Dr. Dodge: Passion for Health

I think I’m falling in love. We arrived in San Antonio just three weeks ago, and already I have symptoms of falling in love with the place. My wife, Carol, has loved San Antonio for a long time, which is why we moved here. However, this is a new place for me, and discovering San Antonio is proving to be a wonderful experience. 

Last Sunday afternoon we went to see the San Antonio Botanical Garden. We wandered through its gardens and along its trails for nearly two and a half hours. What a delightful place it proved to be. The first garden we encountered was named the Sensory Garden. Dedicated to the blind, it features scented plants and statuary that appeal as much to the senses of smell and touch as the eyes. Helen Keller would have loved it, and we did too. 

Next up was the Kumamoto Japanese Garden, donated by San Antonio’s sister city in Japan. Featuring ponds, gently moving streams, and typical Japanese greenery, it is a place of absolute serenity. We could have easily stayed there the entire afternoon. 

There were many other gardens to explore, with themes ranging from tropical to desert. Each had its own delights on exhibit. One of the most striking specimens was the Hong Kong Orchid tree, its thirty-foot canopy completely covered with gorgeous pink blooms. On a more prosaic level, but equally wonderful, was the Children’s Vegetable Garden, planted and cared for by elementary and middle school children. 

Worthy of special mention is the Texas Native Trail, featuring three distinct regions of this vast state: The Hill Country, The East Texas Pineywoods, and the South Texas dry land trees, shrubs, and wild flowers. Meandering along these trails in the thirty-three acre botanical garden, it was easy to forget we were in one of America’s largest cities. 

After leaving the Botanical Garden, we dived back into the city and enjoyed dinner at one of San Antonio’s many fine restaurants. My entrée was pasta primavera, and the zesty colorful vegetables bountifully covering the dish made it a delight. 

Speaking of food, another of our marvelous discoveries is the Whole Foods Market. The wide range of wholesome organic foods offered there at reasonable prices is amazing. For the health oriented food consumer, browsing through this market is heavenly. We have already made it a habit to pick up fresh produce there several times a week. 

There is much more of San Antonio to discover than I can mention in this brief article, but a final point worth making is the gentle joy of discovering San Antonio on foot. I have not strolled along the famous River Walk yet, but I enjoy taking a two-mile walk early every morning. Going in a different direction each day helps me become better acquainted with the city as I make small discoveries along each route. The novelty may wear off after a while, but the joy of walking the city will remain constant. 

I look forward to learning more about San Antonio, its people, and its colorful history. Meantime, thank you, San Antonio, for a warm and gracious welcome.