Did you know that there was a large wave of German immigrants to Texas in the nineteenth century? In San Antonio, there is evidence all around of that presence--we're staying at the Menger Hotel, for example, established in 1859.
Yesterday, my husband and I drove 20 miles north to New Braunfels, on the advice of our new friend Lori, in search of more German influence. There we saw several houses built by German settlers, including this small stucco and stone cottage built by botanist/ soldier/newspaper editor Ferdinand Lindheimer (1801- 1879.) I sat on the ground in the lovely spring garden and sketched his tiny house. (As always, click on sketch for bigger image.)
Afterwards we had lunch at Oma's House, a restaurant run by descendants of the original settlers of New Braunfels. The menu there gives new meaning to the concept of fusion cuisine, with its German nachos (filled with sausage and cheese) and its German egg rolls (filled with sausage and cheese,) recipes devised by the owner's German-turned-Texan grandmother. Mustard takes the place of tomato-based or soy sauces.
(I don't know why the text is underlined and hotlinked. I've tried and tried to eliminate this but have been unsuccessful. I'm tired and I'll deal with this tomorrow.) Lots more San Antonio sketches to come!
Yes, it is a surprise to find all those Germans down there, isn't it? Lots of them. Had a delightful lunch at the Menger one time while down there to speak to a conference.
Posted by: Dr. Research | March 21, 2007 at 09:16 PM
First of all that title is a killer :) I love the house and the church is just awesomely beautiful!! You are having fun!
Posted by: teric | March 21, 2007 at 07:06 PM
I love graceful trees like that, Laura. For some reason they remind me of Japanese ladies in traditional costume. Beautiful, as is the Cathedral. I love the Plaza sign next door too! I think I'll pass on all that German sausage though (even though it is masterfully painted) and wait until you return to the place with the goat cheese salad LOL.
Posted by: Robyn | March 21, 2007 at 12:22 PM
The restaurant with its dry little garden speaks of the people who settled and built a life there, so far from their homes. German egg rolls? I would try a small bite, just to see. A really good cook can do wonders with the most unlikely things!
Posted by: Agnes | March 21, 2007 at 10:46 AM
i'm just adoring that blue blue sky and simple pencil together.
do you have the option to edit in html? i can help if you would like...though all that blue is kind of fun to mouse over...weee...
Posted by: jenny | March 21, 2007 at 09:45 AM
WHO"D have thought, cara??? So much German in Texas??!! GREAT GREAT SKETCHES and wonderful memories!!!! LOVE your foods too!!!!
Posted by: lin | March 21, 2007 at 08:47 AM