Two days with Ray …
Photos with Sonia, Daniel (her husband), Ray, Keith, and me
Exploring Texas was the best choice I made, the decision I had been waiting for months to make for the right moment. During the COVID era, I met this gentleman who is a Local Guide Level 10 and alumni Google Local Guide Summit 2017 in the unofficial Local Guides World FB group. We chit-chat back and forth, then stopped for a while due to our own personal business. The last 2 years, we reconnected again. The idea of giving him a visit sounds so intriguing, never been to Texas; it’s a 22-hour drive nonstop. Finally, in a 3-day weekend, we decided to pack and go to meet our friend. The ride was nice.
With short notice, I contacted Connect Moderator, @SoniaK to give her a visit on our way to San Antonio, who resides outside Dallas. A two-day visit request was very tight for our busy friend, but we managed to steal a bit of her time, attending 2 meetup with her at her beautiful house, her preparation meetup for “Who’s Your Connect Moderator”, and “USMeetup2026”.
Our arrival was welcomed by the pouring rain and thunder; this did not happen very often in my State. I personally enjoyed watching the rainfall from her house windows while @keithlabeau and Sonia’s husband, Daniel, got involved in a nice chat. Our visit concluded with a yummy lunch at the Amigos Aca y Alla [https://amigosacayalla.com].
The food is very yummy, tastes different from where I am. More authentic? Thank you, Sonia and Daniel, for your hospitality, for sharing your time with us, and for taking us to the nicest restaurant. We truly appreciate it! Our trip continued after lunch. With us saying our goodbye, followed by hugs and well wishes.
The food ordered at Amigos Aca y Alla
See my review https://maps.app.goo.gl/DhfnCSTBNNR6QsWq7?g_st=ig
The drive continued for another 4 hours and finally arrived around 7 pm at Ray’s apartment. It is located not too far from everything. I remembered I asked Keith how in the heck our friend has an upper-level apartment? The answer will be at the end of this post 
The exploring starts the next day, where he took us to have brunch at Mama’s Cafe [https://www.mamascafesa.com].
The food ordered at Mama’s Cafe
See my Review here https://maps.app.goo.gl/mSpq2rn8yYzEkHRq6?g_st=ig
Thank you, Ray, for introducing us to this always-packed restaurant. We have the privilege to get a seat right away because our friend is a loyal customer and everyone knows him. Once again, the food tastes different from my original place, more authentic?
After brunch, we went to the local Mosque, Masjid Al Ikhlas, which was locked because the prayer time was not due yet.
Ray took us to see the next Mosque, the MCECC & Al Madinah [https://www.mcecc.com], which was quite far but a very big one. With kind permission, we entered the mosque. Sadly, there was a funeral procession at that moment.
In front of the mosque
Review https://maps.app.goo.gl/5fWQobDwJgLVavQ37?g_st=ig
In supporting the Special Ramadan Feature, I posted a story about this Mosque. If you have a chance, please check. Link to my post:
https://www.localguidesconnect.com/t/mcecc-al-madinah-mosque-inspiringramadan26mosque/508033
The exploration continued on the second day, to the la Madeleine, a French Bakery and Cafe, for brunch [https://lamadeleine.com]. This place is so elegant with a high-end look but budget-friendly prices. We are fortunate to meet some of his best friends, Leon and Tony.
la Madeleine French Bakery & Cafe
Review: https://maps.app.goo.gl/MjVVMcVAshVxMjv58?g_st=ig
The best way to enjoy the river walk in San Antonio is by a boat tour, Go Rio San Antonio River Cruises - Boat Rides San Antonio River Walks [www.goriocruises.com]. The tour will take you to downtown servicing from 10 am to 10 pm, boat departs about every 15 minutes, easy to hop on and off if you decide to explore a specific area or restaurant. I feel this tour is a must for a visitor!
The sensation I feel is like having part of the French Quarter in Louisiana on the river. I do not think Ray had any clue how much I appreciate this trip, especially for growing up in a house built on the river; this means a lot to me.
Review: https://maps.app.goo.gl/58hXBytxdbZvQvd97?g_st=ig
While waiting for the boat tour schedule, we spent sometimes to enjoy the coffee at Bakery Lorraine [https://bakerylorraine.com]
Before ending the day, we concluded the trip by having dinner at Josephine Street [https://josephinestreet.com].
My review: https://maps.app.goo.gl/SJHZnCWUicv2tBi5A?g_st=ig
A 2-day visit to meet 2 Local Guides. How the Connect community transforms into a big family. Thank you, Google, for facilitating this friendship!
On our way home, we stop at the Clear Creek Welcome Center in Indiana. The new place with a new design astonishes me. Here is the post I made special for this, and it will also be a study guide for GeminiChallenge in May, presented by @Denise_Barlock and @jayasimha78:
Speaking of Ray having an apartment on the second level, as mentioned earlier in this post, on the day he has to take the garbage out, Keith offers him help, but he said NO, “you will see how I take my garbage down the stairs,” said Ray. He put garbage at the edge of the stairs and kick them down to the ground (with heavy duty trash bag and a tight tie, the garbage rolled nicely and smoothly). The garbage landed peacefully at the bottom of the stairs on the ground. Ray said to Keith, “Here you go”!
We concluded our in-person meetup exploring Texas, 2 days with RAY. Two days is not enough, but we are happy to meet our lovely friend @SoniaK and Meredith Ray Lewis. You both are wonderful friends. THANK YOU so much. Till next time!!!
Thank you for reading my post!
Love&Peace
