Texas Visit June 2017

July 09, 2017 by Salvador Velazquez in RGV, Texas

After 3 tours or roughly 6 years of living at high altitude and in eternal spring, we decided to spend 2 weeks in South Texas during the month of June to remember what heat and humidity feels like. Every day during our visit the high temperatures were at or above 100F and on one special day McAllen, Texas hit a record all time high of 111F. We found shelter from the heat by spending some days at the beach in South Padre Island, driving to Blue Hole in Wimberly, Texas, and visiting a friend's swimming pool. Cigars, scotch, and dominos were still played outside but we just had to wait till the cooler late afternoon. Annika of course loved Abu's cooking, Vince's special pancakes, and took kindly to a medium-rare tenderloin steak.

It was great to visit the family but thinking our next trip will not be during summer months -- basically April through September.

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Video with the Cubans below or click here to view.

Drone footage of South Padre Island below or click here to view.

Video of Blue Hole in Wimberly, Texas below or click here to view

Fall 2015 South Padre Island Visit

November 08, 2015 by Salvador Velazquez in RGV, Texas

Many thanks to Marco and Graciela for allowing us to stay at their place, La Isla, at South Padre Island. We got to enjoy the beach and spend time with the family even though the remnants of Patricia brought some heavy rain.

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Friday the 23rd
Saturday the 24th
Sunday the 25th

Chasing Seagulls

Such determination to get in the water

Not wanting to get out

Breakfast with the Tios

Bad Prima!

Annika meets Pinto

Blowing Ana Luisa Off

Lunch with the Tios

Annika with Alinita

Visiting the Rio Grande Valley

May 27, 2015 by Salvador Velazquez in Annika, Travels, RGV

It was getting pretty close to a year since Abuelo and Abuela have seen Annika. With Julia's blessing, Annika and I flew to McAllen to visit the folks for a couple of days. Vivian and Richard were kind enough to rent a place at South Padre Island so Annika could hopefully enjoy the beach. Unfortunately Annika did not approve of how sand felt on her feet. Regardless, a good time was had and after a couple of days with the Cubans, she warmed up to them with smiles.

We will be returning to the RGV in September to further expose Annika to screaming Cubans and to give her another try at the beach. Hoping for better results.

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South Padre Island Family Weekend

June 23, 2013 by sal in Family, Food, Photography, RGV

Julia and I spent a long weekend at South Padre Island with my family. The current at the beach was strong but the waves were fun for boogie boarding. The days many activities included a day trip to South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center where we saw a lovely Crocodile (or Aligator) feast on a raccoon, a Saturday with the Brownsville family, and a drive to the dunes to photograph the landscape and beautiful sunset. Links to our videos: Sal Boogie boarding Julia and Sal boogie boarding Cubanos en las olas Crocodile feasting on a raccoon

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