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Having visited both and lived in one, I was speaking more to your "nothing interesting" remark about San Antonio. It's definitely got its own thing going on, its own culture. It's not like there's nothing unique there, which is what I garnered from your post, quite the contrary.
I wasn't really trying to say there is nothing unique about SA or it doesn't have it's own thing going on, it just doesn't seem nearly on same level as a city like New Orleans when it comes to culture, food, music, people, atmosphere, and celebrations. I doubt many people have been to or heard of Fiesta outside of TX compared to how well know Mardi Gras is. I'm sure SA is a nice city and fine overall but NOLA just seems more interesting, fun, and unique to visit.
And I wouldn't say New Orleans is French, the way Montreal or Quebec are. I've heard it said that New Orleans is like a good old southern girl with a fancy French dress on who has had way too much rum to drink.
NOLA was only established by France. The French Quarter burned and was rebuilt in the Spanish colonial style. Beyond that, it was mostly developed by Americans (except for a couple Fauborgs). To make an international comparison, New Orleans is a Caribbean city. Whatever you consider NOLA to be, it wins with almost no contest against San Antonio.
Will pre-Katrina New Orleans stats as far as visitors, San Antonio is far more visited. New Orleans at it's strongest attracted 8-10 million vs San Antonio's 25-27 million. I would say they are comprable history wise, landmark wise. The oldest cathederal in the U.S. I believe is in San Antonio(San Fernando) as well as the second oldest municipal city park (San Pedro Springs Park)after the Boston Common. The "no contest" you mention seems more of a opinion than fact.
New Orleans is more of the wild anything goes city. It beats San Antonio hands down in that dept, and most other major cities. Texas has too many rules! San Antonio does have a wild side but more subdued.
San Antonio has more attractions overall, theme Parks, family inspired attractions. It seems San Antonio beats it out in yearly visitors. Fiesta San Antonio is larger than N.O Mardi Gras. Fiesta San Antonio attracts 3.5 million in on week vs N.O. Mardi Gras nearly 1 million. I guess all the exposed boobs makes it more talked about festival, but still attracts less visitors, it's not for all. San Antonio is more culturally diverse I would say since it is a major military hub.
sorry. St. Louis Cathedral is older than San Fernando. I feel like New Orleans in more unique. They created Jazz music and have dishes such as gumbo, red beans and rice, jambalya, and more. No offense, but I feel like the Spanish influences seen in San Antonie is not unique and can be seen anywhere from Southern Texas to Southern California.
I chose SA because NO is unique in some areas, yes, but the rest of the city is downright scary. SA has similar weather, but I prefer it more. I like the Spanish influences (same for Santa Fe) in the city. New Orleans, while neat, was just kinda weird.
Last time I checked San Antonio had something like the largest Mexican American population of any large American City, and while the murder rate might not be as high, I think the general population of San Antonio gives off a more uncertain vibe than that of New Orleans. In New Orleans, you know exactly the type of characters to avoid, but if I'm in San Antonio, I feel like any random person could pull a knife on me and steal my wallet or something.
San Antonio was founded by Spain. I would say it has major Spanish influence as well as German. They are several german settled suburbs. Such as Castroville, New Braunfels, Boerne, Seguin and regional cities like Fredericksburg and Kerrville. San Antonio or Saint Anthony does not just have a latin flavor.
Last edited by SweethomeSanAntonio; 06-23-2008 at 03:46 AM..
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