's something about having a birthday that makes many people stop and reflect on how their life has been so far and what else they'd like to do while they still can. Some people look at their birthday as "another year older" as if it's a bad thing, regardless of how "old" he or she is. When I'm turning 97 I might feel the same way, but hopefully I'll feel I'm "another year wiser"and since I'm only at the halfway mark in my life I'd like to think of my birthday as a blessing!

      My first child was born on my 23rd birthday (September 15th), so I will always have a reason to be happy about my birthday. Jesse joined the United States Air Force when he was 22 and ironically, for the first time in his life, we did not celebrate our birthdays together when he turned 23. I saw that the Bill Botino Mud Run for cancer was being held on our birthday so I thought it would be a great way to celebrate my birthday for the first time without him. The photo of the two of us was taken the following year when I flew to Germany to celebrate our birthday together a little early.

     Each year I seem determined to do something that makes me look and feel better than I did the year before, but that's probably just my highly self-critical Virgo nature. Last year I decided to perform in my first Belly Dance Show with Amira Mor and her dancers. It was stressful, challenging and fun all at the same time! These are just few of the amazing women I've met at her classes.

Of course I had to make sure that I looked better turning 50 than I did the year prior. All of my Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and every other social media photos were hash tagged #50andFABULOUS!
     With my birthday approaching in one day, I realize I spent the majority of this past year putting time into the aesthetics of my home rather than obsessing (as much) over my body which is a good thing! I've also spent more time working on new vegan recipes, occasionally volunteering at the Woodstock Farm Sanctuary in New Hope, NY, and also collecting items to bring to the farm and local animal shelters. These are things that make me happy!

     Although I've participated in a few fun events for charity and did several local day trips, I realize that my traveling has been minimal the past couple of years mainly because my dog Willie is older and gets anxiety when I'm not around for more than a day. I do plan on taking a small road trip with him while I still can but he doesn't get along with other dogs so I have to find a place that allows pets but doesn't have dogs running around off their leashes. If anyone has any suggestions not too far from NJ, I'd greatly appreciate it!

I've always had more of a greater appreciation for having new exciting or stimulating experiences than I have for obtaining material possessions. Some day I will be able to travel again, but I'll also be devastated because I won't have my fur baby, so for now I'm enjoying the moments I have here and making my bucket list for the future.
     I became vegan about 9 years ago, shortly after reading the book "Skinny Bitch" which opened my eyes to the horrendous treatment towards the animals in slaughter houses. It was much harder then to travel and go out to eat and get anything besides a salad or french fries. Social media has enabled vegans, vegetarians, and health-conscious people to connect and share their experiences and opinions about restaurants and establishments that provide what they are looking for.

   

 I've started my new "FoxyFIT360Lifestylechange" blog with the intentions of sharing my experiences about places I've traveled to, restaurants that offered vegan/vegetarian options, and the uniqueness of those places...and photos, of course!

I'm hoping my readers will comment and give suggestions for anyone planning on visiting the same places. I often post photos of food I've made on my "Cindy Fox Fitness"social media and sometimes have followers asking me for the recipe, so some of my posts will be strictly about yummy, healthy food.

I hope you enjoy my blog, subscribe to it, and share it with your foodie friends, animal lovers, and adventure-seeking traveling companions! You can also go to www.cindyfoxfitness.com for contact info and my other social media links.